July 3, 2016 Raymond --> Elma, WA - 38.7 miles

Took my time getting up and reading/studying. Looked at the maps, and the immediate plan is to proceed north, mostly likely go to Vancouver Island and Victoria, and assess from there. All this subject to change moment by moment, of course. I am looking at this more and more as a growth opportunity. Time alone to be quiet and listen for discernment regarding my next life phase.

I decided to ride 38 miles to Elma, although I need to find a place to take a real rest day. Preferably somewhere interesting. Raymond had a bit of a "ghost town" feeling. My legs are a little tired after a week of what has been some of the most beautiful and most challenging rides. I went online and found a small, locally owned, reasonably priced motel in Elma called the Parkhurst Lodge, and called the owner to make a reservation. The reviews, although few in number, were okay. 

As I left Raymond, I again noticed these somewhat odd cutout copper-looking statues and signs all over the place. Maybe some local artist creations? There were people statues, animal statues, etc. it struck me as rather odd that there were copper deer, elk, moose lurking in the high grass beside the road. What about the real thing? 

A beautiful day for riding - temps in the 60's. The road reminded me of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills back home where I grew up. Rolling hills consisting of short steep inclines followed by fun downhills. Not exactly mountains, but really more than hills. Lush, green forests filled with pine trees, and those colorful wild flowers lining the road. 

Approximately 10 miles from Elma, the road flattened out and I took this scenic country road alongside farms. More beautiful wild flowers and animals grazing in the distance. Also saw what looked like nuclear reactor-type structures in the distance. I will have to remember to ask what those are.

I reached Elma around 2:00 pm, and headed for the Parkhurst Lodge.  Pulled up to this dilapidated looking small house with an "OPEN" sign on the window. The gray siding looked years-old worn, and not in an appealing rustic way. Alongside the door, there were three ringers located vertically. The instructions were to ring each of the 3 bells in succession, and if no one answered after any one bell, then call the phone number listed. That's what I did and the owner answered from some remote place and said someone would be there in a moment. Around the corner shuffled this guy who was an emaciated looking Billy Brown clone (the dad in Alaskan Bush People) clad in dirty pajama bottoms and a dingy T-shirt. Told me to wait before entering his room to register while he quieted a medium sized loudly barking mean dog inside.  Rather than register, I asked to see the room I had reserved. It was Ok, but I was really creeped out at that point and told him I was looking elsewhere. Ended up at a nice hotel down the road. I called the owner of the dump and told him that the man with the key and his dog gave me the creeps and I did not feel safe. The owner was actually very nice and said he understood. They were undergoing renovations and he hoped I would not judge. Then he agreed not to charge me anything and assured me that he would take the hold fee off. We'll see.

The hotel I found was of the "normal" variety, and very comfortable. And they gave me a cyclist's rate. I soaked in the tub for a long while, then walked across the street to the Rusty Tractor for dinner, which was okay. However, the apple pie a la mode was outstanding. Returned to the hotel and settled in for the evening. Heard from Randy who is now in Portland, and doing okay.