July 5, 2016 Rest Day in Shelton, WA

Decided to take a full rest day in Shelton since I was staying at a place I liked which was conveniently located to stores, restaurants, etc. Also, right next to Hwy 101, which is the next leg of the journey. My legs needed a good rest as well.

I was eating breakfast when a couple approximately my age walked in wearing bicycling clothes. I perked up and starting asking questions. They were from Switzerland and in the middle of a 10,000 mile ride that started from Quebec City in April. Turns out they hit the cold, rainy and even snowy weather that besieged the northeast in the spring. Not the best start. However, they persisted across the US and today they were headed north on Hwy 101 towards Port Townsend on their way to Vancouver.  Then, they will head east towards Banff, and eventually end at Quebec City where they started. We noted that most of the riders we have seen are going in the opposite direction from us. I almost jumped up and grabbed my bike to ride with them today, but had already made arrangements to stay. I watched a little wistfully as they rode away. Decided to take it as another sign that I am to continue on to Canada.

Turns out that I needed most of the day to research the route to Port Angeles (where I catch the ferry to Victoria) and book a room; research and book the ferry; find and book a room in Victoria for the weekend; arrange for cell service while in Canada; plan the bike route for the next 2 days; start planning for the rest of the stay on Vancouver Island,.... Then, I cleaned up my bike and made minor necessary adjustments. Got everything packed and ready to go for tomorrow. 

The plan is to ride 78 miles to Sequim, with options to stop earlier if I get tired. Getting to Sequim would leave a short ride to Port Angeles on Thursday, which would leave time to prep for the ferry ride to Victoria on Friday. Looks like the cloudy weather may hold tomorrow, but rain is likely on Thursday. All the more reason for a short ride on Thursday. 

Given all that I needed to do today, I am glad I didn't jump on my bike with the Swiss this morning. Maybe there are others out there to meet...

Didn't take any pictures today, so here is one of the last ones Randy took of me.

July 4, 2016 Elma --> Shelton, WA - 28 miles

Happy 4th of July!

Can't say I was in much of a holiday spirit as I started the day. Feeling a little blue and a lack of motivation. Started contemplating ditching the ride and heading for either Seattle or Portland to catch a flight home. Stayed in this emotional place for an hour or so, constantly reminding myself of the blog entry about how I would want to choose to respond to bad circumstances, and kicking myself because I wasn't doing such a good job. Then, several things happened to lift me out of the dumps and redirect my thoughts (outlook). At the end of the day, I felt re-energized and now have a revised plan of action. 

First, I started receiving emails, texts, and phone calls from family, friends and loved ones, all expressing their love, concern and prayers for me and Randy. Also, pointedly expressing support for my continuing the journey in whatever revised form it might take. I was reminded and became acutely aware that I am not alone - you are riding with me. I was especially touched by a gift from my step-sister Sandra. Remembering that sunflowers are my favorite, she texted a picture she colored from a coloring book she had given her Mom for Christmas. She said she was praying for me, and wished me a blessed day. One of the blessings to have come out of my Dad's recent passing was the time I got to spend getting to know Sandra better. Sandra has a gentle, kind and loving spirit, and walks the walk.

Another turning point was the ride itself today. For 3 hours, I enjoyed beautiful weather on a two lane country road bordered by more of those gorgeous wildflowers. The road was relatively flat the entire ride until I entered Shelton. More like limited rolling hills that engendered a free-spirited sort of feeling. I noted to myself that this was why I love biking.

I checked in to the Super 8 in Shelton, and was delighted with my room. Very spacious, clean and comfortable. One of the most reasonably priced motels to date. And the picture over the bed was an extra added bonus. I took it as a sign and decided that I would stay here tomorrow and take that full rest day to give my body a break and spend some serious time with the maps planning the next phase. 

As I was deep in the throes of mapping the next phase - to Port Townsend, ferry to Victoria and touring Vancouver Island - I received a call from my friend Dawne in Denver, who identified herself as "Maple Leaf Travel Agency". (Dawne is Canadien - originally from Calgary). She had read about the most recent twist and was calling to encourage me to continue on to Canada, where she would connect me with her sister Pam who lives just outside Vancouver. To make a long story short, I spoke with Pam, who was very helpful with my planning efforts. The plan is to ferry over to Vancouver after spending a few days in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, and hook up with Pam and Karen. As Dawne noted, "God sometimes works in mysterious ways." Seems to do that regularly on these bike tours.

The upshot of all this is that I ended up feeling special and having a wonderful day - thanks to all of you. Ended the day with a phone call to Randy to update him on my new plans and see how he was doing in Portland. He has been preparing his bike to ship home and waits on his flight. It was good to hear his voice.

Looking forward to what adventures the next few days bring...