Into the Mist

The view from my dining room table, a picnic bench next to my tent.

Lunch spot where I enjoyed peace before the storm.

Heading out on my trusty Burly bike.

My good friend Jess and I before saying good bye at the ferry gates.

Sleeping among the mossed covered trees.

Tuesday, August 1st

Into the mist. . . and the rain. . . and the hills. . . and the detours and the road closures.

I left Seattle this afternoon via the ferry to Bremerton, WA. It was a peaceful, contemplative float across Puget Sound. I arrived in Bremerton hungry and anxious. Enjoyed a wonderful warmed sandwich and chia tea before securing all of my gear and mounting the bike. I wasn't 3 miles into the ride before I missed a turn and found myself walking up the first of what I assume will be many exceedingly steep hills. It has been a long time since I have walked up a hill with my bike. However, the degree of slope, the wet road and taking into account that I am still getting used to balancing 30 lbs of gear, left me no choice but to dismount and swallow some pride.

My luck wasn't to improve for several miles. I ran into closed roads and several detours that led me way off course. I ended up having to back track twice and asking for directions three times. This confusion and missteps cost me one hour of time and added 6 miles to the odometer. I was beginning to think I wouldn't make my first camp before nightfall.

Once I was righted onto the correct road, the clouds turned dark and the rain began to fall. At this same time, the roads leveled off and my speed dramatically increased. Faith was restored!

The final 8 miles of the day had me following Hood Canal to Twanoh State Park. I nestled my tent among the moss covered trees, took a very hot shower and ate dinner over looking the canal and a small mountain range as the sun shown down on me.

This first day of riding has taught me to be humble and patient. Two characteristics not high on my personality profile. I have a feeling that the road and terrain will continue to educate me in ways I am unaccustomed to.