Stage One and Random observations ...

(1).

We completed Stage One of our Norseman's Passage. We started in Cape Flattery, Washington and rode to Lake Crescent Lodge in Port Angelos, Washington. The weather was, I imagine, typical Pacific Northwest weather: raining, cold and blustery. All of which I welcomed; I was happy to have a bad weather day right off so at least I won't have to wonder how I will endure. Now I know ... and I did just fine!

Throughout the day, I worked on living in the moment. I tried to ignore miles ridden or waiting to be ridden. I focused on looking at the beauty surrounding me, and believe me, the Pacific Northwest Peninsula is stunningly beautiful, and enjoying what was happening in the present. Today was one of my best cycling days. The day ended taking the looong way around Lake Crescent to the Lodge. This necessitated traversing paths barely fit for hikers much less road bikers. It was SO nuts and a blast! The fastest way to the Lodge meant continuing forward regardless of unfriendly terrain.

PS: After the ride, I was happy to look at "miles and mountains". I set personal bests in miles bicycled (84) and feet climbed (4,400). And physically I felt good at the end of the ride.

(2). Wifi access is scant to absent so far for most of our trip in the portions of the Pacific Northwest Peninsula we have visited so far. It makes me realize how much I take internet access for granted. I expect to be able to connect with friends and family almost whenever I want. If I wanted a poignant example of the problem facing many Americans without internet access, this is it.

(3).

Friday night we had dinner at The Hungry Bear Cafe in Beaver, Washington, which is just outside Forks, Washington. Great local place to eat. Good food. Huge portions. Friendly service.

Dollar bills embellished with notes and drawings from previous customers covered many of the walls like wallpaper. I love finding these unique places with their unusual traditions. Of course, we left a dollar bill memorializing The Norseman's Passage.