Port Angeles to Bogachiel State Park

An earlier start was on the agenda today where Evan shocked us all by getting up to observe the sunrise then had his bags all packed (after he went back to sleep). We returned to our bikes and gear and packed up saying goodbye and many thanks to our hosts and to Nancy for chauffeuring us around.

Blake and I mailed a few garments back to Idaho and then we all loaded up on food an hit the road. It was sunny and clear all day, staying in the mid 70s which is surprising for a place that gets 12 feet of rain a year! 10 miles was spent winding around Lake Crescent, a gorgeous and clear lake that is somehow affiliated with the park. That part didn't have much of a shoulder but wasn't too bad. 

There was much talk by some others of quite the hill at the end of the lake but it wasn't bad at all. It was long and gradual which was awesome; I jammed out and sang the whole way up only to find two other tourers up top (I thought they were Blake and Evan). Chatted with them for a bit and kept going. There were minor hills but some nice flat and downhill where we could get a good average going on our speedometers.

Forks was our destination am we arrived in the early evening and inquired about a state park we saw on a map and it was only 5 more miles down the road so we rode on. Hunger kicked in right when we were just a mile or so away and we found a campsite, made some grub, showered, and swatted mosquitos. 62 miles, not too shabby. Hitting up the coast tomorrow for lunch time then to Lake Quinault. 

Ferry boats, Canadians, Hills, and A Place to stay.

The ferry boat ride was enjoyable. We sat at the top front of the boat to make sure they were going the right direction. We sat, talked, ate, Blake tried to read but of course Evan and I didn't make it easy for him to read. We arrived to Nanaimo which was larger than expected. 

We stopped at a nice grocery store to pickup some snacks and dinner. Everyone in Canada is so kind, interested, and excited about our bike trip. It's amazing how many people recognize my surly long haul trucker and saddle knowing it is for touring. We departed town and hopped on the highway south towards Victoria. 

The ride was along a highway busier than expected and not as many viewpoints either, still pleasant to smell the ocean air and take in the lush rainforest. There were several decent hills which is only getting us in better shape, but we all struggled a bit. 

We rode 45+ miles down to Duncan looking for a provincial park; we stopped in at a grocery store in Duncan to ask directions but no one seemed to know. Outside a couple and their friend were talking to Blake about our bikes and invited us all to stay the night in their backyard. They were headed to a party but said their doors are unlocked an too feel free to shower and make food in the kitchen and setup anywhere in their yard. 

It's always nice to get a shower especially when you don't know when your next one will be. Granted its day 1 but we are already grimy from sweat and exhaust. We made some hot food, showered, and set up tents then zonked out. Not a bad day; the weather has been so perfect with partial clouds, cooler temps, and sun peaking through here and there. 

Thank you Canada, you have been kind as always.

We awoke today and packed up sating many thank yous and "if you're ever in Idaho..." We rode off encountering wonderful cool temperatures, no rain, and partly sunny weather. 

The riding was nice today but we did encounter a long climbing hill which gave us all a huff and a puff. There was a reward towards the top with a pretty viewpoint of the end of the island, the San Juan Islands, and if it was clear, a mountain in Washington that I am blanking on. We then had an awesome downhill cruise for quite a ways, reaching speeds of up to 40mph. 

About (Canadian about), 9 miles from Victoria we stopped at a Tim Hortons to fill up water, use the restroom, and carb up with a muffin and donut. Surprise surprise. Heading into Victoria we were riding on the freeway navigating past cars speeding from the on ramps to the highway. 

Downtown was a happening place filled with tons of people, a rowing race, some sort of festival, and a picturesque parliament building next to the water front. Sadly we only had a half hour before catching our ferry boat to Port Angeles, Washington. 

We spent the time on the boat reading, journaling, updating the blog, taking pictures, and Evan setting up his mat on the floor and napping. 

Canada has been very kind to us, getting positive responses from everyone. They sure love our tuxedo jerseys! I've always had a good experience in western Canada and this confirms once again that they are very wonderful people. 

Once in Port Angeles, we plan on visiting Olympic National Park for a day or two. Sorry for the lack of pictures but I am taking them, but I am just updating via my iPhone. Check instagram for pics and maybe when we get to a computer.