Chapter 7

Chapter 7

 

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

 

Landed on American soil and heading for the 101 - September 5th, 2008

 

 

Half way to Victoria my very expensive new Polar Bike Computer gave up the ghost and I stopped in a Walmart and bought a cheap one for 5 dollars to see me through. So much for modern technology.

When I got to the hotel in Victoria, I had a job convincing the staff why I needed to take my bike to the room with me. This was my house and my transport and everything I owned. Wasn’t going to leave it where I couldn’t see it. Eventually, they agreed as long as I didn’t get oil on the bed or carpets! As if…;-D

Now was the time to re-evaluate. Have a review of all that I was carrying and what I didn’t need. What was it I could jettison to make my load less bulky. A total re-pack was called for. I dumped a sweater, a sheet-bag, my mattress, because I had decided hotels were the way to go. Camping was not as good an idea as I had first thought. Maybe hotel life was suiting me. Some other bits and pieces I thought I could do without were also jettisoned. The cleaners would get a shock next day to discover my leavings. When all that was done I was happier now that I had at least addressed the problem of unnecessary items I would not need. This would be periodically revisited in the coming weeks.

Next morning I was off down to the ferry from Victoria to the USA

After a short cycle down to the ferry I queue up in this little hut to fill out some forms for U.S. Immigration. I was expecting a more permanent type structure for US Immigration. Instead, it’s a place that is not very welcoming and looking very temporary. Trying to manoeuvre my bike and panniers around in this little cabin is a struggle. I make my way up to this big 'brick house' of an Immigration Officer, who curtly tells me my forms are not properly filled out. So, I have to struggle back out into the waiting area again, with my bike and stuff to fill it out again. When I return I, thankfully, don’t get the 'brick house'. Instead I get a nice lady. She queries my 2-page passport and I give her a quick synopsis on how I ended up with a temporary passport. She is happy and it’s into the ferry with a smile. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now on board (the Black Ball Ferry) for a 90-minute boat trip to Port Angeles. Like going to Holyhead, and just as far, but it cost 5 dollars!! 

On board I am reluctant to leave my bike unattended. I realise this is all I have for the next couple of months and it holds my life inside those bags. So, as I’m sitting out on deck with Loretta it’s like I’m holding court on deck. Everyone wants to know about my trip. I feel like a celebrity. I meet a young guy who is also fully loaded, and we have a chat about the trip. He is heading for Portland to meet his mate, then heading for SanFrancisco. And after staying with him for a while he is heading for San Francisco. I didn’t know then, but I would meet him again much later when I stop for a sambo somewhere in the wilds of the Giant redwoods in Northern California.

 

 Docking in Port Angelus, more immigration!! This time it just a formality and out onto US soil. I feel as if I am progressing now. Into America and heading for the now famous highway 101.

 I have been reading about this road for such a long time I feel as if we know each other. But I’m sure we will have many fallings out over these next few weeks.

 

 

 

 

My new-found cycling friend is heading for Seattle to spend a few days with his mate and then they are heading back onto the 101 to continue their journey. We say our goodbyes, take some pictures and go our separate ways.

The 101 wins the first battle, with a long drag out of the port when my legs are not ready for it. But then she mellows and gives me some really fast descents. Pannier bags are a curse but boy when you get on a descent, man you can fly......... ‘Just hang on ‘cause we are not stopping!’ But then when you think you have her? ... she kicks up again. Chris! I’ve found a way to keep the group together on Sundays! Give them all loaded pannier bags pannier bags!! Everyone will arrive home together.

 

I stop after 25 miles for a double espresso and a jam doughnut. This will become a sort of ritual as the trip progresses. Shots of espresso!! Rocket fuel!!

 I’m taking the easterly route around the Olympic range. I don’t think I’m ready yet for the big stuff just yet. Next time when I come back, I’ll go the westerly route which is supposed to be spectacular!

 After a few more ascents and descents I arrive in Quilsene. A small, quintessential American town. 1 shop, 1 church, 1 motel and not a lot more. But ideally placed on the edge of Olympic National Park. A great base for hiking and camping. I’m pretty tired now, haven’t got the legs just yet but I know it will come.

 

Stayed in a wooden type motel, with little individual chalets. I’m first here and I’m expecting Bates from Psycho to appear at any time… But it’s not long before people start to drift in. Mostly campers and hikers coming down off the mountain. Met some lovely interesting people. See the photos Don and Peroska who sooo encouraged me to camp out. They have been away camping in the mountains for a week and when I tell them about not camping, and how I dumped my sleeping mat and stuff back in Victoria, Peroska insisted I take Don's sleeping mat. They were heading home tomorrow. I promised them I would try camping and to watch this space and keep in touch. Forrest is another guest, he is on a recumbent bike heading for Salem. Don is a professor of English and Forrest is a professor or voice music and a conductor. All doing their own passions. We all head to the pub for the craic and a few beers.

So that was a good day with 53 miles under my belt.

Back to the motel and bed ready for an early start. First big climb tomorrow morning over Mount Walker. Starts to rise as soon as I leave.

 

Comments

1. Julie said: - Hi John, Dad sent me your address and Just been looking through your trip so far and looks like you are having a great time. That wee American town sounds just like Latton ... without the motel! Keep the updates coming! Good Luck! X

John replied: - Thanks Julie, and great to hear from you. Thanks Linda as well. It’s great you are watching. I’ll have to be well behaved.

1.             Eileen said: - Your blog is fascinating. Am following your route on Google map which adds to the interest. I am sure you will meet with all sorts of interesting characters along the way. Sounds like you will be camping out soon. You are doing real well. Stay safe. Everyone well here and following your progress with envy. Lots of love