Saturday, August 11, 2012

I Can See For Kilometres, But riding MILES !

Day 5, Montesano - Sequim WA.
Dist. 191 km., Avg., 21.5/Hr., Max 53.4 km/Hr., Saddle 8:52, Hr 113 Bpm., Fuel, 4594 Calories
Fri. July 20, 2012
Cool and overcast yet again. A dramatic change of scenery has unfolded rather abruptly in front of Shirley's front tire. (Continental 28 -1&3/8") 700 by 28 / 32 tube fits if needed in case you were interested. The tarmac was loaded with Who Haus, Ding Dongs and Yo Yo's in Pick-ups, Logging Rigs, Mazda 3's and Camper Vans. Perhaps a Buick Century too.(inside joke)
Welcome to Friday ! "Welcome to the Jungle, that is. "A jungle where a Canadian cyclist monitors movement as the rest of the civilized world does, in Kilometres not Miles. Anyway, I'm finding loads of Indian Reserves and Indian businesses like Casinos and Shops for Fireworks or "Smokes" Same as in Canada, except the word, or name "Indian" is replaced with the word, or name "Native" Actually, I'm not sure if Fireworks are as prevalent here, or legal for that matter. Some of the "businesses" that I passed were very colourful. There were many hand painted signs and lights (similar to what one might find on a xmas tree). There were also Fireworks "outlets" that were no longer in business. I could tell by the dilapidated structure that lay abandoned amongst leaves of maple or a smattering of moss. On the other hand, I passed a Casino and accompanying structures that were beautiful in design and composition.  (Cedar and or Douglas Fir as the default bldg. material)
The sad thing was that a blinding LCD or LED screen hung somewhere on the building and killed the visual like a spear through a buffalo. Kinda like hunting with a 4 wheel drive and an AK 47.
The ride along the 101 skirting the East side of the "Olympic National Forest was interesting. I had some tailwind from "Skokomish Indian Reserve" to "Seal Rock" which was lovely. It was turning into a nice ride as I left the Indian Lands, filled with twists, turns, small hills and great watery views, I was enjoying this portion of the ride. Of coarse all good things must come to an end...
The road conditions deteriorated, and the traffic got less patient. After climbing a small mountain, I was beginning to get a bit concerned. Road distance markers were far apart and read in MILES. It didn't take too much brain power to realize that I had miss-calculated and was staring into the face of a longer - than wanted kinda day. When I FINALLY arrived in the town of Sequim, I discovered that the major motels were full.(the campground that I was thinking of was also full). Apparently, there is a Daffodil Festival in town for the weekend. Luckily I dialled in a crappy motel with the help of the Comfort Inn attendant. She could see that I was frustrated as the various motel options were fading away during her telephone search. She said " I can understand what it feels like after a long day of travelling".  Long day of travelling ?, Travelling ? really ? ... Motorists and cyclists are definitely not of the same genetic makeup.  I couldn't respond verbally, but I had a few choice words on the telepathy conduit. Unfortunately she's not a Betazoid.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betazoid
After almost 9 hours of unprepared riding, I was on my way to homebase .
Sigh...

8 ball
Kinda desolate here, but nice

An old school Drive Inn movie screen
Snacks

A rare photo moment
Pee break...
Hamma Hamma ?
Journal sketch of dire situation...
Really ?... Finally !
New Westminster BC had a similar establishment. Sort of. Ha Ha.

Just like the Marriott...

Doorway to luxury...

Winding down...

View Larger Map A Long scenic, yet Annoying Day Chasing "MILES"

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