Solo to Duet

   Yesterday was a start to a new beginning. I had ate lunch at a place Called Ritz which is the best burger joint I've ever been to. It is on the edge of Shelton, WA so if you are ever driving through the small town, be sure to grab a burger and fries. 37 miles later through a forest with on and off rain, I arrived at Lake Sylvia State park campsite. At first it was just me, but then another biker came to the site right next to mine. We started talking and turns out he's going on the same route towards LA! His name is Oren and we've agreed to stick together. Having a second person not only brings back to the social game, but it means twice as visible on the road and half the fare for campsites. We're now in Twin Harbor, WA. Our plan is to be in Oregon within two days!

The Homie Server 

Ritz Burgers!

The only bridge within miles was closed.

This guy unlocked the gate and let me through! You saved me 10 miles. 

Instant coffee's not the real stuff, but it'll do.

Made a new friend. But he only wants me for my peanut butter.

Oren! Together we're unstoppable.

Stopped by a shop with a HUGE supply of Star Wars merchandise. Here's the owner Don.

Checking out the Medicinal Marijuana Shop. 

Stopped at the harbor with a craving for fish 'n' chip & clam chowder.

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And then there were two..

Day 5

Currently at a public library. After waking up, drying all my equipment, packing, and trekking through the forest, I finally saw civilization. 

Part of the trail got watered down. Manned it out, took my shoes off, and walked across with my bike.

Stopped here for breakfast: Honey crisp apple and a teriyaki beef stick.

Day 4 Continued

Today is a longer post since I feel I’ve gained some insight. Feel free to skim or just look at the pretty pictures.

  Things kept on going good and bad. Karma played a huge role in today's travel. After deciding to bike on a less traffic and more scenic route, a bolt came out of the support for my pannier bags so I had to stop. I happened to stop right in front of a driveway with some people talking. Vern, one of the guys, offered to help and was really kind. We struck up a good conversation on my trip and about California. He recommended a place called Hodad's in San Diego so I'll be sure to stop there, Vern! It was nice to socialize after awhile especially with such an amiable fellow.

 Right after we said our farewells, a bird literally took a shit on my hand. At least it wasn't on my clothes because the horrid smell would have lingered.

  Another episode of nature poking fun at me was when it started to rain and was near to pouring. I stopped my bike and put on all my rain gear and set up the rain fly on my backpack. After biking about 5 minutes, the rain vanished and the sun popped out so I had to take everything off. 

  After biking through huge hills going up and down, I found a secluded place near a mountain bike path to camp out. There, I felt one with nature.

Cruising by the shore 

Vern, the man himself.

Such a rude bird. Leaving feces on my hand.

Rain in the Sun

I thought all these white petal shaped things were flowers. Looking more closely, they're all seashells!

Tonight's menu, beef soup with beans. (And of course ramen afterwards)

Tired after a long day. 

  I experienced something new during the grueling times biking up huge hills in the rain.   I was truly suffering and on top already exhausted. Before this adventure, I felt so confident that I could tough out any situation. It wasn't until today that I realized what a comfort zone is in a person. By entering a place way out of this zone, it came to me how easily I can feel pain and suffering. It was difficult to keep going when a obstacle came about. But by pushing myself a little bit harder, and accomplishing, I found it genuinely valuable. Today's rough journey not only allowed me to experience a new feeling, but in a way it showed a bit of what I'm made of. And by this, it eased some anxiety on my own curiosity of what defines me. I'm not much an inspirational speaker, but I strongly encourage you to find a challenge that seems 'out' of your comfort zone, and try to beat it. It'll really be an experience.

Day 4: What a Tease

   I woke up at 5AM and left Bellvue ($$$ area), WA and headed out to Seattle. The weather was fit for biking, slightly cloudy and in the 60s. But after my ferry voyage, little things kept testing my patience. 

Superb bike path from Bellevue to downtown Seattle.

Pano of Seattle

1st Ferry Experience. I kept on thinking about the joker offshore about to blow us up. (Dark Knight) 

So the past two beautiful pictures of the ferry are actually evidence that I went on the WRONG FERRY. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW UNTIL I BIKED AN EXTRA 30 MILES. Just a little upset.

I was suppose to take the ferry across Puget Sound to Bremerton (bottom left corner), but instead I went to Bainbridge Island. I could have avoided the blue path but instead made this silly mistake. Extra 1500 calories burned... The shoulders were narrow, it was raining at times, and the route was confusing and I even biked in a circle at one point. But I had a real nice conversation with a foreign exchange student from France on the ferry so I guess it was worth it. 

I'm currently at a McDonalds in Belfair, WA. McDonalds is ideal for my setup: located in most cities, free wifi, and cheap high-calorie food. 

Next I'm off the camp out at Capitol State Forest. It is 60 miles from where I am so I better head out. 

Shout out to all my high school teachers for the positive feedback!

Seattle, WA

Some pictures of Downtown Seattle on Memorial Day!

I totally wouldn't mind being a fishmonger some point in my life. 

Went to the first Starbucks ever opened! (The coffee tasted the same)

Detailed Street Art

Lemon-Basil Shrimp at Red Lantern Korean Style Chinese Restaurant

Coolest architecture for a public library! Unfortunately it was closed for Memorial Day.

Extremely intense game of street chess.

Biking in the Rain

   While most of the time I will be out and about on my own, my parents still got my back. It started to downpour during yesterday's bike ride on a local highway near the coast. I had bought a rain suit but instead brought my "water resistant" windbreaker. I was thoroughly disappointed with this shameful and soaking decision. On the positive side, biking in the rain turned out to be pretty refreshing. After biking 48 miles, I arrived at a McDonalds in Marysville, WA just outside Seattle. I was freezing to death. Throughout my whole trip, my parents will travel on a similar route as mine towards Mexico and our plan is to meet in the big cities. Thankfully they had left Canada earlier that day and were nearby. They scooped me up and I got to spend the night indoors! (By indoors I mean an RV..close enough). 

ALWAYS wear a helmet when biking. NEVER wear cotton when expected to rain.

The juiciest strawberries come from the middle of nowhere!

Google Maps takes me to some dodgy roads.


Selfie from a water-proof sack.

 

How to make a laptop waterproof. (MN reppin')

La Crema Coffee Shop

After leaving Bay View Campground, I needed a place to recharge and get myself together. The nearest library didn't open till 11, so instead I tried out a small coffee shop in La Conner. I wasn't really expecting much but it turned out to be a real cozy joint. Could easily lounge here all day.

Here is the wonderful barista who served me. Thanks for the mocha and the scone, Aubrey!

UPDATE: There's a bunch of nice fellas here in there 40-50s talking around me. Recreational marijuana is legal in the state of Washington, and these are guys are passing around a joint (not lit).

Day 1 Continued..

   I arrived in Burlington, WA around 6:00PM. My original plan was to find a nice neighborhood and go around and ask for permission to spend a night in their backyard. This task proved to be harder than I thought. I also couldn't really find a nice neighborhood. Slightly panicking, I finally found a camp site at Bay View State park about 5 miles away. 

I heard about these on a TedTalk. 

The whole state of Washington have a biker/hiker rate for only $12 at any campsite!
Here's the set up for tonight!

Ramen noodles are crucial.

I opened my first can with a swiss army knife. Looks like a bloody massacre.

There was a nice view at the campsite.

Next destination: Marysville, WA!