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Deception Pass

The ferry ride was short and lasted about a half-hour. Also, the ship appeared to be close to full. To buy time, anything from candy to draft beer could be purchased at an on-board convenience store. Snowcatcher and I preferred to stay out on the deck savoring the brisk sea breeze.





Some of Washington State’s bread and butter can be observed while being shuttled to Whidbey Island. For instance, a large shorefront logging mill as well as a huge boom used to move cargo on and off of large naval vessels. One-way passenger fees on this shuttle was between 3 and 4 dollars. Our fee for two passengers and one SUV rang-up around 16 dollars. In my opinion, the ferries are affordable conveniences often maximizing time. To drive around the southern end of Pugent Sound and back north would have cost us close to a tank of petrol and 40 dollars, give or take.



Soon after the boat started bearing north, we began to prepare for docking and our exit.



Once on Whidbey Island, we headed north through picturesque farm and forest land. I was actually surprised how many homes dotted the landscape. I guess I was expecting Gilligan’s Island or something. Oak Harbor was really bustling with activity. I didn’t realize until now that a military base was only a stone’s throw away. A short distance farther north and we reached our camp area at Deception Pass. At the pass proper, the bridges joining Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island have walkways on each side. This allowed for some good photo shots from above the water.



The first Europeans to see this strait were Spanish explorers sailing under Manuel Quimper on the Princess Real. Joseph Whidbey of the George Vancouver expedition found and mapped the strait on 07 June 1792. It was named Deception because both Whidbey and Vancouver initially thought Whidbey Island to be a peninsula.



Fast tidal flows and large whirlpools may be seen from the bridges. We hiked the area while the tide was coming in. The water’s speed was awesome. Deception Pass has additional colorful history. If you ever have a spare minute, check it out.



Next stop, The North Cascades.

Adios

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Island Hopping

Following the ride up Hurricane Ridge, our Olympic friends treated Snowcatcher and I to another outstanding meal in Port Townsend, Washington. Our trip to the Olympic Peninsula had come to an end and we charted a course farther north for our return to Colorado. Bidding farewell to the Goat Mother, Goat Father and clan, we began our northeasterly journey.





We arrived in Port Townsend with some extra time. So, how does a landlocked ruffian kill an hour or so? Why, by checking out the docking area.



Quaint and delightful describes Port Townsend. In the mood for pizza, we found a pizzeria across the street from the docking area. How about a Hawaiian pizza with a Sicilian crust? Mmmmmm... it was a scrumptious lunch that would make a fine camp dinner as well.



Do pray tell, thar she be.





A few slices later and our Ferry docked.



You don’t realize how big these boats are until you witness their cargo. It appears semi-trucks are common and fit right in.



See ya Olympic Peninsula. We’ll be back. Next stop, Whidbey Island.

Adios

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Ride the Hurricane

Today’s post is a short one. Longer, more photo-laden posts are on the wind.

Snowcatcher and I greeted Day Four with legs in good shape, albeit a bit tired. We drove the short distance west to Port Angeles where our second ride was set to begin. Today’s ride is a treat because we get to ride up Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park – car free! Once a year, for half a day, the road is closed to cars and given to cyclists.


According to my Washington cycling guide book, Hurricane Ridge is Washington’s biggest climb. It is big! Depending on how close to sea level you begin, it’s approximately 5,000 vertical feet in 18.5 miles. The first 4.5 miles are steep at 8 and 9 percent. The remaining 14 miles are a consistent 4 and 5 percent.


I had an advantage over many fellow riders, I could breath. My house sits at 6,000 feet. On the other hand, I had wee bit tired legs from yesterday’s 71 miles. I know, there’s always an excuse. The ride was fun, scenic and nice to not have 4,000-pound behemoths bearing down on you.


Is this a ride for the bucket list? You betcha! The views from the top are excellent, the road has excellent surface and you get that feeling of being on a mountain top thrown. The following video is my descent on the upper middle section. The Park Service asked we not exceed 30 mph on the descent. I tried to adhere to this, yet with some freeboard thrown in on the upper side. Most of us probably averaged 30 to 35 mph on the descent.

Adios