Stardate 2014.616

And The Journey Begins

After learning this year’s Ride the Rockies route, Snowcatcher and I decided to spend our annual cycling pilgrimage up north – way up north, as in Olympic Peninsula north. We chose to participate in the Tour de Lavender in Sequim (pronounced skwim), Washington.

Day One began at 3:30 a.m. and in the end found us visiting five states in a bit over 1,000-miles. After a long day, the evening lights of Pendleton, Oregon, were a welcomed site. Including stops, we slammed out an 18-hour day. Long? Yes, but by design. That left us with a little more than 400-miles the following day, making our first ride on Day Three a little easier. Upon arrival in Sequim, we settled into our quarters and were later treated to a very fine dinner in Port Townsend, Washington, by our friends who call Sequim home.


Day Three, was our first ride, Tour de Lavender. This tour is an out-and-back of 71 miles. The ride zigs and zags through the Sequim/Dungeness Valley, visiting lavender farms and the waterfront of Port Angeles. Several miles beyond Port Angeles, the route turns around and somewhat backtracks. Moreover, a large portion of the ride is along the Olympic Discovery Trail, a jewel in itself. At 7 a.m., the ride officially began.


Stop Number One was the Purple Haze Lavender Farm.




The second stop visited the Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm.



Farm Number Three was the Olympic Lavender Heritage Farm




The morning’s fourth farm was the Washington Lavender Farm


From Washington Lavender, we headed west along the Olympic Discovery Trail to Port Angeles and a waterfront rest stop. Riding out of the forest onto a waterfront was, as I like to say, Kuul Beanz! Victoria, Canada, is easily seen across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.


After filling up on food goodies, Snowcatcher and I continued beyond Port Angeles via waterfront and Olympic Discovery Trail to the Elwha bridge, the approximate half-way and turn around point.


I grew up landlocked and did not visit many coastal areas. So, I’m always quite intrigued with fishing boats, ships, piers and changing tides. Thus, I was quite captivated with the Polar Enterprise. The ship is a crude oil tanker under the U.S. flag. It’s also relatively new, built in 2006. It appears the ship works its way up and down the west coast. Currently, there are no job openings on this vessel.


Another ship has arrived and is awaiting docking.


We continue pedaling along the waterfront for several miles before entering the temperate rain forest via Olympic Discovery Trail and the quest for one final lavender farm on the eastern side of Sequim.



Our final farm was Lost Mountain Lavender Farm, followed by a few short miles to our hotel.




It was a great ride with a good turnout in its second year. Weather was near perfect, and this side of the Puget Sound is very laid back and quiet. I think the ride will grow in popularity.

Next on the itinerary, Ride the Hurricane!

Adios