Monday, September 15, 2014

RAW Days 4 and 5 - Port Angeles to Forks to Quinault


Here is our itinerary for the Africa trip.

Port Angeles to Forks

70 miles today along some rather dangerous roads we had to share with logging trucks, but a beautiful stretch of road. No Olympic Discovery Trail today although we did ride on the double decker bridge built for the trail. It’s just that we were on the Highway above the trail section. Hopefully, by the time they do this section again on RAW, the trail will be finished. Most of the first 30 miles was foggy this morning. The morning fog seems to be lasting the entire morning here. We did hit a clear spot on the above-mentioned bridge over the Elwah River. Several gave up their jackets thinking we were done with the fog. Most of them regretted that move as we quickly found the fog again.
Checking out the Discovery Trail below

Elwah River flowing free
Our first rest stop was in Joyce at the Blackberry Café. Enough riders stopped for something blackberry to eat to make the restaurant standing-room only. One of the riders did get into an interesting conversation with some loggers. She explained her fear of them driving so close to the riders. They were upset that we were even there interfering with their expectation to be able to drive as fast as they felt safe. No changing of minds, but at least some understanding. It does show the importance of a ride like this making the locals feel like the bicycles are making a positive impact and not just getting in the way. I heard later that the police were called about one driver who went out of his way to be dangerous. Hopefully, next time this ride comes through here, the Olympic Discovery Trail will be complete and this problem will be eliminated.
Lunch was at Pillar Point, one of the few places along 112 where we actually approach the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From there we rode 10 easy miles before starting our last big climb of the week over the coast range to Highway 101. I had hoped to take a short detour to visit Snider Ranger Station where we had lived when I was four, but we were already past that turnoff when we hit 101 so that will have to wait for another time.

Forks Timber Museum
We spent the night in Forks where we were entertained by the Quileute Ocean Canoe Dancers who had just returned by canoe from Bella Coola in British Columbia. I took an easy ride through town to see all the “Twilight” references. What I did not see was a tavern much to my surprise.

Forks to Quinault

Today we rode 65 miles on Highway 101. Washington’s coast road  does not spend much time actually on the coast. We were close to the ocean for only about five miles. We stopped for lunch at Beach 4 – yes, we use numbers to name the beaches here. The spectacular stop is at Kalaloch Lodge, a short rock cliff overlooking a creek and sandy beach. A small hotel and restaurant are joined by about 20 cabins. Linda and I often drive up here from Ocean Shores for a pleasant lunch watching the eagles and gulls cavorting on the beach and in the air.
Typical morning fog lasts until noon

Ruby Beach where it was still foggy
We camped at Quinault High School in Amanda Park. This time I chose to not visit my former home on Lake Quinault. Another 20 miles wasn’t necessary since we would be riding 100 miles the next day.

 

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