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.
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| Checking out the Discovery Trail below |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Typical morning fog lasts until noon |
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| 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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