Day 3 – Jordan River to Sequim Bay

70 miles (113 km) – Total so far: 217 miles (349 km)

A day of three thirds. The first after leaving Jordan River on a pleasantly cool misty morning and continuing the west coast ride from yesterday. For thirty kilometres it was again very light in traffic and meandered up and down from 100 meters to sea level, with only occasional views of the sea due to thick forest.

At Sooke I took the chance to call into a bike shop. Since Vancouver I have had instability in the headset coming down hills and over rougher ground. It was a good move as the bottom bracket of the headset was practically finished. 90 minutes there gave me a chance to catch up on the Internet and grab a coffee. From there the traffic increased by tenfold and with only occasional shoulder it was much less rewarding riding. I was in Victoria in plenty of time for the 3 pm ferry though.

The third part of the day only started at 5 pm, having cleared US border and customs. The ferry arrives at Port Angeles, a gateway to Olympic National Park. It’s a quick 35 kilometres to Sequim (pronounced S’quim) along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Though it is mainly sealed and always away from the road there were a few very steep descents and ascents from river crossings. Though it’s an old rail train many of the bridges have been taken away.

After the supermarket it was another 4 kilometres on to what seems a decent campsite with hiker-biker places at $12, and even showers. Time just for two local IPA’s before bed, Red Hook’s Long Hammer from Woodinville, and Fremont’s Interurban from Seattle.

Misty morning clearing – looking across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic mountains and the USA

Bike repair at Sooke

Just as I was leaving a mysterious woman arrived on her bike. Looked at me for a while and asked what had been the problem. I told her, and asked her what hers was. She told me it was personal and made me feel like I shouldn’t have asked.
Perhaps so. A bit like the doctors waiting room I guess.