Each day on our trek brings more than we can have ever imagined. The 15th was again exceptional. Starting out from Sedro-Wooley, we followed route 20 once again. Into the waterways, sounds and bays of the Great Northwest, the cool ocean air keeping the temp in the 50's all day.
We ferried across Puget Sound from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend, while the seals played in the wake of the boat. We met some bikers on the ferry who told us about a great ride in the Olympic National Park called Hurricane Ridge. So we took their advice- some on the road have bullshitted us, but this guy was true.
As soon as we entered the park, we stopped for lunch in a cathedral of ancient trees, moss covered rocks and a trickling stream. The sun shone through the sentinels of the climax forest and created a magical setting. Again, our lunch lasted and lasted because who knew when we'd ever find a spot as beautiful as this.
But all we had to do was get back on the road again, and the Hurricane Ridge proved that there was yet another miracle around the corner. The road twisted us through forest redolent of pine, turning us toward massive snow covered peaks that stood for miles. How insignificant one feels here, yet how empowered.
The road to the most Northwest corner of the contiguous States called to us. Even though random bikers and gas station attendants had told us there wasn't much out here, we went anyway!
Route 112 travels out along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and meets the cold Pacific water at Neah Bay. Magic became one with the road as she laid into the turns like an Olympic slalom skier. She took us from cliffs 5000 feet above sea level, down to the rocky beaches again and again.
Our goal was Neah Bay, but we only made it to Sekiu tonight in time to experience a pastel sunset over the Strait.
Where we sleep is next to the water and the seals. There are no cars, no tourists, only an occasional motorcycle.
Today, we have been to the forest, we have been to the sky and now we have reached a wild arm of the sea.
"Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit." Edward Abbey
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