Again, the day started rather slowly. We checked out of our room at eleven o’clock, groceried up at Shell and stopped at Marblemount Diner before leaving town.
Note: There was a massive motorcycle gang at the Shell Station.
Anders ordered the BLT sandwich while I picked the mushroom burger. We split a vanilla shake. I noticed a guitar sitting in one corner and played a few cords. I’ve started working on a simple version of “Hey Joe” by Hendrix. It was best that tables were set at a social distance and out of earshot. I could have upset valued customers.
We cycled upwards to Newhalem, enjoying the sunny afternoon. I was surprised when we entered the small town. There was an inn, a grocery store and nice places to picnic on several open fields. New shade trees had been recently planted. With tourists buzzing around, there was a sense of vibrancy to the place.
We ate by a suspension bridge that crossed the Skagit River. I was able to find cell coverage and talk to Beth for a bit. I soak up those calls.
Up.
Leaving Newhalem, we shifted into lower gears. Cars were considerate as we road through two tunnels and wound our way to Diablo Lake. Parking our bicycles against the inside of a guardrail, we ate food while admiring the lake scene. Earlier, we had thought that Diablo Lake would be a good ending point for the day, but with time remaining, we decided to keep climbing.
After another hour, or so, we heard a creek off to our right. A short distance ahead, there was a sign for a “Happy Creek Trail”. That sounded like a place where we wanted to go, so we cycled up the board trail.
A short distance back in the woods, right off the trail, we found a spot suitable for camping. I don’t think that we probably should have set up our tents there, but it’s better to ask for forgiveness...
I skinny dipped the creek, finding it REALLY bracing, but worth it. I always enjoy tucking myself into bed clean after a long day on the road.
Tomorrow, we hope to summit Washington Pass. It’s going to take a lot of patience and determination. In a way, I’m looking forward to it.
Note: Anders threw up “The Bomb: Chipotle Chicken” burrito purchased at the Marblemount Shell Station for five dollars. I refrained from consuming mine.
I wonder if any of the motorcyclists put their money down for this edible. How would they have handled it through those Highway 20 turns?
No comments:
Post a Comment