one rough week for the better right? -- Franchesqua dead??

From my last post, in Astoria, I rode in a direct head wind along with stinging rain to seaside.  What would have normally taken at MOST an hour, took almost three; after which, I was beat and soaked.  I finally got to seaside and I still had not heard from my host hopefuls.  So I ended up staying in a hostel for the night.

The seaside hostel was just awesome; perhaps it was just a combination of me finally being dry and full of delicious crab-poppers, needless to say, it was really nice to be both of those things.  I made heaps of waffles in the morning (to try to make up for the cost), and then prepared to bus to Portland.

I was previously doubting that I would be going to Portland at all, but this bad weather predicted to last a few days meant I would not make any headway.  I therefore decided to dodge the rain and wind by staying in Portland and checking things out.

Check them out I did as I looked madly for a place to stay.  After literal hours of searching and drinking hot water out of the oh-so-cool Backspace Coffee Shop, I not only had to pee rather badly, but too I finally found Justin and Ashley who warmly welcomed me into their "R"-filled home.
I spent near two full days with this rather enjoyable pair.  The night of my arrival was spent carving mighty pumpkins and eating mighty pizza (precisely the way any good Friday night should be spent).

right to left: Justin's, my own, and Ashley's    (I think Ashley's takes the cake)

 

 

 

 

 

Early the next morning Justin and I went on a sadly unfruitful excursion for mushrooms.  We returned to the homestead with lovely flowers for Ashley which seemed to make up for the lack of shrooms. The rest of that day was spent hanging about the house, and then we went for some awesome thai food for dinner.  I spent a second night there and after doing a quick shop at REI, planned to head to Tillamook in the afternoon of the next day.

I cannot thank you two enough for your incredible hospitality.  Though we did not do terribly much, your company ensured what I believe the very best possible Portland experience.




ride I did on Sunday afternoon, and made it to some slightly populated area where I camped in a covered picnic area after getting soaked in the bushes by wind and rain (while I was in portland, I swapped my tent for a bivy bag; however, I was still out of practice using it).  I then continued to Tillamook on Monday morning.  As I was coming to the end of my ride over the coastal mountain range, one of my rear spokes randomly broke, causing me to stop my progress and hitchhike/ walk.  After about an hour of walking my bike in the rain while holding out my thumb, I managed to get a lift from a young fellow going home from fishing.  I arrived into Tillamook to find only hotels and motels.  after much searching, I found the cheapest, grungiest hotel; yet the fee still came to over $60 dollars. ROUGH!! MOST MONEY SPENT IN A NIGHT YET!   I cranked the heat, and dried everything I have hoping that not only all of my things would dry, but also the hotel would feel the burn of having me pay so much come the next hydro bill.  The next morning I bought a new spoke, and re-trued my wheel, but I found my bike to still be riding funny, and suddenly noticed that the frame had actually broken!  Though not sure when/how it had happened, I had to get it welded to repair it, costing me another 35 dollars. bummer!

I Had gone to Tillamook hoping that the storm that I went inland to Portland previously to avoid had passed, so that I could continue riding along the coast.  It had not, and so I made plans to return to Portland and ride inland instead..  Having missed the last bus of the day to the city, I decided to stay in Tillamook again to catch the Wednesday morning bus; I was NOT paying that price again, so I camped in the bush (once again I got drenched by the cold and wet).
In the dark and early morning of Wednesday, I woke to be more than freezing!! I was still two hours early for my 8 O' clock bus, but had to get moving!! I was thinking I would go wait at a coffee shop for a while or something.  On my way to town from the bush camping spot, I was unfortunately hit by a car, and then went to the hospital to make sure I was alright.  Soon enough I found out what I had already assumed: I was heavily bruised.  It seemed at the time that the only damage to my bike was the rear rim: it seemed to have un-trued itself again -- annoying, since I had just trued it..  I tried to true it again at the bike shop, but I was unable.  I decided that I needed the advice of an actual bike mechanic, so I now NEEDED to go to Portland.  I had to catch the next bus which left at 1230 in the afternoon.


I arrived in at a bike shop down town to discover that I would not be able to continue riding poor Franchesqua.  I am forced to look for a new companion.


sorry for the lack of  pictures in this particular blog, but it was kind of miserable out.  I did not get to see anything really pretty asides from some pumpkins.

what a bummer of a week!

a few km later..

The past few days have been quite exciting!! including things like climbing mountains, staying in homeless shelters... the usual right?




Neah Bay ended very well, and I am very glad that I went there! On the morning of October 16th, the day after my last post, I rode my bike to Cape Flatterly (You will see on "Where I Am" a waypoint at the most Western point of Washington). From that point, I was spying on Port Renfrew!!! I thought that that was pretty cool.





You can see the Island behind me in the distance








It was not just the view of Vancouver Island that caught me, Cape Flatterly is a generally beautiful area!






rough terrain!! poor Franchesqua!






more beautiful scenery from the cape





While I was at the Cape, I met a girl named Lindsy, from Virginia on her very own adventures. It chanced that this girl Lindsy was planning on hitting Shi Shi beach next (where I, also, was going) and had a bike rack; I hitched a ride with her.

Shi Shi Beach was spectacular. A long beach ending in huge rock pillars and arches on either side.

Lindsy and I could not resist the temptation to sit down and have a nice collaborative lunch: smoked salmon, vegetarian chili, and rice. It was rather nice to have someone else to help experience the beauty of such an area.





one of those pillars I mentioned, this one appears to be sideways.









lots of pillars and arches on our right,









even more to our left; beautiful beach!









The muck we had to hike through to get there. It was very worth it!


When we got back to the car, we parted ways

Thanks for a great time Lindsy!

I rode back to Vicky and Francesca's house from the beach and, after packing up all of my things, I then made my departure by Clallam County Transit (in my opinion, best rural transit service ever!!) to Forks: Vampire Town!!




I was unable to get a-hold of my couch surfing contact in Forks, so I was thinking I might camp out; however, the bus driver, Doug, let me crash at his house for the night. We had lots of great conversation and in the morning, we had steak and eggs. Doug then sent me off with a safety vest and a rock climbing harness, off to Quinault Lake!

Thanks Doug!! You Rock!




After riding a whopping (in my opinion) 110 km, I arrived into Quinault, and made the executive decision to buy myself an actual dinner for the first time on my trip. It was a wonderful thing. I then proceeded to Willaby Campground where I was planning to spend the night. My initial impression of the campground was that it was empty, however, after a little search, I did in fact find some very awesome neighbors who gave me beer and more delicious food upon arrival.

Jesse, Stephanie, and Amic (said neighbors) were planning on going on a hike the next day, and I joined them! The four of us climbed Colonel Bob the morning of the 17th, and had an amazing time doing it! when we finally reached the top, I am pretty sure all four of us passed right out for at least a few minutes.





fire weed along the hike






real nice views






it was cold up there in the shade!






there I am, looking over the Olympics






(from left to right) Jesse, Stephanie, Amic, and myself.






After we came down, I hitched a ride with Jesse and Amic to Aberdeen, as they were already headed in that direction, and then I found myself in a strange predicament.





After arriving, I tried to go to the hostel in Aberdeen, despite the bad reviews. I was told that I could not stay there. Not because it was full, but because this particular hostel is the only one in the world (I'm pretty sure) that requires a reservation. So there I was, in the street of a grungy town as it was starting to turn to night. I was lucky enough to meet up with another Canadian who knew the area pretty well, and he suggested a place for me to stay: the local union gospel mission. I called them up and I stayed there on a top bunk. If you know me, you might know how different this experience was for me; however, it was free, and they fed me. When the early morning of the next day came, on I went further South huffing and puffing as I pedaled. I arrived into Raymond, my goal for the night after almost 90 km. But again, I had no place to stay due to the lack of Internet I had had the previous nights.





I was on a mad search for Wifi; I was lucky enough to have found a small coffee shop in South Bend (3 or so miles from Raymond) that provided Wifi, and checked out the potential surf spots. There was only one available place, and I hoped real bad that this person answer my emails! As it turned out, she, being Chanda, did reply with a yes!!! I caught Chanda as she was on her way to teach her yoga class, she invited me to join. My muscles screamed with joy!! All of that went well, and so did my sleep; so well I stayed a second night to recooporate from all my mountain climbing and biking.

The second night was even better: Chanda invited a friend of her's over, and I stuffed the three of us with a yummy dinner! Great fun!









How often do couchsurfers get to eat like this?


South Bend was a Beautiful Place, but I needed to try and keep up with the sun, so off I went.









The old Court House










nice views from the coffee shop










nice views from the coffee shop


We come to yesterday, where I rode some 122 km. Right from South Bend, to Astoria, Oregon.

I had planned to stay in Long Beach, however, my hosts did not get back to me in time. I was either to camp in Long Beach, or go right to Astoria. As it turned out, I made really great time and was able to check out Long Beach!



While on my way, I reached 500 km on my trip odometer,

I had to do 60 km before lunch





the view at 500





A mushroom was on the side of the road: Amic, Steph, and Jesse, what kind is this one?





same ol' mushroom





this is a crazy long beach





beautiful trail to ride at long beach!












views from the trail















When I reached the Astoria Bridge, I could not stop smiling and laughing.

that is a whole lotta' bridge!



After what seemed like ages on the Astoria Brigde, I arrived down town. Although I don't have any pictures, it was a beautiful little place. I got a place in the hostel, and slept soundly!

I am now headed to seaside, where I will decide whether to go to Portland, or stick to the coast.







I am done with that washington thing!!! this map below shows where I went. Dotted lines depict me getting a ride, and the solid lines represent what I did on my bike.























I have made a discovery. when someone tells me "it's only a few more miles", the word "only" is not appropriate. 3 miles is quite a bit more work than 3 kilometers.



Sprecial Thanks to

Doug: The best bus driver ever!!!!!

Chanda and Elijah: Thank you so much for letting me stay both nights!!! I really enjoyed my time spent with you guys! (too bad Chuck was not present!)

Stephanie, Jesse, and Amic: I had an absolutely amazing time with the three of you! thanks so much for feeding me, beering me, and bringing me along on such a nice hike! (I know I am spelling "Amic's" name wrong.. sorry!)

Here I am in Neah Bay

I left Canada on my own for the first time in my life on Tuesday morning; I took the 10:30 Coho Ferry From Victoria.  I was caught offgaurd at loading time when I found out that I, being on my bike, was not considered a vehicle! (does anyone else find that odd?), in stead I was a VERY awkward walk on passenger.  Thankfully, I was not the only person in such a situation.  A fellow bike-ist, Ian from the Okanagan, also happened to beheading South; though he was heading directly to San Fran, I thought it might be interesting to meet up again as I pass through to compare travel stories.  Ian and I parted when we left the boat, both off on grand adventures.
    When I arrived into town at Port Angeles, I went to my Hostel "Thor Town" to figure out if I was missing anything for the next days ride.  the only thing I really needed was an ipod charger, because the one that I had bought earlier that same day in Victoria did not work (Oh yeah, Brother Andy gave me an iPod Touch for my trip, it is really handy!). so off I went to find one of those as well as a few groceries.  When I returned, I started making my dinner Claude, my roommate for the evening came in.
  Claude is a young man from Quebec who also happened to be on his way to South America as well, though his method of transportation is mainly by use of his thumb.  We were also thinking we might like to meet up to compare adventures. 

Thor Town (stolen from Hostelz.com)

That was my Tuesday, and immediately proceeding Tuesday, as we all know, comes Wednesday.  On Wednesday, I rode 85 km to Clallam Bay along the scariest road to exist (I'm sure) in the US, 112; it is even comparable to the road from Port Albernie to Uke.  Scary though it was, the breath taking views that I saw along this threatening road were worth the risk (well, nearly).  In future, I plan not to ignore local people's warnings. 

I am very happy to be off that road for a moment

           When I arrived in Clallam Bay I was initially surprised, as I intended to stop and have a break at a community that I read on the map to be 15 or so km prior to Clallam Bay; I apparently missed it.  Regardless of how I missed a little town, I knew two things: that I was intending to camp, and that I needed some fresh vegetables to do so.  To aquire the veg, I rolled into a little organic food co-op.
          At this particular shop, I met first, Terry and Jane, and then to join them, George.  The trio could possibly be the nicest people in the world.  Having seen my bike, Terry and Jane asked my about my trip and found out about my couch surfing, the two then began phoning the whole town in search of availiable couches.  I ended up staying with a particularly amazing woman named Karen, and her foster son Mannie, both of whome made me feel truely welcome into their home.  After a bit of fishing with mannie and a filling dinner, my agenda read a good night's sleep!  The next stop for me was Neah bay. 

A beautiful view of late afternoon in Clallam Bay

Terry, Jane and George.  The three were more than happy to make an aquaintance

This nice couple that I met at the beach at Clallam Bay apparently knows Luise from Bikeworks!  how crazy is that?

at least that is what conclusion we came to.  Their names are Barney and Mary from Gypsy. Barney being a banjo player

The two would really love to hear from you Louise! and I'd really like to hear about the Bike works! email me at robert.wslade@gmail.com to find out their address!! 

Clallam bay beach

Karen and Mannie's home in Clallam Bay; an artistic little home

I had infact hesitated traveling to Neah Bay, however, this evening I am finding that I am very glad I did.  Vicky, my house-stay, and her daughter Francesqua are both very wonderful people.  Vicky seems in my eyes in a type of mother goose position: she just loves to take in travelers like myself under her wing for a few days to make them feel at home and exchange stories.  As for tomorrow, I will first be experienceing some of the most amazing sights to be seen, and then off to Forks I go.
I'll keep posting

A long long beach beside the road.  It was like this all the way from Clallam to Neah

A real windy road  beautiful scenery

I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the following:
          Terry and Jane from the Organic Co-op in Clallam who gave me great experience and great conversation (and great produce!) I look forward to seeing you two again
         Karen and Mannie from Clallam -- my unexpected hosts-- thank you so much for inviting me into your home!!  I really appreciate it
         Vicky and Francesca of Neah Bay whose experiences and stories are truely enriching, I felt very welcome in your home
         The logging truck drivers of 112, thanks for not running me over! phewph!






the first day: 60.68km

I left this morning at about 11am, and with my friends and father to send me off, made my way to victoria for the night.  I was lucky enough for my dad, Paul, to come with me all the way; it was his first longer bike trip in a long, long time (not to say you're old dad, because you're not).  Thanks so much everybody!!

As my father, Paul, takes a picture, all but myself find lifting their bike to be an easy task (Mill Bay ferry terminal)

I had an absurdly lucky day in that I had only one break down (being the first day, there is usually room for lots of breakdowns).  This particular mechanical malfunction resulted from myself neglecting to tighten the bolts on my rear rattrap.  I lost one of these particular bolts while on the Brentwood bay ferry somehow (sabbatage?! haha)  Coming off of the ferry into brentwood bay, I immediately noticed something was wrong, and held up ferry traffic while I tried to figure things out.  It turned out that the loose rattrap knocked my quickrelease to "release" and loosened my wheel to rub the side of my frame.
Soon enough we were back on the road, thanks to a very kind stranger who chanced to have his antique store open on the holiday monday.  we arrived in victoria at almost exactly four o'clock, with 60.68 km my my odometer. 


My full load is a lot!  holy geeze!  we estimated it to be something around 75 pounds?  I will try to get a somewhat accurate measurement in near future.

fully loaded Franchesqua complete with empty plastic water cup

My next week is planned like this:
            tuesday: take Coho to port angeles, stay night in local hostel (I know easy day!)
            wednesday: attempt a ride to callalm bay (apprx. 80km), camp out in the bush a ways either way
            thursday:  ride to Neah Bay (apprx. 35km), stay with first couch surfing host! 
I hope to make my next entry on Thursday night.
I also hope that everyone had a great Canadian Thanksgiving!!

Just about to leave

Blog entry number 1!

I'm stoked,

Duncan to Chile, it'll be quite the trip

I leave on Monday.  It is Friday.  that's sneaky!

The above is what I have to pack.  a whole lotta stuff

probably too much, but I will discover that along the way!

So I've got all that on the way; today is my own deadline to pack, just because I have a really busy weekend ahead of me -- Thanksgiving and all.

Tomorrow night I am having a goodbye potlatch with most of my friends

It'll be really nice to see everyone before I go