Day 4 – Lake Stevens to Seattle

80km of 360 so far

Good morning bike

Good morning bike

Flowing Lake

Flowing Lake

I woke up in the cosy sleepybag, glad it didn’t rain overnight. Only just as I was preparing breakfast, a light morning shower came and left within half an hour. I was back on the road by 9:30 and the descent from that massive hill was a good way to fully wake up. I cought the last 10km of the Centennial trail to Arlington, where I stopped for my second breakfast. I took my time in the cafe, charging my batteries while running a few internet errands. Another two cyclists happened to be behind me and we had a short exchange of experiences. They came from the north as well, but they did a loop around Mt.Baker and the other mountains. They were actually the first I met on this trip and I am sure I’ll get to meet many more down the coast.

I filled up my water-bottles, drew my route on the map and there I was on the road again. The ride took me through some nice landscapes, a small recreational airport and many hills that started getting steeper and steeper.

Here is my boat and my old plane

Here is my boat and my old plane

I only had to cover around 60km to Seattle so I wasn’t in a rush. On the way I came accross a nice old village, converted into a tourist trap. Since it was already lunch time and I happen to be a tourist my self, I decided to stop for a bite. By then the sun was fully out and it was rather enjoyable to be out.

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The route right after that, took me through some typical north American commercial areas, with block sized retail stores, shopping malls, parking lots and fast food depots. It was when I hit Washington lake that the nice part began again. There is a bike path that run all around the perimeter and can even take you all the way to downtown Seattle.

I want many planes

Many planes

I want more boats

I want more boats

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Husky Stadium

Husky Stadium

Welcome to Seattle

Welcome to Seattle

I have a couple of friends in Seattle, so I headed a bit further south to Beacon hill to meet one of them who had kindly offered to host me for a few days. The timing wasn’t great, as both friends just bought new houses and they had just moved in the weekend before, so I am very grateful that they accepted me, despite their place wasn’t ready yet for guests. Karen is a photographer working for Perl Jam, she has a black cat and together with her partner they’ve been working on renovating their new home over the past half a year.

I got to their place at around 5pm and after a quick snack and a shower, we went to the supermarket for some supplies. In return of their favor, I cooked some Greek briam for them. I was really looking forward for some home made food, that looked a little more civilized than the freeze dried food and sandwitches I had the past couple of days. After dinner, some beers and a movie, I collapsed in bed until almost noon next day.

hmmmm foooood

hmmmm foooood

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