T R I P J O U R N A L |
The intent of this journal is to provide a short synopsis of my daily activities, serving up a different flavor for each day. If a particular day piques your interest, you can dive into more detail via the associated 'Description & Pics' link.
THE FIRST DAY - Thursday, July 8, 2004
Today is the first day of my cross-country adventure. I leave early in the evening and drive northward from Portland, OR into Washington State. My destination? Lewis Falls, located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (25 miles east of Cougar, WA). On the drive up I pass by Mount St. Helens and other scenic highlights, including two oddities. I arrive as the dim curtain of evening slowly pulls across the light of day. I park the van and settle in for the night.
Tomorrow will be a day of mountain bike riding, I'm totally stoked!
Description & Pics
LEWIS RIVER TRAIL - Friday, July 9, 2004
I wake to some particularly bad news, a regular trip show-stopper, but fortunately I quickly resolve the problem. After breakfast I hop on the mountain bike and head down to the Lewis River Trailhead, located not far from where I van-camped the night before. Considering I'm not in the greatest of shape, I manage to make the best of the ride. However, I often find myself stopping to catch my breath, quickly learning that mountain biking is a really rigorous sport. During the bike ride I experience my trip's first two mishaps.
After the ride I'm bushed, so I decide to stay put and van-camp for another night at Lewis River.
Description & Pics
ROAD TRIP TO FIFES RIDGE - Saturday, July 10, 2004
The sun is hiding and the day is somewhat wet and gloomy. Good thing today is strickly a driving day. I drive due northeast to and through Mount Rainier National Forest and manage to catch a misty glimpse of the mountain's southeastern face. I arrive before nightfall at the campground (7 miles northwest of Cliffdell, WA) bordering Fifes Ridge Trailhead, tomorrow's mountain biking venue. Before I call it a day, I notice a mishap with my bike rack, the second of two mishaps for the day.
Description & Pics
FIFES RIDGE - Sunday, July 11, 2004
Not a morning person, I wake late, then make preparations for my up-and-coming moutain bike foray that will take me up, across, and down Fifes Ridge. The trail promises both great views and challenging ascends/descents. The day proves to be a scorcher. The heat sears its way into my brain, making me feel a little delusional as I make my way up the 2,000 foot ascent. My upward peddling grind is eventually paid back in triplicate as I make my way down the ridge, sometimes defying certain injury, maybe even death?
After an exhilarating bike ride I make my way to Seattle, WA. On the way I stop for a quick photoshoot of Mount Rainier. In the process, I get a whole lot more than what I bargained for, discovering ancient motifs that provide pictorial hints into a long lost civilization.
After my photoshoot I complete the drive up to Seattle. Upon arrival, I drive around a bit, scouting for an "on-street Internet connection" and a suitable place to van-camp. In short order, Seattle proves to be rich in both Internet connections and suitable van-camping street parking spots.
Tommorrow I'll tour downtown Seattle by bike.
Description & Pics
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