July 2 - Hurricane Ridge and Deception Pass

Wow. I’m speechless. Northwest Washington is just out of this world gorgeous! Today I had the pleasure of riding up Hurricane Ridge, taking the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island, driving north on Whidbey Island, tagging Blaine Washington (one of my “corners”) and then heading back south to stay with a gracious host from Bunk a Biker in Marysville. The scenery throughout the day was so breath-taking I felt like I was at a buffet-style restaurant with more choices than I could imagine, wishing that my stomach was just a little bigger!

The day started out with my gracious Bunk a Biker host, Teresa, leading me and her other guest on backroads to Hurricane Ridge. Her home is situated right next to Lake Crescent and we were able to skirt the lake for several stunning miles as well as stop at a campground with world war II bunkers you can drive through.

The ridge itself was breathtaking. We followed Hurricane Ridge Road for 17 miles through the lush forest of the Olympic Mountains up to the visitor’s center. I am a sucker for snow-capped mountain peaks and was happy to drink in the cool crisp air and magnificent vistas of Mt Olympus and other nearby peaks.

Exiting the National Park, I headed east towards the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal to take the ferry to Whidbey Island. It was great to get on the ferry first and even more fun when they asked me if I would be willing to park first at the head of the boat. It’s like someone asking, “would you like to sit at the front of this roller coaster?” Yes! I stayed with my bike during the ride over and enjoyed the front seat views of Oak Harbor.

The drive north on Whidbey Island was an adventure all in itself. Packed with gorgeous coastal views, small beaches with driftwood, and views of the surrounding mountains, the ride itself was spectacular on so many levels. I was somewhat pressed for time as I had to make it to Blaine and back down to Marysville in time for dinner with my hosts. But I simply could not resist parking the bike at Deception Pass and following a little trail to an overlook to get a great shot of the strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island.

The drive up to Blaine and back was pleasant and surprisingly short. I pulled into Marysville just a few miles from Sound Harley Davidson and was treated to a delicious homemade meal of grilled salmon, quinoa, and broccoli. It is hard to believe this is just day 2 on the road. I’m looking forward to the book signing tomorrow.