Day 1....The test run

Every journey begins with anticipation, question and a test of one's mettle. We headed to the Langley border crossing at 9:30 with a plan and an idea of our route. We cleared customs quickly, happy that we didn't have to unload the SUV in the rain. A bit further along the Interstate 5,  Bryan  hauled out his bike to begin his day's workout. How far could he go on his first day? We would be following Highway 20 into the coastal islands, rather than going inland. We don't want to get tied up in the Seattle area but would like to get to highway 101 as soon as possible.

It was 5 degrees and he encountered both rain and a headwind, but he managed close to 120 km today.

When I met up with him, he was cold and certainly appreciated the warm vehicle and a Starbucks coffee.

Not bad for a first day!

While he was pounding the pavement, I enjoyed touring the antique shops in Anacortes. Highway 20 en route to the Deception Pass bridge was scenic, with towering cedars and a layer of moss turning everything a warm green. The bridge took us to Whidbey Island where we caught the Coupeville ferry to Port Townsend.

It was cloudy all day but the temperature rose to 13 degrees. Tomorrow should be similar, including the rain but as Bryan says, "Once you are wet, it doesn't make any difference." It also helps to have a warm vehicle and good food!

We are staying in Port Townsend tonight in a quaint motel. I plan to let Bryan get a head start tomorrow while  I check out the boutiques here. This could become a pattern! When the weather improves, Bryan will bike less, and we will hike more together to see this beautiful and varied part of the USA.