Day 2 Water water everywhere....

As Bryan left in the wet this morning at 8:00, we knew that rain would be his steady companion. Showers and drizzle were just part of the water story though. Since the area was experiencing higher than usual rainfall, the collecting water was cascading down hillsides and rock faces in torrents. At times the stream carried right across the highway but was usually confined to a rush down the full ditches. Bryan could hear the loud chorus of frogs miles ahead....at least they liked the rain! There were also salamanders and 8 inch worms on the pavement. Big water showed often beyond the forest with the inlet of ocean, the Hood Canal.

Wind was another feature for Bryan to contend against when forest of this Olympia National Park gave way to open ocean vistas. However, he made good time, meeting me at 11:00 for re-fueling near Quilcene and again at Hoodsport at about 4pm. It takes a lot of food to keep those legs pumping! A hot cup of coffee works magic too.

All along the route, there are towering evergreens and other deciduous trees that are also coated in green. Even the rocks and bridges were green. Ferns and ivy flourish in the ditches and roadsides, giving a luxuriance that we can never hope for in Saskatchewan. At one point, when the rain paused, I stopped at a bay where oyster shells littered the beach. Apparently, those with permits to harvest must shuck the oysters right there and leave the shells so that they can be re-used by other oysters. Who knew? Rushing water from under the highway also caught my attention.

The day would not be complete without a chat with interesting  few shop owners. People are so friendly and willing to share their pride in their area. Bryan was given free coffee twice today. Hospitality is alive and well in Washington.

Our last stop was at the Super 8 in Shelten, 125 km from our start this morning. With a laundry facility and a breakfast to get him started, we should have a good day again tomorrow. The forecast? Rain of course!