Days 193-194: The Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula

Days 193 – 194

July 9 – 10

Washington Pacific Coast Highway

The days grew longer and colder as we rode north, and the rains caught up to us in Washington.  This was expected; the Pacific Northwest sees rain almost constantly, even in the summer.  But the rain brings with it a serenity unmatched by fair weather.  The roads clear, the plants open up, and everything seems brighter and shinier when the rains cease and the sun burns through the clouds once again.  That moment of clarity becomes more special when shared with someone who also had to endure the hardship of a rain-ride. 

Mid-day naps are appropriate; riding all day takes it's toll.

When it rains, it's just best to enjoy the view.

Nature seems larger than life in Washington.  The trees tower overhead, the waterfalls are deafening up close, the lakes are a special shade of blue, the air is clean, and even the leaves on the plants are bigger than expected.  From the suggestion of a good friend, we departed from PCH and rode to Cape Flattery, the northwestern tip of the contiguous United States.  From here, there are views of the western coast, the northern coast, Victoria Island in Canada, and Tatoosh Island across the short span of thrashing sea.  It was a bonus that the ride out and back followed an unfrequented narrow wiggle of asphalt that traced the northern coastline.  

Would you believe me if I told you that this was the Pacific Ocean?

View of the western coast from Cape Flattery.

Standing at the northwestern tip of the contiguous United States.