Henry's notes for today:
Day 50: Terminus - the road runs out. It rained
lightly all night, or so it seemed. It was still drizzling as we packed up for our last full riding day. Breakfast was a short 9 miles away at a a fabulous bakery with a full breakfast menu (and then some) in Concrete, WA (pop. 705). By the time we finished breakfast, the rain had abated and it was warming up, although it was still overcast. For the next 20 miles, we diverted onto a gravel bike trail, which took us off a very busy Hwy 20. The path was covered with an overarching tree canopy, and it was pleasant riding. There was the usual conversation, but in the silent moments, I experienced an internal maelstrom of excitement, joy, and sadness, which the others felt too. Excitement, because our long journey was almost concluded. Joy, because we completed this trek safely with a collection of great memories. So many images have been captured on our digital devices, but there are countless other reminiscences that will remain indelibly etched with each of us. Sadness, because every day has been an adventure, and the daily thrill and adrenaline rush which comes from that is over.
The end of the gravel bike trail out of Concrete corresponded with our approach into Sedro-Woolley. We landed at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, we wound our way through back roads past Burlington and Fredonia towards Anacortes, our final destination on what seems to be a peninsula jutting into the Pacific, but it is actually on Fidalgo Island. As we rode this last hour, the briny air filling our nostrils told us we must be getting close. We searched for a suitable location for a ceremonial wheel dip into the Pacific, and discovered a beach in an Anacortes city park. Having completed our grand journey, we had decided to catch the 5:15 pm ferry to Lopez Island, and camp overnight. We will take a leisurely ride on the island tomorrow - a victory lap of sorts. Returning on the afternoon ferry tomorrow, Tim's wife Priscilla will be there to retrieve us. Rob was especially excited to add on this bonus round.
We were offered the overflow campsite in Odlin County Park on Lopez, which worked out perfectly. We had dinner at an upscale restaurant in the village, and were all smitten watching the sun lackadaisically set in a cloudless sky over the water and distant mountains. (Everything in the village is "upscale", as the robust Seattle economy naturally floats its way over to the San Juan Islands.) Tim rarely drinks alcohol, but for this celebratory occasion, he ordered a Bloody Mary, which arrived with a piece of bacon. He couldn't have been happier.
Linda could not get enough of the bakery. She adds: That was not just "a bakery in concrete"! The 5B's Bakery is amazing! The bakery items are unusual, and hearty breakfast menu great. Plus great coffee! It will be a regular stop for me now on highway 20.
Maps of today's ride:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3862386564
https://www.relive.cc/view/u3676756879
The end of the gravel bike trail out of Concrete corresponded with our approach into Sedro-Woolley. We landed at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, we wound our way through back roads past Burlington and Fredonia towards Anacortes, our final destination on what seems to be a peninsula jutting into the Pacific, but it is actually on Fidalgo Island. As we rode this last hour, the briny air filling our nostrils told us we must be getting close. We searched for a suitable location for a ceremonial wheel dip into the Pacific, and discovered a beach in an Anacortes city park. Having completed our grand journey, we had decided to catch the 5:15 pm ferry to Lopez Island, and camp overnight. We will take a leisurely ride on the island tomorrow - a victory lap of sorts. Returning on the afternoon ferry tomorrow, Tim's wife Priscilla will be there to retrieve us. Rob was especially excited to add on this bonus round.
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