The morning of the 20th, it was time for us to leave Bellevue and head over to Bainbridge Island. We didn’t have to tackle as many miles this day, so we were able to take our time and get things in order. Especially since we weren’t going to have a hot shower for a a while.
The bike trail system here is super clear and easy to navigate. Riding across Lake Washington into Seattle along the I-90 trail is both awe-inspiring and frightening. It’s cool because you can ride on car-free bikeways that take you directly into the city. But kind of scary with the deafening, busy traffic and the high winds whipping off the lake.
The views were excellent.
The navigation was smooth sailing too, taking you straight into downtown to the ferry terminal. We loved it.
Being our first time, we didn’t know how to navigate the terminal exactly, so after taking our bikes up the elevator to the ticket window (we already purchased our tickets online) the ticket person said “Oh no, honey. You need to go where the cars are.”
Sometimes you don’t know till you know.
Since we had a little time before our departure, we grabbed some hand pies and much-needed electrolytes.
When we lived in the Bay Area, I commuted on the SF ferry for a long time and am familiar. But these ferries were amazing. They’re huge and can carry something like 200 cars, a “restaurant,” and the whole bit. One of the coolest things for cyclists is there’s no waiting in line—you can go right to the front when the boat loads/unloads.
Not going to lie, it was a bit of a race with all the commuters. Everyone is in a big hurry to get in front of each other to get on the boat and an even bigger hurry to get off. It just comes with the turf, unfortunately. I don’t miss it a bit—and it’s definitely not in the spirit of our ramble.
Before setting out for camp, we were hoping to find a laundromat. There aren’t any on the island so we’ll have to wait. Instead, we stopped at the market for some groceries and ran into a woman who’s a Warm Showers host. (Hanging out with loaded bikes on the sidewalk is a guaranteed conversation starter.) WS is a a non-profit hospitality exchange service for people engaging in bicycle touring. It’s pretty amazing—we’ve got to try it sometime.
Our camp at Fay Bainbridge State Park was a 6-mile rolling-hills ride to the Northeast side of the Island. Ride with GPS gave us a more circuitous (hilly) route but it was worth it. The views were beautiful and the park is gorgeous. It’s a great place located right on the water. You can camp right on the beach but we opted for a more secluded, forested spot.
When we arrived, we met Frenchie, our camp host. He’s been volunteering at the camp for years and kindly offered us to use the laundry in his camper. Do we stink that bad?
Cort and I are feeling good, taking care of each other, being safe, and learning a lot. We’re grateful for a rest day, the weather is beautiful, and life is good.
Can’t think of a better place to be in this moment with my favorite person.
-Erik
I love reading about your adventures! Thank you for sharing through your blog. Lots of great stories and information. I’m hoping to bike the
Cascades to Palouse next year!
Rode by your gnome yesterday and he misses you but loves being with new friends!
I love it! Thanks for checking up on the gnome. We appreciate it!
So far your experiences seem so positive and enjoyable, although you must be pretty tried by the time the day ends.
If and when you get to Marin, you definitely have a warm shower, washing machine and a comfy bed waiting for you.n Enjoy your adventure.
Carolyn
That’s amazing, Carolyn! Thank you for your generosity and support.
I look forward to more of your adventure stories. My husband and I just finished our version of the northern tier; it was amazing! If you find yourselves in the Sacramento area, we live in Coloma, you have a place to stay.
Thank you, Dawn. That’s super kind of you!