We had set an alarm for 7:30 AM, but we both woke up before then, so we watched an episode of “Stranger Things.” We ate snacks and leftover Indian food for breakfast and packed up our stuff. After finding a geocache in the park across from the Airbnb, we began our final day of cycling at 9:27 AM. The route through Bremerton immediately went uphill; it was a difficult start to a difficult day. I had thought today’s ride would be easier because it was (slightly) less mileage and the last leg to the finish would be motivating, but I was wrong. The combination of tired legs, heat, and elevation was physically and mentally exhausting.
All we saw of Silverdale was a mall and other uninteresting stores. We eventually retreated from the commercial area to the country. Unfortunately, the road had considerable traffic, there was a narrow shoulder or none at all, and lots of hills. I was so miserable I wanted to cry, but John kept encouraging me.
Soon after returning to busy Route 3, we stopped at a gas station for a bathroom and snack break. Pedaling on the Hood Canal Bridge reminded us of driving it almost two weeks earlier. We stopped briefly to “trespass” onto a small open area to photograph the view. After crossing Hood Canal into Jefferson County, we cycled rolling hills through Paradise Bay into Port Ludlow. We cooled down with gas station popsicles before continuing to Port Hadlock.
About 12 miles from Port Townsend, John recognized our location from the first day of our tour. After a few miles, we found the Olympic Discovery Trail. I was relieved…until we had to pedal uphill again. I felt drained, but I knew we were almost finished. We saw multiple cyclists, but none had bags, so I’m sure they were just doing day rides.
After cruising downhill, we exited the woods to reveal Port Townsend Paper mill. We could see the town in the distance! Pedaling along the water brought us closer to the finish line. Once in town, I kept yelling, “Yay!” I was so elated. We passed our car to take a finish line photo by the water before officially ending our ride.
The bike tour was over, but our trip was not. John loaded our bikes on the back of the car and we drove to the Palace Hotel “downtown.” The hotel is a former brothel (among other businesses) and is furnished in the Victorian style. We dragged ourselves up three flights of stairs to our charming room named after a former employee–“Miss Mona.” After showering, we walked to Khu Larb Thai for a victory meal. We sipped Thai iced teas and shared fried vegetable rolls. I ordered the mock duck, which reminded me of a Tofurky. With full bellies and tired bodies, we returned to the hotel. We’ll explore the town tomorrow.
Today’s Mileage = 56.07
Total Mileage = 430.45
