We woke to an alarm at 6:30 AM and walked out to the lobby for a continental breakfast. I assumed the waffles, bread, and English muffins were not vegan, so I chose cereal and John chose oatmeal and prepared our powdered coconut milk.
After eating, we returned to our room to pack up. Last night, I attempted to wash my shorts in the tub. I had wrung out as much water as I could, but they were still wet this morning, so I used a hair dryer. They felt fairly dry until I put them on–they were still soaked through. The weather was forecasted to be dry and warm, so I figured they would dry out while cycling.
We left the hotel at 8 AM to mist and chill (the opposite of the forecast). John was bothered, but I preferred it to heat. However, I was uncomfortable wearing wet shorts and we both had painful saddle sores and tired legs.
Cycling country roads is much better than highways–less traffic and more scenic. We rode a 300-foot downhill into Shelton and stopped at a drive-thru espresso for coffee and a bathroom break. Unfortunately, we had to ride 200 feet back up. It was so steep in a short distance that I felt like I wouldn’t make it. My legs were aching, but I was relieved when I finally reached the top.
We cycled on the west side of Mason Lake and the south side of Hood Canal. Stopped for another bathroom break at the library in Belfair and then returned to country roads where we passed by some emus.
Nearing Bremerton, our map directed us to busy Route 3. I wondered if drivers thought we were crazy for cycling on the shoulder of the highway. Pedaling toward the massive naval ships in the distance just increased their size.
We stopped to find a popular geocache before arriving at the Airbnb. I was so glad to take off my wet shorts and shower. Too hungry to rest, we walked to Sabaidee for vegan egg rolls, curry fried rice, and pad thai. It was so satisfying to eat something other than snacks and camp meals. We returned to the Airbnb to do laundry, watch TV, and fall asleep knowing we have a rest day tomorrow.
Today’s Mileage = 67.21
Total Mileage = 374.38
