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Heading south from Anacortes, Washington.   Deception Pass Bridge connect Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. Built in 1934.  I went past the Naval Airstation at Ault Field.  Oak Harbor is the largest city on Whidbey Island. The windmill reminds me of Holland, Michigan where many Dutch also settled.  Walking path in Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve.  Rosario Beach  I took the Keystone Ferry across to Port Townsend.   Coming into Port Townsend.  Looking out from Glen Cove.  Near Gardiner.  Part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. The Olympic Discovery Trail is a multi-use trail from Port Townsend to La Push. It using trails like this and some roads. 90 miles like the one above and the over 45 miles uses roads.  Near Blyn   What a nice view by Bell Hill. I guess others are finding this a great place to build a home.  I am not in Sweden any more. C.J. Erickson named the town after his home town.  Port Angeles has 20,000 people and harbor. The Olympic National Park is close by. The area that I have been traveling is all connected to the Pacific Ocean. In 1791 this area was explored by the Spanish and they set up trading with the indigenous people. That contact helps to understand some of the names of towns and islands.
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This is the last section of this virtual cycling tour.of about half of the Northern Tier. I began in Osceola, Minnesota after completing a loop around Lake Michigan. I cover 2021 miles riding on my two inside trainers during the winter months. I find that the cold Michigan winter air is too hard to breathe during exercise.  This map shows real and virtual tours. Since the pandemic began I have used my mileage riding inside and outside rides to progress my trip. I have used the journals from crazyguyonabike.com to provide details and map guidance. The maps used in these blogs I get from Google maps.  The YouTube videos provide scenes to put me in the mood. This is the recumbent trainer that I use.  I also set up my tour bike. This helps me stay comfortable in the touring positions.  The last map segment.  The North Cascades Scenic Highway. https://www.myscenicdrives.com/drives/washington/north-cascades-highway This is a 127 mile stretch between Winthrop and Sedro-Wooley. It is best used in the warmer months since the high elevation will not be open in the winter. The first designated scenic highway in the US.  The town is now called Concrete. Over a century ago the two communities across the river from each other decided to merge. Baker across the river had the Portland Cement Company and it was referred to as "Cement City." They towns decided on the new name of Concrete and is it okay to say that the name "stuck"?  A beautiful bridge near Concrete.  Birdsview Brewery.  They let me in. Great brew!  No traffic and a shoulder at the best.  A nice size town of nearly 12,000 and I am now at 56' elevation.  Near Burlington a town of 8400 at 30'. This area was prone to flooding and now under better control.  I reached the end of this road and tour at Anacortes. I will move on to the Pacific Coast Highway route as my virtual tour continues. See you soon.   Using those easy gears.  Made it to the top.  A second climb today. Rainy Pass.  You want to stop at these great spots.  Following the Skagit River.  The power plant on the river. Newhalen started as a company town for the power plant for Seattle. Now anyone can live there..  Marblemount and moving on.  Camping park for the night.  This area has apple and cherry orchards and this reminds me of the similar areas in Michigan. The apple orchards are in my area of SE Michigan and the cherries are famous in the Traverse City in the NW part of the Lower Peninsula (Mitten) of Michigan. I feel somewhat at home.  Overlooking the cherry orchard.  Cherries picked and ready to eat.  An apple orchard.  I am also seeing cattle grazing fields.  I enjoyed the forested areas.  The Methow River is a tributary of the Columbia River.  The Chewuch River which means creek in the native tongue of the Columbia-Moses.  Twisp has a population of around 900 and the elevation is 1637'. Most town in this area are located on a river. There is smokejumper station between Twisp and Winthrop.  Winthrop embraces a "Wild West" look. I like it!  Outside Mazama. No services from here to Newhalem. I will stop here.  I rustic spot.   Looking up this town I see reports that the whole town was for sale at one point.  A steady climb. I have to stop to catch my breath on these even when using the easiest gearing.  I sure enjoy the downhills.  This was a nice place to stop for lunch.  Another great spot to take a break and enjoy the view near Anglin.  Tonasket is named after a chief of the Okanogan people. The population is around 1000 and served as a hub for the region. Agriculture and forestry are big industries. I see some fruit strorage areas. The elevation is round 1000'. The Colville National Forest office is in this town.  A view of the Okanogan River near Tonasket.  It was exciting to be there while the train passed. The town of Riverside was a stop along the river during steamboat days in the 1800s. That makes sense on how transportation moved in these areas before the development of road and the creation of dams. The area is at 866' and the town has a couple hundred residents.  Riverside is one of the few places in the world where thulite is found. This pretty gem is used as a carving material in making jewelry.  Omak has many services and a long history along the river.  Another river town with many services and a good place to stay. |
AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. 
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