Hit the road, Jean

We woke up early on the first day of our trip, and on the first day only. It was a good thing we did because I decided that I couldn't leave the house until I dug the ingrown hair out of my butt cheek. After some awkward struggling and frustration at my lack of flexibility, I asked for assistance. Thanks to my caring and brave girlfriend and family, the little squatter was finally evicted. Time to hit the road - slightly behind schedule but fully relieved.

After a quick stop for a photo shoot and to pick up Sonia's jacket (pockets stuffed with illegal citrus) we were on our way to Victoria. The Malahat was cool but not cold, and the clouds were kind enough to hold all but a few showers above us. We arrived at the Victoria terminal with plenty of time to lie our way through customs, take a few photos, and stretch our legs. The M.V. Coho took us stateside to Port Angeles, and to the beginning of the rain that would follow us for most of the next week.

Rode east then south on Hwy 101 down the "dryer" side of the Olympic National Park.  My wet weather gear seemed a little short when I put it on in a parking lot of an Indian casino, but when I sat down in the saddle it looked as though I had brought rain shorts instead of pants. Lesson learned. At Quilcene we stopped for a late lunch and some free wi-fi at a greasy spoon.

Grilled ham + cheese with soup and coffee was the perfect fuel for us - and Jean (the motorcycle) got a belly full of ethanol-free gasoline. With no particular destination in mind, we hit the road again and headed south. The rain kept falling so we opted for a cabin - with a wood stove AND an electric heater - on Lake Cushman, rather than our tent. We went mushroom hunting in the pouring rain with beers in hand. Found a few strange 'shrooms that we couldn't identify so we took pics instead of bites. Sonia built a roaring fire while I cooked a dinner of frostbitten chicken wieners accompanied by baked beans in bourbon sauce. Mouthwatering, I know. We stayed up late enjoying our fire and beer and laughter. Good thing the owner's provided us with "safety equipment".