Day 3: Belfair to Elma
Slept pretty well and even overslept a little. It was nearly 8 am before I left Belfair national park.
Riding today was nice and scenic through forests for most of the day. Except for a few miles where I missed a turn and took an epic long and steep downhill. Only when I got to the bottom of the hill did I realize my mistake and I was not cycling back up that monster. So I winged another route but was on heavily trafficked roads for a few kms. There were a couple of steep unavoidable climbs, which I walked. Am I allowed to admit this on a bike touring website?
Morning coffee was in a drive through coffee shop. These seem to be very popular here. Too popular I think when I would rather go indoors to drink my coffee (and steal some electricity and wifi). I also learned that the small coffee is regular size coffee and the “regular” coffee here comes with 2 shots of Espresso and fits nicely in my handlebar bottle holder. All important information for a coffee powered cyclist.
I had lunch in a small stereotypical family run dinner in a small town called Shelton. Eggs and Hash browns for those who care… Who would care about this? You are just rambling now. Back to the story… When I went up to try to pay for it, it was already paid for… Turns out the family behind me overheard my Irish accent when I was talking to the waiter and based on just this they decided to pay for my food. Wow… This is the best kind of racism!
The riding after lunch continued much the same as before lunch, through very rural managed forest type land where I might only see a vehicle every few mins. There were a few logging trucks too. But all drivers have been super respectful so far leaving me loads of room. Long may this last.
I checked into Elma RV park to smiles, 2 bags of free homemade cookies and free wifi, all for $5/night. The cookies were delicious.
Today was a 90km day. I am totally fine but I feel like my bike might need a rest tomorrow. So I will reluctantly take a rest day tomorrow.
