Thursday, June 5, 2025
Day five
Fort Worden, Washington to Fidalgo Bay, WA
Miles: 51.32
Elevation: 2,316
Time: 5 hrs 35 minutes
Total miles: 187.3
Total Elevation: 7,624
Total Time: 20 hrs 20 minutes
Sometimes when things don’t go as planned.
Last night at camp, we had the most wonderful time sitting by the fire. It bought back memories of my childhood and as a parent of a scout. The warmth. The smell. Such great memories. We didn’t expect to have a campfire but stumbled across free firewood and an abandoned log in a nearby fire pit. Our kind camp neighbors loaned us a lighter and there we were. Two kids again.
I rediscovered an app I had on my phone called Merlin Bird ID. You can turn the microphone on and it will analyze the bird sound and suggest a bird. We were hearing robins and bald eagle. We’d seen a bald eagle earlier and robin are plentiful. Humming birds were also in the area.
Once the fire died down, it was bedtime. All snug in the tent, it was not long before we were both in LaLa land until I was abruptly awakened by the most blood curdling, predatory screech I’ve ever heard! I cannot begin to describe the sound. It was coming from the trees and I thought it was a bird, not too unlike the bald eagle sounds earlier but so extremely aggressive. I looked to Drew who was still deep in sleep. My heart was racing trying to discern if, maybe it wasn’t a bird, but an animal. We were prey? The sound lifted away and all was silent.
Moments later, a sea of a million frogs began to croak and so throughout the night they sang. By 3 am, the song shifted to birds until at 6, we started our new day.
As we packed, a crane flew over with a honk like a goose. It only took minutes to break camp. Sleeping on a firm (ground) surface was wonderful!!
Heading towards the ferry terminal, we found Bayview Restaurant and had a delicious breakfast and few wonderful cups of coffee!
We headed to catch the 9 am ferry but it had been cancelled due to fog on Whidbey Island. Not what we expected. So we headed to down town for site seeing. After about 45 minutes, we came across Better Living Through Coffee and decided to wait there for the 11 am ferry. We met Tyler and enjoyed a fantastic discussion about cycling. Another family rolled up on bikes and the music started. And then we met Faith, celebrating her 65th birthday. What a treat. Not something we planned for.
Back at the ferry terminal, we were told the 11 am ferry might not run now due to staffing issues. Well now. I told the employee I was willing to take a gamble and roll the dice (and sprinkle some pixie dust) and it worked. Onto the ferry. I’ve never seen big rigs and autos being transported by ferry. It was fascinating!!
In 35 minutes, we were on Whidbey Island. Off we went with a side stop at Walmart. Our air horns could not be shipped so we need to pick up a set. They work so well to divert dogs.
We traveled on highway 20 for most of the day. The number of cars was mind boggling. How could so many cars exist on an island?
Throughout the day, we saw EA-18G Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island soar through the skies. Sorry, no photos. They’re too fast!!
Up and down, over hill and dale, we finally arrived at Fidalgo Bay Resort. The wall of a building was covered with cute birdhouses. How fun!! A quick check in, panniers stored, we headed into town for a late lunch/early dinner. Whew, the bikes are light without all our stuff. lol! A burger and fish tacos later, we were set for the night. Back to our room, a hot shower, laundry, charge every device we have, and then we can call it a day.
Today didn’t go as planned. We never could have imagined meeting the amazing, beautiful people we met. Or how beautiful and sunny the day would be. Only made better by the seat of a bicycle spent with your best friend.
#RoadrunnerTour2025
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