Day 6: If You Like Trees, Washington Is For You

Route:  Lake Quinault to Elma, Wa

Distance:  63 miles

First off, a picture from last night:

Now you see why Teddy Roosevelt schlepped it out here to sign the bill that would create the Olympic National Park. He was no dummy.  

So last night I hung out on the beach and watched the sun set with my first cycle tourist friends - Marie and Joel from Grenoble France.  They are riding from Vancouver to Portland and wisely chose to stay 2 nights at Lake Quinault.  Nice couple. I had so much fun chatting with them, I neglected to stop by and visit with Brett and Gale (the Canadians) - and there was an offer of a beer!  All this socializing was wearing me out. 

Still got rolling a bit after 630 and was soon on my old friend the 101 and out of the rainforest:

Still lots of trees.  Lots:

After the usual 20 miles or so, I found a convenient forest service road off of the highway for a snack and a stretch: 

It occurs to me that these roads could also provide access to choice body dumping locations.... Nothing is floating up out in that forest!  Just sayin.

No ocean today, just lots of quiet farms and fields (I left 101 about half way through the day) including one that doubled as an airfield:

I also stumbled onto what would appear to be some extremely large marshmallows that had just been harvested:

I'm guessing the next step is to truck them off to be cut to size and (of course) "jet puffed".... (Sorry, slow day for pictures!).

Today was the first day I felt a bit weary.  Nothing too noticeable, but something that a cup of good coffee might remedy.  Well upon reaching Montesano, I found the elixir:

And hoh man!  Did that ever get me to the good place.  I also met another bike tourist heading on roughly the same route (and he's from Newhall - small world!) who tipped me off to the Grays Harbor Hostel just outside of Elma. A quick stop for groceries and then over to the hostel:

The hostel is owned by Jay and Linda Klemp.  Once I get all checked in and whatnot, Jay insists (in a good way) that I check out their disc golf course.  WOW!  He has put together a very challenging 18 hole course complete with water hazards and doglegs around trees.  Impressive!  If I wasn't so content hanging out in one of their comfy chairs, I'd be out there playing.