Friday May 4th dawned grey and wet, as I headed
to the Edmonds ferry landing on my YamahaTW200.
Across the water, Sareth on his BMW F800GS and I met in Kingston, where we topped
off fuel, headed out.
We rode through heavy squalls and showers to Brinnon and the Cove RV
Park.
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| Pitch not yet Perfected |
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| Campsite lush |
Soon camp was set, and we headed
up nearby Forest Service roads to find the snowline. Well graded and empty roads led up mountain
slopes through moss covered forest and native Rhododendron.
Shortly after passing a rock in the road, we
found the snowline.
The altitude was
2,600’. This bode well for tomorrow’s plan to ride Forest Service roads from
Skokomish to Lake Wynoochee. Our planned
route would top about around that altitude.
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| No matter how fat the tire, there's no riding up this! |
After dropping back down to pavement, we headed up the Mt.
Walker Viewpoint Road. A long steady
climb on graded gravel and dirt took us to the top. At 2,500’ a mix and snow and rain fell from
surrounding fog and clouds. An
occasional glimpse in the cover teased at the hidden views beyond.
By early afternoon we returned rather wet to camp, and
assisted park owners Doug and Kimberley Hixson in preparations for the oyster
feed potluck that evening. The first
opening of shrimp season was scheduled for 0900-1300 the next day, and the RV
Park was rather full for the occasion.
Right as the potluck was winding up, James joined us and
pitched his camp with ours. He rode a BMW R1150GS.
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| Centralia was in the house. |
Soon we were enjoying delicious pan-fried oysters prepared
by Doug, along with corn-on-the-cob, salads, breads and other dishes in a
friendly community gathering. Out of the
rain under the Camp pavilion, we were well accommodated for the gathering. I can’t say enough about the wonderful
facility and hospitality of Doug and Kimberley.
Though we did not procure clams for the feast, Doug’s giant clam display
in front of the camp store sufficed to complete the outing title: Oyster, clam,
and Snowline Jam.
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| Not sure about the limit on those big ones. |
After dark, Deb rolled in on her Suzuki V-Strom DL650, and
immediately piled on the grief for not having a roaring fire awaiting her. We tried to get a blaze from the neighbors
abandoned campfire, but we were challenged by the damp wood and weather. Besides, there was beer, warm water in the
restrooms, and beer. We helped her pitch
her camp, and soon we turned in to a night of blissful slumber…..
Saturday morning skies were much brighter and drier. The
nearby highway was busy with shrimpers hauling boats to launch. With a four-hour opening, timing was
critical. We had a relaxed morning,
diagnosed a worn chain on Deb’s bike, and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in
Brinnon awaiting JT to join us.
The boats were on the water and off the highway as we rode
101 south along Hood canal.
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| Reverend Bill, James and Deb. (L to R) |
We
provisioned at the Skokomish Casino, and soon headed west on back roads.
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| Acrophobic? |
We elected to take a long side loop in order
to visit a high bridge, and enjoyed miles of beautiful and largely empty Forest
Service roads.
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| Roads where you can just stop in the middle. Deb, James, JT, Rev Bill (L to R) |
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Eventually we finished
the loop and headed on the main road toward Wynoochee.
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| What's that you say? No Motorcycles? |
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| James performs the ADV salute |
When we arrived at the snow and down-tree blockage, we were
astounded to find we were at only 1,300’ elevation.
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| If we just had a chainsaw....... |
After pondering all the options for getting
around the obstacle, we chose to back-track to the highway and ride paved roads
to Wynoochee.
By the time we returned to Highway 101, Deb learned of a
personal emergency at home that pulled her from the trip. Assessing the hour, we decided to abandon
Wynoochee as a destination, and instead head for Belfair State Park and the
trails of Tahuya for Sunday riding.
Deb rode with the group to Belfair and then continued on for
home. A quick stop in Belfair for provisions, and James learned of a backed up
sewer at home and he left the group as well.
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| Sareth's pitch improving. |
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| Sareth, JT, Fire! |
Sareth, JT and I found a beach-view campsite at the park,
and soon had camp set, a fire burning, and beers opened. A photo of the campfire was sent to Deb in
return for her heaps of grief, and soon, cans of food were heated in the fire.
A “super moon” rose over the water at dusk, and all was well
with the world.
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| Shady campsite on a sunny morn. |
|
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| Ebb tide inlet |
Sunday JT woke ill and packed early. Soon he was on the road for home, with a
mechanical adventure on his way to the Southworth ferry. Seems his pack strap was sucked into his
counter sprocket, and a shred of it caused failure of his counter shaft
seal. He was puking oil at the ferry
toll-booth when it was discovered, and luckily no harm came to his engine. The skipper allowed him to push his bike on
the ferry and within a few days he had it running as per normal.
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| We don't need no stinking counter sprocket cover! |
Meanwhile, Sareth chose to take a long pavement ride home, so
we parted ways in Belfair. By the
afternoon my wet camping and riding gear hung in the back yard to dry.
I await the next adventure.
Thanks to the riders for joining me on this outing and I look forward to
riding with all of you again soon.
-Reverend Bill
