July 22, 2009

west coast beginnings

We arrived in Bellingham a week ago tomorrow, I do believe. On our Amtrak ride from Williston, within the first 5 or 10 minutes we spotted 3 coyotes, some muledeer (we think), and a herd (pack?) of antelopes hanging near a herd of cattle (would have been an amazing photo). So, we were happy with our decision to take a train to Washington! Not to mention the endless length of Montana... Plus we'd heard a few nightmare stories about small shoulders and crazy drivers. And, luckily, we went through Glacier in the evening (not night) so we did get to see some spectacular mountain views there.

The train arrived in Everett, WA, so we set north for Bellingham to visit Nate's friend Matthew. On our way up, we spent a night with two amazing new friends, Garrett and Mark, near Mt. Vernon (just north of Big Lake). They live on the beginnings of an organic farm they call "Flora and Fauna". I'll put a few photos from our night with them at the end of this post. They sent us on our way the next day with a loaf of bread, dried peppermint leaves, vitamin water, and many good memories.

We took route 9 partway up to Bellingham then got on Chuckanut (sp?) Hwy along the coast to witness some beautiful scenery on a bike-friendly twisty roadway. Bellingham seems to be an awesome town with such gorgeous surrounding areas. Matt works at a food co-op here, so while he's been at work, we have explored some local parks/lakes, done laundry, and eaten yummy food (not much of a thai selection in north dakota!). One of the lakes we went to was a popular weekend spot but even though it was crowded it seemed so peaceful, and it was easy to hike off with no one on the trails with you. Amazing. The land here is simply amazing... Matthew is homeless by choice (during the warm season), so he camps around, and we got to see 3 of his spots. The first one was on a river where you could hike up just a short ways to some steep waterfalls... Unfortunately my camera battery was dead.

We had a fun time tubing two days ago but it was a definite sacrifice-- Nate got horribly burned, and my thighs got fried, even though we absolutely LOADED up with sunscreen. Soooo, we decided a couple nights in a motel were needed for quick recovery, and we've been holed up in the Econolodge.

After a fun week with Matthew and a lot of unhealthy food and drinks, it will be interesting to see how our bodies respond to riding again... I already feel like my belly has increased in size! :) But thank goodness we have places to go and people to see; otherwise Bellingham would be a tempting place to hang out for a long long while.

So, here is one photo from Flora and Fauna... this internet connection is awful so will have to add more later; if you have read this, feel free to add a comment at the bottom-- I love hearing from people!


3 comments:

Mom said...

Really enjoyed this newest blog - so much interesting stuff - I keep saying it, but this is truly a super neat adventure you are having! The people you have met and the parts of the country you have seen - the unbelievable number of miles you have biked and then a train trip on top of it - just all so amazing! So happy for you two to be doing this.
Bellingham sounds like a really neat place and from what I saw online about it, it is! :) Some rest and relaxation and good food and drink I'm sure has fortified you for the biking coming up! And you are going to be biking in beautiful country! Stay safe and well as you continue your bike trip! Hi to Nate. And love to you Er! Take care!

Angie said...

I've really enjoyed reading about your trip. You are an amazing women! Amtrak sounds like it was a good idea. You've got to be seeing some beautiful places. If you ever decide to bike to Florida, you have a place to stay in Cape Coral. I'll put you in a kayak and take you through the Everglades:)

Erin said...

Angie, thanks a bunch-- I would actually love to see the Everglades, so don't be surprised if you hear from me one day regarding that kayak trip! :)