Day 3 - I saw tree

Day 3 – Chimacum to Belfair.  We left Chimacum expecting a 50 mile day but ended up with about 61 miles.  During those miles we climbed 2,985 feet and spent some of that time below sea level by about 15 feet.  Right now I am 4 feet above sea level.  What this means is we went up and down a lot.  I think the steepest was about 15% and it was for too long.  Its hard to explain a 15% grade other than the average interstate is built on a 6% grade.  Get out your protractor and look at 15%...then sit back and go…ouch, that is rough.

Mom and Shannon once again rode the tandem all day and she was still smiling and laughing at the end.  She also learned the joys of chamois cream. 

Dad rode all but about 45 miles today and he somehow managed to choose the hardest miles.  Just after he got back on the bike we headed up a lovely hill.  He is a trooper and just kept pedaling.  Not sure if it is endurance, stubbornness or will power but it was incredible to watch and be a part of. 

Carl rode the distance again.  He has covered every mile with us “well” people and still has the energy to make us laugh at night.  His singing and creative talents are shared throughout the day.  Carl, Tom and Phil play off each other well and kept us laughing all day long.  At times, they had Mom laughing out loud.

Today was Tom and Phil’s last day with us and we are sad to see them go.  But, we are very thankful that they would spend their vacations with us touring the country for PD.  They are a lot of fun and I look forward to our next ride together….and there will be another ride together.  Phil’s beat boxing and listing of the capitals of the western hemisphere countries to his reciting of nursery rhymes.

Our lodging for the night is on the Puget Sound and it was so encouraging to turn the corner and see a group from the Lutheran Church standing there to welcome us.  They had a banner for Dad and Carl to ride through and were blowing bubbles as the rest of us entered the parking lot.  They had prepared an awesome potluck dinner for us and even waited for us to arrive almost an hour late.  They were all so happy to see us and we were excited to hear about our adventures.  They were all so welcoming and giving.  Very encouraging as we continue one with the next set of hills.

Jer and Rachel worked through some map gaps and got us here safely.  This included creating a new route on the fly.

To end the day, we took a dip in the Puget Sound and had an outdoor shower at the Parson-egg – an egg shaped travel trailer the Pastor lives in while she is in town. 

Today, I rode for Carl.  Haven’t told him that.  He amazes me….as do most with PD.  It is one thing to see Dad and all he does to ride those miles with his sons.  It is something completely different to watch a friend (or adopted brother) want to also put in those challenging miles.  It is an honor to have him along on this trip and to be trusted by his wife and family to make sure he comes home safely.  Keep it up Carl, you inspire everyone who meets ya. 

Well, it is time for bed.