| Date: September 10, 1999 | | Location Canada to Mexico - #1 - Salem to Spencer Lake | | Where: Spencer Lake RV Park- Spencer Lake, Washington | Friday - Canada or Bust
>From the train, Jim writes:
This morning we mounted our touring bikes and rolled to the train station in the gray dawn of 6:30. There is nothing quite like the ride of a loaded touring bike. 50 pounds of gear give the bike a heavy but stable feel, deadening the bumps of the pavement, slowing down its twitchy tendency, to give a more measured response. It's like the ride of a limousine instead of a sports car. In the dim morning light the deserted streets seem smooth and fast as we pumped toward the station. Our days & weeks of preparation have paid off and we leave home without a hitch.
>50 miles later at Spencer Lake, Jeanette writes while we dine, sitting on the deck next to the lake as the sun goes down.
We enjoyed GREAT hospitality today. Jim's sister, Rachel met our train in Lacey, carried our gear to her home and served a delicious lunch with 3 fresh salads and nice moist breads. We hurried away with good instructions and a piece torn right out of the center of her Lacey map.
As we appproached Tumwater the bike lane appeared and disappeared several times. On a narrow corner a polite motorist held back traffic for us. The next thing we knew, she parked her car and ran after us to see where we were headed. It turns out that she (Laura) and her husband (Steve) are bicycle tourists themselves (planning their next trip in Cuba!) She escorted us back to their home, changed into riding gear and escorted us all the way to Mud Bay. We have exchanged data and they are now included in our Email audience. (Thanks again, Laura!)
|  | | Jeanette & Jim with Olympia Capitol dome in background Friday afternoon traffic was heavy as we cycled north. We discovered Spencer Lake RV Park 7 miles closer than our planned campground. The owner was sorry to tell us that he didn't have showers or flush toilets, but he could give us a nice tent site with water near the porta potty. When I asked about registration he said, "Just stay, no charge." A few minutes later he delivered a load of firewood, kindling and paper to our site.
We are being treated royally in Washington
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