Day one started at 6 am. We followed Chuckanut Drive out of Bellingham along the sound. What a great way to start the ride. Chuckanut Drive is beautiful and hugs the coastline for most of its length. From there we dipped down into the Skagit valley riding through agricultural fields. We crossed hwy 20 and made our way along the back roads to La Conner where I had my first latte stop of the trip. From there it was a windy back rode journey across Whidbey, then back on hwy 20 for a lunch stop at Pass Lake where I contemplated a swim but it just wasn't quite warm enough. From there we road across the bridge over Deception Pass. Then more back roads before arriving at the PT Ferry. There was a long group of cyclists waiting in line to get on the ferry. The loaded us last. We were a brightly colored group in all kinds of bike jerseys. I got to meet a few more people. There were riders from Alaska, Washington DC, California, and even Canada.

We arrived in PT and the route took us through town and up a long hill, over the hill to Fort Warden. We camped in a small grassy area at the Fort and were treated to a wonderful dinner in their diningroom. Definitely the best meal of the trip. Then it was showers, group meeting, and sleep.

Next: Day 2