Around the Whidbey Naval Air Station, fighter jets practice frequent take off and landings with ear splitting roars.
We make good time, just catching the 11.45 ferry to Port Townsend. A lovely little town with a restored high street, of 19th century brick properties, some with old murals.
A few miles further south we camp in a tiny state park (Lower Oak Bay) between a lake and the sea.
An Osprey swoops down to catch three fish as we put up the tents and a Cedar Waxwing, a first for us, clings to reeds. A fisherman with a caravan on a sand spit gives us 2 enormous crabs he has just caught and cooked. He won't accept any payment.
It is chilly the next morning but we are soon warmed by a few more hills. Chestnut-coloured deer are frequently seen in the roadside woods and gardens, and we are then rewarded with expansive views as we reach the enormous floating concrete bridge that crosses the Hood Canal. The bridge is a bit scary as we are on a hard shoulder beside heavy traffic, some of the ride on slippery metal plates. A few miles further on and we hit busy Bremerton, a huge naval base that reminds us of Plymouth. A foot and bike ferry whips us over Puget Sound to small Port Orchard. A final steep hill and we are welcomed by Anita and Neil, and a fantastic view back across the water. The evening is rounded off with a barbecue, in their rear garden, beside a log fire burning in a metal cauldron.
The next morning is a day off the bikes as we catch the ferry to Seattle, in the continuing brilliant sunshine.
The waterfront is buzzing with food outlets and ferry and cruise ship docks. A few streets in is Pike's Place and the enormous old covered market famous for the fish stalls, but also packed with local produce and flower stalls. Nearby is the first ever Starbucks !(1921?)
Tour miles to date: 691
Location:Anacortes to Seattle
