Colin:
We left Seattle on Thursday, May 5th after a hearty breakfast of leftover BBQ chicken pizza. Thanks again Constance for being a wonderful host.
We first meandered through seattle on our way to find the interurban trail. This kept us in the wooded outskirts of the northern suburbs. The path afforded great views of rugged, snow-capped mountains to either side as well as regularly spaced public art installations.
Shortly thereafter we found ourselves riding slong a state road through a sprawl of strip malls and car dealerships. This was less scenic but brought us directly to the mukilteo ferry terminal. A pleasant half hour ferry ride later we disembarked on whidbey island. State road 525 (which turned into 20 part way through the day) wound up into the hills and pine forests of the island.
On the ferry google had assured us that it was 34 miles to one potential campsite at the northern tip of the island. We quickly realized this was totally false and that it was actually closer to 50 miles and resolved not to push all of the way.
The most amusing development on the day came as we passed directly next to a naval airfield, which was conducting a training exercise that i am told is called a "touch and go". Basically a training on landing and takeoff technique by flying circuits and touching tires to the airstrip before pulling back up without stopping. All of that is to say the planes were flying right by us and while it was loud it was also cool. Throw in the bald eagles overhead and it all felt a bit over the top.
We ended the day pulling into fort ebey state park about halfway up the island and set up camp on cliffs facing the olympic mountains across the sound. The sight was a glorious reward for a good first day of our trip.
60 miles today.
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