Our morning began with espresso, bagels, cream cheese and conversation with the young barista's Mom who came to watch her daughter work. We didn't roll out of Elma until 10 am. when we headed directly into our first strong headwind. Fortunately, I was feeling more comfortable today with the unwieldy load on my bike since it was a day for drafting. On the first three days, I had just wanted to be "in my bubble." I was uncomfortable with the way my beast of a bike was handling and I didn't want anyone near if I did something unexpected. Today, though, was a day for team effort as we took turns leading, the charge into the wind.
Next stop was at my friend Sue"s "Just Beachy" store of eclectic vintage collectibles in Raymond, WA. In the foreground of the shop is one of the many metal sculptures which line the highway in the Raymond/South Beach areas. We continued on to South Beach to her amazing Victorian home which sits on a bluff overlooking the Willapa River. A 13% grade hill of several blocks stood between us and her home but we managed to haul ourselves up.
Of course we stopped for wine to bring to dinner. There was no room in the panniers so I found an alternative location to carry the bottle.
Sue really knows how to make cyclists feel at home. We arrived to appetizers of fresh fruits, cheeses, crackers and cider. After showers we moved on to Pasta Primavera and salad. Dessert was Klondike Bars with fresh raspberries and Irish Cream. It was a wonderful evening of food and friendship!
Except for the wind and the climb, it sounds like a perfect biking day - and having such a lovely evening makes up for all of that, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! Creative way to transport wine.
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