September 12, 2022
Day 3 - Larrabee to Deception Pass State Park
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Even though for years I woke up at 5:00 or 5:30 every morning to exercise before work, I am not a morning person. I just need to say that. And when I retired from my corporate job, I decided that 7:00 or later was a civilized time to rise. So what am I doing with this crazy bunch of morning people?
Last evening, our tour leader had informed us that we should have our bags (i.e. tents, gear, and clothing) ready to go by 8:30. Breakfast is at 7:00, so that seemed reasonable. The first alarm went off at 6:15, and by the time I got up at 6:30, half the camp was already tearing down their tents.
I learned from the day before not to lollygag, so I had dressed in my bike kit before exiting my tent, but still…I’d really like to relax and have some coffee and breakfast before breaking down camp. Instead, I ended up drinking coffee while taking down my tent and packing up. I was still the last one out on the road, except for Scott who, like me, hasn’t camped in many years.
So Scott and I rolled out together down highway 11 toward Edison. It wasn’t long before we caught up with some of the group who had stopped to take in the view at one of the turnouts.
From then on it was a game of leapfrog as we passed, grouped up with, or rode at our own pace throughout the day.
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While the day was overcast and cool, the air quality was much better and the ride enjoyable.
One of my favorite sections was the Padilla Bay Shore trail, a crushed gravel path that followed the edge of the bay (really more like mudflats).
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2 years ago
Originally, we planned to cross Fidalgo Bay to Anacortes using the Tommy Thompson trail bridge, but it was closed due to a fire, so we had to cross on Hwy 20. Lots of traffic, but the shoulder was wide and the view from the top of the bridge fantastic.
We cycled through Anacortes and followed Lake Heart road out of town of the way to Deception Pass.
Deception Pass bridge is extremely narrow, and though many cyclists go ahead and cross the bridge on the road (taking the lane), I elected to walk my bike across using the equally narrow pedestrian walkway, because I wanted to be able to stop and take pictures midway across. The walkway is so narrow that it’s difficult for two people to pass each other.
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2 years ago
From there, it was only a half mile or so to the campground.
After setting up my tent, I meandered down to the beach and then walked about half a mile down a trail that paralleled the shore. It was lovely and quiet, and it felt good to hike after a morning on the bike.
And for those who like to see the day in action, a compilation video…
Today's ride: 43 miles (69 km)
Total: 83 miles (134 km)
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