life as lived, with a dash of homesickness

I have to admit to some discouragement this week. I've been rained on, hailed on, and just got back from work at midnight tonight looking very much like my dear friend from Ranchita, CA, the Abominable Snowman. As I melted my way into the house, 8 days began looking awfully close. It's been a tough week in a lot of ways. For instance: yesterday began with a forgotten helmet, continued with a two hour walk to fetch bike from the shop and then retrieve said helmet...during which time the screws in my clipless pedal shoes came loose which meant that once bike and helmet were reunited, and the first stop sign was reached, the shoes refused to disengage from the bike pedals with cars stopped in front and coming up behind me. Yup. Not a very nice moment which resulted in a prompt return visit to the bike shop. Of course yesterday was the one day where I also forgot to carry my bike tool with me. When it rains, it just pours. 

Tonight, a girl was attacked just outside of our store. A brutal reminder that it doesn't matter where you are. 

On a brighter note, I had some spare time on Thursday in Redmond which I spent mostly at a Thai restaurant. It was SO nice to go in. It felt like I was home at last. It's been very strange the last few months not to constantly be hearing and speaking Thai, so it was with some relief that I chatted with the waitresses. That is, once they got over their initial surprise that a farang (white person) "poodt Thai diy" (can speak Thai). I had some raad-na (fried wide noodles in gravy) with nuua (beef) and paad pak (fried vegetables). For dessert, some cowneou ma'muang (sticky rice with mango). Sadly, the mango was well in advance of its prime, but the sticky rice was almost as good as home. Just a tad more coconut cream and some of the nutty topping would have put it equal. It was a challenge to try to decide which favorite dish to order. I miss Pe Udom's cooking unbearably sometimes. 

driving thoughts

Perhaps you remember Camille's garage friend, the VW bug. Yesterday I learned how to drive with a stick shift in the bug. Larry started me off in a parking lot at Merrimor Park and after a few rounds I was getting the hang of things so we headed to Thompson Hill for a real challenge. On the way there, we encountered some construction where we had to stop and wait for a while. We were at the front of the line and when the construction worker finally gave us the signal to go, I scrambled to get it all together and he was looking impatient until we started. As we hopped by him with a roar, he burst into laughter. I got lots of practice starting on hills and reversing. It was hilarious, though. Any time you want a really good laugh, just teach someone to drive with a stick shift. Guaranteed fun! 

11 days. I've thought a lot about this trip, planned for a year and am about to depart. The word "depart" in conjunction with "11 days" is enough to send the butterflies into major overtime. Pre-trip jitters are common, I'm told...they last until that final moment that you click into the pedals and start off. It's been interesting to note the reactions of those that I've told. They range from envy to "you must be crazy". No, this is not an "Into the Wild" moment, but rather a well-researched 6,000+ mile bicycle trip through some of the most beautiful parts of America. I plan to be sensible, but if something terrible should happen, I do not fear death. I have planned, prepared and trained for months. I am ready to go. My panniers are packed and Camille is in the bike shop getting her final tune-up. Let's roll!

Training Ride

The symphony of sounds on the trail was sweet...the steady hum of the tires, the swish of water running off the fenders, the pit-pat of rain on my jacket and the rhythmic crackling of my rain pants. My ears were filled with the incessant scolding of tiny birds and my eyes were distracted by the scampering squirrels. The ducks were in their element, and thronged to the water's edge where they did absolutely nothing but stand together sleepily in the rain. Spring is here, evidenced by the many flowering trees and the gentle rain.

daffodils...what is Spring without them?

 

It was a rainy Thursday as usual, and after loading up my bike with enough cans of tuna to feed a small starving nation, I wobbled off to Redmond. After the requisite gatorade, sandwich & chocolate pick-up at QFC, we set off to find Puget Sound. Many miles and a picnic lunch later, as we rounded Lake Washington, we passed the Kenmore Airport--for seaplanes only. They looked pretty amazing!

The University of Washington and Gasworks Park on Lake Union were next. Here is Camille taking a break and enjoying the view of the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle off to the right really interested her, but we didn't have time to visit today.

Gasworks Park...and...those funny looking things in the background would be the old gasworks I guess!

view of Lake Union

under-view of the incredibly huge bridge over the canal leading to the Sound

my destination reached: the ocean! or (tuna meets source)

After I savored the salty ocean air and the view, I retraced my trail back to Redmond. It was still raining and I had lost the feeling in my feet, so some thawing-out at the Starbucks was in order. I rode the familiar road back home in the fading evening light. Total miles for today's ride: 90. I had hopes to make it a century, but carrying the extra weight and the long day in the rain shortened the final result. After a delicious dinner, I enjoyed relaxing for a few hours in the hot tub outside with my brothers! 

I learned a few important things today. My new Sealskinz waterproof socks held up beautifully but my Lone Creek panniers with rain covers did not prove terribly waterproof. The cans of tuna were quite damp... so it looks like I will have to improvise a little. Otherwise I am very happy with the bags. I need to tweak my bike setup a little for more comfort over longer distances and look into lower gearing for hill-climbing while loaded. I hit every bump I could find (and there was no shortage, I can assure you) and the bike held up really well. There is a bit of a sporadic rattle that I'm trying to track down, but other than that, Camille is a very solid ride!