4/3/12 - Fairholm Campground, WA to Kalaloch Campground, WA

I woke up to the sound of rain around 7.  Soon after starting out the rained turned to snow.  It was very wet, heavy snow that accumulated quickly.  Luckily the roads did not become icy.  Cars were considerate for the most part and one lady in a truck even asked if I would like a ride (just moments after a cop car buzzed me).  I did have one scare when my front tire slid off the raised shoulder that was hidden in the snow, I lost control of Carrie and veered into the lane.  No cars were on the road right then but the thought of crashing to the ground was enough to get the blood pump going.  My clothing held up for about 30-45 minutes but was eventually soaked through, making for a rather chilly ride. 

Typically the tires stay one behind the other

I rode into Forks around 1pm and encountered my first mechanical - a flat front tube.  A nail was the culprit and it took a little longer to get the new tube in the tire that I would have liked.  I was trying to make good time and this was not helping at all.  While fixing it I heard from Jeffrey that the Dallas area had been hit hard by tornadoes.  Thanks for the instant dose of perspective, Universe.  I called around to make sure everyone I knew was okay but they had no cell coverage.  It was a frustrating couple of hours and I was later relieved to find out that everyone was safe and sound. 

My first view of the Pacific was at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.  She's absolutely beautiful, with countless sun reflecting rows of waves and a deep blue vastness that stretches out for miles.  I spent some time enjoying the view but since it was on top of a cliff I was anxious to move on and get to an actual beach.  Not far down the road was Kalaloch Campground, the days destination.  It was pretty crowded with RV's and some actual campers and everyone I met was very friendly.  Upon arriving I seemed to have peaked my new neighbors curiosity.  When I was done stripping layers off and had shoes that allowed me to walk and not waddle like a penguin I made my way over to them.  We had a nice long chat about where each of us were from, our journeys so far and where we were heading.  Afterwards I set up camp and headed down the road about half a mile for dinner.  I got back to camp shortly before sun down and walked along the beach for a while before calling it an early night. 

View from the dinner table

Campground

Beach down the bluff from the campground

Bike stats:  62 miles