June 18, 2013
US 101 runs from Tumwater, Washington to the East Los Angeles Interchange, the world’s busiest. The stretch that loops the Olympic Peninsula has West and East across the top of the peninsula. Over the years, I ridden or driven over the almost 2,500 miles of US 101.
A route that Jim and I’ve covered from beginning to end is Washington 20. It begins in Newport at the Idaho border and ends on the Olympic Peninsula. You’ve seen some wonderful photographs taken along WA 20.
We began the day’s journey at Oak Harbor, Washington. After a nippy ride to the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry and a short wait, we were the first motor vehicles to board the ferry.
The last time we rode one of the Washington State Ferries, our Harleys were strapped to the side of the cargo area. We expected the same, but were pleasantly surprised when we pulled to the front (or rear) of the vessel. We parked the bikes on the kick stands. It was a smooth ride across to Port Townsend.
We stopped in Port Angeles for lunch and to change into our foul weather gear. It rained off and on until late afternoon.
This was taken at a wide spot in the road. It stopped raining long enough for me to get the shot.
We enjoyed a sunset that lasted more than twenty minutes.
Old Adage:
Red sky at night; sailors delight,
Red sky in the morning; sailors warning
In Matthew XVI: 2-3, Jesus said, “When in evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: For the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today; for the sky is red and lowering.”
Old adages and biblical quotes don’t always foretell reality. We had plenty of rain the next day.
I remember Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey Island oh so well. I was stationed up there for a couple of years but my wife got so tired of the rain and gloominess that she said “You’re a PN, get us out of here”. Luckily, I did just that and managed a transfer to the Reserve Patrol Wing Staff at Moffett Field. Oak Harbor was beautiful for the first 6 months; however, after that the weather (always something in the air) got old. Your trip sounds great. “Stew”
Did you retire before the Navy eliminated “PN”?