July 7, Stage 1

July 7, Everett, WA to Sedro Woolley, 95 miles, 5000 ft of climbing Spectacular day of riding in the Pacific NW. Spent most of the day on Whidbey Island--conifer tree-lined roads for the first 20 miles, then along the west side of the island with occasional fishing villages, sail boats, Puget Sound islands in the distance, and the Olympic Mountains in the further distance. This is the area where Ben lived, worked, and then attended The Evergreen State College, starting in 1994. Pacific Northwest and now Kona--how did he discover the secret to the good life so early? Our route eventually crossed Deception Pass, which merited a few pictures--of Puget Sound islands and the Olympics. For sure, this is not Iowa. Both the climbs and the descents are longer, and the scenery.... I am feeling great, with some nagging hip pain when I get off the bike. The massage therapist says it is probably due to overuse, which is code for "you have been biking too much this last month, given your aged body." If her work on the hip does not heal, Ibuprofen, and eventually Marsha's painkillers are ready to help. Tomorrow we head east from Sedro Woolley to Winthrop, with one climb that lasts about 40 miles, getting steeper the last several miles. 126 miles, with 7600 feet of climbing. I appreciate everyone's support.