Back in Washington State.

Just finished biking the Nortah and South coasts of Vancouver Island and in Victoria BC. I also biked the San Juan Islands in Washington. I am now making my way to the Washington coast. biked over 400 miles so far. I was without the Internet in BC. It has been a great experience. The beauty of this great earth is humbling. I love the smell of the soil, the breeze against my cheeks, the sounds of the birds and the waters, and the magnificent beauty of the sky. Have met many good and friendly people. The biking has been hard, especially the steep hills and the head winds, but I am getting stronger. I will try to keep up on my blog mow that I am back in the states. Miss you all.

On My Way

I just learned that my bag has arrived this morning. I am on my way to pick it up. I will then pack all my gear onto my bike and be on my way to Canada. One thing to note, I may not get 3G coverage in Canada. My plan says that I will only have domestic service in the US. I hope it still transmits. If not, I will be incognito for the next 7-10days. Bon-Voyage.

Lost Luggage

When I arrived in Seattle yesterday,my duffle bag full of my gear for the tour was not on the bus, even though I loaded it on myself when we changed buses in Butte Montana. To say the least, I was very concerned. The greyhound personnel were not helpful at all. After an hour of trying to track it down with no success, I went on to Bellingham. My wife Kim, some family members and friends started to pray with me. After about 40 minutes into my ride to Bellingham I got a telephone call from the driver of the bus to Seattle. He stated that he had taken my bag off the bus in Spokane, WA because he thought the tag said Pullman,WA. When he saw his error and told the new bus driver to put it back on. The new bus driver forgets to put it on and and the bag was still in Spokane. I was very relieved to know what happened, and grateful for all the prayers. They said they would send it on and it should arrive in Bellingham within 12 a 24 hours. It is now Wednesday at about4:00 Utah time and the bag is still not here. I am bummed because I was going to start riding today. I still do not know the status of my bag but I am all over greyhound to to identify exactly where it is. They are hoping it will arrive this afternoon or early evening. If it does I will be very glad and I will load up for an early start on Thursday. If not, I will need to start praying for patience and forgiveness. All of my clothes are in the bag. I guess I will have to wash what I am wearing while I wait. Luckily, I did manage to get a toothbrush. The people who picked me up in Bellingham and took me to their home in Blaine, WA (the Ford's) have been great. They gave me a nice bed to sleep in and have been feeding me well. I really appreciate them. I did get my bike re-assembled today and went on a nice ride around Blaine. They have a beautiful harbor here and great views of the ocean and over into Canada. They are right on the border. Well here's hoping I get my gear sometime today.

Getting There

A pretty uneventful day traveling by bus. I am in Spokane Washington on a short layover. Should arrive in Seattle around 7:00, and then onto Bellingham and Blaine. I have met a lot of interesting people traveling by bus, from all walks of life. I am excited to get out on the bike a little later today, before I officially start the tour early Wed. Morning. One thing is for sure, sleeping on the bus has not been a remote possibility. So much for that mistaken idea.

Approaching Liftoff

It is Saturday the 28th of August and my big bike tour is quickly approaching.  On Monday, the 30th of August, I will embark on my journey to the West Coast for my biking tour.  I will be leaving Provo, Utah at 6:05 a.m. via Greyhound Bus and will travel to Bellingham Washington.  I am taking all my gear for the tour with me on the bus in a large duffle bag, arriving early Tuesday morning on the 31st.  Some friends of a friend are picking me up in Bellingham and driving me 20 miles to Blaine WA., right on the U.S./Canada Border.  These folks actually live in Blaine.  I shipped my bike by UPS ground transportation to their home.  I will spend a couple of hours on Tuesday re-assembling my bike and orginazing my gear.  I will be carrying about 42 lbs of gear (enough to last me on for a six week self-contaned tour) on my front and rear panniers and some stacked on my back and front bike racks.  All of my panniers are completely waterproof inasmuch as I will likely encounter some rain, especially in Canada and Washington State.  On Tuesday, I will bike around Blaine and make sure the loaded bicycle is completely ready for the long-haul.  I will probably stay in Blaine that evening and then head out on Wednesday morning early on the 1st of August, crossing the border and heading for Vancouver Island some 30 mile distance from Blaine.  I am very much excited and a little apprehensive.  I am taking my IPad with me and will keep up on this blog regularly, so follow along if you want to.  If anyone needs to communicate directly with me my email is spanos.jerry@gmail.com.  Until next time, stay happy.  Jerry