Wednesday evening I arrived on Orcas island in the San Juans, deposited by WA state ferry system, $76. fare. All roads here ultimately end back on the ocean.
Tues. I packed up my van and headed west. Tuesday night I spent in the snow park. I saved driving over the pass for daylight on Wed. I saw 6 degrees on my van thermometer as I climbed the pass. It’s just cold.
Snow and cold continued going west almost to the ocean.
I drove highway US 2 from Spokane to Everett then turned north on I-5 to Anacortes and highway US 20 out to the ferry dock. peaceful sailing into the sunset. I drove of the ferry and headed to Moran state park in the dark. Previous wind damage littered the road w/ broken tree parts. I found the south end open XG that I had all to myself. Very cold. My heater just does not stay ahead of the teen temps outside.
Thurs i drove back to East Sound to learn about things. I found the local bike shop and chatted w/ Dan, the owner, for awhile. I asked for recommendations on free places to park over night. He sent me to a hostel. I met Dave, the owner, and among other things we had a free ranging conversation. He commented on Jingoism. He wanted $2 less per night than the state campgrounds but I would be a bit closer to town and have access to the inside. He suggested another hostel and I drove off to find it. Ian, the owner was another character. He is working on converting a large school bus into a festival rig. He told me about tonight’s performance of the burlesque nutcracker play and the cast is staying in his hostel. He wanted a few $ less and did offer free access to his shower. Both places were in residential areas but not in the woods. I still chose the state park @ $22. night.
yesterday I checked my bank account and saw 2 charges for fuel back in Ohio. I called my credit union to report the false charges. I was told that my card had been compromised back in Nov and that they mailed me a notice and a new card and pin. All of which were still in my mail forwarding service. On Thurs they closed my card. Fortunately it was working for me on Wed to buy diesel, groceries, and ferry fee. I went on line to the mail forwarding and selected what I hope are the entire bank correspondence and ordered them mailed to me here on Orcas. I am managing my small stash of cash till card arrival on either Mon or Tues. Back in Spokane someone broke into 2 grocery store chains where I shop. My guess is my card info was picked up there. Compliments to fraud detection @ BECU to shut off unusual transactions.
Another cold night, 17 degrees and the wind picked up overnight. I checked the NOAA weather report that listed an ice build up data. Temps are still well below freezing.
Last night I camped in another SP XG that is higher up MT Constitution. The elevation allowed XM reception that the previous XG didn’t get.
Today i did my wash and drove into East Sound. I found a store selling tickets for tonight’s Nutcracker that allowed me to pay by check.
Moran SP has multiuse trails, bikes are prohibited on some of them during high season to facilitate user conflict.
Again I chose to stay in the warmth of a heated building here @ the library. The wind is to gradually abate this weekend but remain cold. I am wearing wool long underwear, thank you merino wool sheep.
So I will remain here until my card arrives at least. Sun shine, cold temps, and high winds. Interacting w/ locals as I can.
My big camera uses more pixels than this web site will allow to be posted. Bummer. Great view of snow covered MT Baker from the ferry terminal.