Corners and Hills - 253 miles

This country sure has some great roads.

Whilst we did have a terrific time in Canada - have to go back someday - the roads there are a lot like Australia's. Some OK, some terrible.

But back in the USA the roads are much better. Maybe it is that so many Americans travel about their country - mostly in gianormous mobile homes - that their road infrastructure is better.

Today we started out by driving up to Mt Baker in northern Washington state. The road in was pretty good and when we got on to the mountain road it was excellent. All the way to the top where the last remnants of snow are melting away. We had a walk in the ice/snow and goot our feet cold, even through the boots.

Back down again and we saw lots of bikes heading up for the ride. It is a Sunday here and reasonably fine so everyone who has a motorcycle is out on the road. My goodness there are a lot of Harleys. Easily the most popular bike here. But there were lots of others as well. Where we stopped for fuel there was a couple on two brand new identical Monsters. Excellent choice for Mt Baker's sharp corners. While we were talking to them a couple of blokes pulled up on a newish CBR and an old CB360 twin - just like one I had over 30 years ago. It was in pretty good condition as well. He said he paid $990 for it. I paid $950 when I got mine brand new in '76.

Back south and we decided not to go into Seattle. Big cities hold little fascination for us (although we do intend to spend a couple of days in NYC). The people in the country towns have all been excellent. We did miss contacting friends Paul and Sue in Seattle by a day otherwise we would have gone in to say hello. But we will be sure to catch up with Paul at Wing Ding in Tulsa.

So we turned on to Hwy 20 and headed for North Cascades NP and Washington Pass. Another great ride, but this time with lots of stops to view the outlooks. Our GPS gave an initial ETA of 12:30pm in Winthrop but we didn't get here until after 4:00pm.

We just finished putting up the tents and down came the rain. So tea was a wet affair. Not to worry - it has stopped now and the particular tree we sheltered under - an oak I think - hardly let any water through at all. The rain also gave the bikes a much needed wash, so Jack and I have wiped them down and they look clean and spectacular again. Well, they are both red - how can we miss?

I seem to be getting carried away - I'll blame Mr Miller.

Charleen took quite a few photos today so here are a few of them.

Lynden has Dutch heritage and it shows in their town buildings. It is a very tidy town.

Lake at Mt Baker

The GPS shows part of the Mt Baker route

Jack tucks in

Sedro-Woolley is a lumber town and these wooden artworks are everywhere.

Yep - that is the name of this town.

The view of the Picket range from North Cascades NP

Several Dams of the Skagit River supply Hydro power - and beautiful vistas. Most of the rivers around here are very green. I think it has something to do with the ice melt.

Big hills mean big sweeping roads. Motorcycle heaven.

Winthrop is all done up Wild West style with planked sidewalks. Lotsa murals too.

Here's a bit of video Charleen took while descending Mt Baker. No editing - that takes too long.