Heron, Hot Dogs and Headwinds

How many miles, asked Susan as we were gearing up for the ride to Anacortes. Maybe 23-25 I replied, though I am not really sure but feel it is no than 25. Susan nodded in agreement that this would be a good ride and good distance.

We lolled around in the RV a bit while allowing the 36 degree outside temperature to rise. The day was promising to be just right for a bike ride. The sun and blue sky was a perfect backdrop for the 53 degrees as we saddled up at 10:15 this morning.

The hard packed two mile Padilla Bay trail was glorious and afforded us several visits with Great Blue Herons feeding from the mud flats.

After the pleasant, picturesque, winding two mile trail we came to the road that would lead us to busy Highway 20 which fortunately has a very wide shoulder. Plus we needed only to be on the highway for a rather short time before we crossed the bridge over Swinomish Channel in a protected bike lane. The bridge is the only “hill” on this flat route and offers us some very nice views.

Once over the bridge we were on country roads with little auto traffic, and could appreciate our surroundings. The crab pots have been pulled for the season and give us another kind of fall color.

Soon we turned onto the Tommy Thompson Trail to cross Fidalgo Bay and would take us into Anacortes. Once across the bay there is an ‘art collection’ for all ;’-

On past rides, some of my cycling friends have contributed to the work with their own choice of art, but we had nothing to add on this day.

It makes for an interesting stop and nothing is off limits as ‘art’. 

We added a little something different to the ride at this point. The many times I have ridden this trail, I have not wandered through the campground of “Fidalgo Bay Resort”. I had often wondered if this is a member only campground or open to the general public. After a spin through and around the waterfront section, we continued across the road for a visit to the office.

The Resort is owned and operated by the Samish Indian Nation and is open to the general public. Susan asked about a possible stay for Thanksgiving, but they are booked for that weekend. While in the store, Susan was able to find a ‘stocking stuffer’ gift for one of the Grands. She had already found something for other Grands yesterday while adventuring in Bellingham.

Across from the office I could not resist the birdhouse display. 

Our visit at the resort done, we continued on the trail through the vast marina with many boats in dry dock for winter and repair, before reaching the town of Anacortes. A brief circle around a couple of side streets and we were ready for our return trip. But it was lunch time. ;’-).

This little place was a highlight for the day. It is tiny and the guy does a great job of using the tiny amount of space he has, with even an inside ‘dining’ area. He chatted with us a lot and then a boat salesman came for this usual lunch and chatted with us as well. The variety of (healthy, nitrate free) hotdogs gives many choices,  and they are quite good as hot dogs go. Our cup of chowder was decent as well. Not gourmet dining, but a great stop directly on the trail (and street) in basically a gravel lot!

One more stop — the restroom — and we would ride nonstop from there to home.

That two mile hard packed Padilla Bay Trail felt more like 10 miles as we battled the strong headwind on the way back. Somehow it almost always happens on this route. The calm, sleepy bay that feeds the heron wakes up in the afternoon with waves, and wind  to cause the heron to take cover and bike riders to hunker against it.

Oh what a fantastic day we had. Except — it was 30 miles and Susan was acutely aware of every extra mile past 23!