Wednesday, July 2- Clear Cutting and Shelton the Shit-hole

Another 64 miles today. Josh and I are currently just north of Shelton, a little shithole town less than 34 miles from Port Orchard and Bremerton, which are both just a quick Ferry ride away from Seattle.

This morning was great. I awoke to the condensation gethering on the roof of my tent and a thick fog that capped the tops of the trees just outside my door. I'm a little sore from riding, but I'm mostly just tired.

The logging here is depressing and makes the ride through Washington a total downer. At first I was completely disgusted, but after thinking about it, I realize that everyone in America (including myself) has become so dependant on this industry, that to say it is awful would be extremely hypocritical of me. I do know that I take too many things (furniture, housing, shops, etc.) for granted, which are all things that I really don't need. The industry itself seems to do an okay job at re-harvesting formerly logged areas, but I think the bottom line is that I am too unknowledgable about these things to build an accurate and justified opinion. Afterall, this is the ever-expanding, all-encompassing America. Gotta have wood! (but not really).

I really ought to start eating healthier on the days that I ride--I had four doughnuts and a liter of milk for a 'snack' today, smoked a ciggarette after, and felt like shit for the next 10 miles. And to prove that I didn't learn my lesson, I binged on disgusting fast food when Josh and I got into Shelton.

The people we met in Shelton were the most unfriendly people I've met on this trip. A guy honked at me when I was riding today (I guess I was in the middle of the lane, but still) so I got pissed off, gave him the finger and he rolled down his window and bitched me out, which of course, I returned. There was a cop two cars back who didn't even seem to notice us.

Josh said a hooker tried to call after him, and after we ate dinner, there were a handfull of kids that were leaning out of the window of a pickup to yell at us. We got out of Shelton as fast as we could.

Right now, Josh and I are camping on the edge of a golf course. Earlier, a guy hit a ball over here and came to look for it--I don't think he saw us, but I can't be sure. If he did, then he obviously didn't report us, because we're still here.

My legs look like pizza crust and have been pillaged by the armies of mosquitoes that thrive in this region.
My mom's birthday was today. She was glad when I called her up--it was nice to hear her voice. I miss everyone in Denver, especially the family, very much. I hope they all are doing well and are enjoying the summer.

Seattle tomorrow! I'm anxious. So much to see and do, but no where to sleep when I get there. Onward ho!