May 3, 2025 - Back to Alaska: Forty-five Years Later - CycleBlaze

May 3, 2025

After a disappointing ride yesterday, today had to be much better. Showers were forecast for the afternoon, so I wanted to stay ahead of them (foolish thinking). 

I finally found my way back to the countryside later in the ride and left a lot of the built-up coast behind. The last third of the ride took me through the pastoral Comox Valley where it seemed every driveway had a sign announcing the name of their farm. “Slowpoke Cider Farm”, “Casawood Farms”, “Victory Farms”, “Fireweed Farmstand”, and on and on. I think B.C. will be just fine when tariffs hit and they need food. It’s the U.S. I worry about. We outsource so much of our food when we don’t have to. Anyway, it was a refreshing ride and the rain didn’t bother me. 

I spent the evening at Miracle Beach Provincial Park, site of the least hot showers I’ve used on a bike trip. The views more than made up for the lack of heat. I’m nearing the end of the northern extent of the Salish Sea and the Strait of Georgia. Looking to the northern boundary, many islands host snow-covered mountains and must have beckoned the English and Spanish ships because everything is named for English and Spanish men! Lol. It is enticing, however. 

Heart 1 Comment 1
Lou JurcikGonna ride by, knock on their door and ask if they mind if I set up a tent in the back yard. Will offer to catch em a crab in return, but I'm guessing they will offer one up.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 2 Comment 2
Lou JurcikYeah, spread that message! Much as I love my walk or bike commute to work through Ballard neighborhoods, there's not a day I dont have a close call w someone whipping round corners or through intersections w no signs. I fear for young uns riding on their own, elderly crossing streets etc.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 0 Comment 1
Lou Jurciktried (kinda) to read the text thinking there's a good story behind this mural. Sure is nice to be in a place and around people that appreciate the natural/original/aboriginal context of the place they occupy.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago

For more about the artist: https://www.instagram.com/saatlamarts

Heart 1 Comment 1
Lou Jurcikthis pic solidifies my intention to take a day off, climb to Camp Muir and snowboard down while the snow will carry most of the way back to the car. Would invite you to join me, but it seems you're gone for awhile.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 1 Comment 1
Lou JurcikMakes me wanna raise llamas. Or goats. Or maybe just host an epic croquet tournament.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
These Little Free Libraries are growing!
Heart 4 Comment 1
Lou JurcikYeah that one's been fertilized. Part of me wants to install one at our place w roof and sitting spot. But sad to say I am feeling more selective about which neighbors I want to invite. Woke up this morning to someone sitting in our lawnchair, someone well beyond acceptable boundaries who definitely tested my neighborliness.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 0 Comment 0
Heart 7 Comment 6
Rob SalvinoReminds me of the car in the grasp of thw Fremont troll!
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago
John HemmenIf only it still ran
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago
Lou JurcikAbsolutely LOVE this. Mind if I mimic it (whoever designed it)? Kurt, did you really make that after a day of riding?
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Kurt SahlIf VW Busses had a “Woody” version, then why not Beetles?
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 0 Comment 1
Lou JurcikEven though part of me says "leave things be!" I have to ask, do you need a shellfish license there?
Reply to this comment
1 week ago
Heart 0 Comment 0
Heart 1 Comment 0
Heart 0 Comment 1
Lou JurcikHuh. Cool move on the bear bin. Did not think of that. You sure packed lighter than I did when heading south. But then you are way smarter in general.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago

Today's ride: 53 miles (85 km)
Total: 156 miles (251 km)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 5
Comment on this entry Comment 1
Lou JurcikGlad things got better. Damn I love that bug! Seen a LOT of driftwood art, but that is right up there near the top.
Your post got me thinking: of the Alone series I've scene, the Vancouver Island episodes seem by far the most challenging, mostly due to the weather. In other words, I hope you fare well. In case you need encouragement (I dont think you do), the show took place November and forward.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago