June 5, 2025
Blaine to Bellingham
A day with two detours and a field of dreams
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
I was happy to wake up to an almost normal face-just a slight redness under my left eye where I was stung. Not even noticeable when I have my glasses on.
We began our day with a short walk into downtown Blaine for breakfast. We went to what was really the only breakfast place within walking distance, Monte’s Just a Bite. It wasn’t crowded, just 1 car outside, one guy eating alone and us. A few more locals came in while we were there. The waiter and the cook were cheerful and personable and would have looked right at home on Harleys. The food was great however.
Amber, Rich and I rode today while Jim drove. Our first stop was the Peace Arch, which we observed yesterday while waiting to be allowed back into our country, but never really got a close look.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
As we left town we noticed large numbers of herons down on the mudflats, as well as some Balds and crows.
Our route took us along the water for several miles before turning inland. The landscape on the left was dominated by a huge British Petroleum plant and on the right by open fields that were posted as belonging to BP and off-limits.
We turned left onto a road closed to car traffic that skirted along one side of the power plant. Eventually we reached the end of it, traveled on a small rural road for a short bit, then entered another “bike” road. This one basically dead-ended in a barrier, despite RWGPS having routed us through.
Fortunately our devices re-routed us so we were back on track within a mile or so.
Riding along and looking ahead we could see a large hotel-like complex, out in the middle of a very rural landscape, with a very nice baseball field across the street. It made me think, “If they build it, they will come?” My next thought was, “Must be an Indian Casino.” And it was-the Silver Reef Casino Resort, run by the Lummi Nation. Just after we passed it, we were forced to do another detour due to a road closure.
The detour took us right past the medical complex and administration buildings for the Lummi Nation. From what we saw, the tribe appears to be prospering.
From there it was almost all downhill into the outskirts of Bellingham. Eventually we turned onto a gravel bike path that traveled across town and down to the waterfront. From there we climbed back up a short hill and arrived at FairHaven, a designated National Historic District, and then at our hotel for the next two nights, the FairHaven Village Inn.
Our bikes are locked securely in a conference room and the rooms are very comfortable, with a view of the water (over the top of some buildings.) The village itself is filled with cute shops and cafes. We have a rest day here, to do laundry and some exploring before continuing on to Anacortez.
Today's ride: 35 miles (56 km)
Total: 165 miles (266 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 5 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |