Day 3 - Sequim to Victoria - Ferry Good Times: Cycling the Salish Sea

May 31, 2025

Day 3 - Sequim to Victoria

karmic rain

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Well, so much for weather reports and best-laid plans. This morning, the rain front has changed its timetable and decided to come through in the morning instead of the afternoon — as fate (or my karma) would have it — during our ride to Port Angeles. Rich is driving today, so Jim and Gen and I get geared up for the rain and leave at approximately 9:00 AM.

Within 15 minutes, we are feeling the first drops, and after that it rains pretty steady the rest of the way. I do my best to capture the ride with the GoPro, but I don’t have the waterproof door on it and am worried about the moisture getting in through the charging port and put it away after about 9 miles. Too bad, because the last half of the ride turns out to be the prettiest.

We are riding the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) the entire way, through deep forested areas, across long wooden causeways and bridges, under overpasses and by meadows. If it weren’t so wet, I’d be stopping every couple of miles to take pictures. As it is, we have our heads down against the rain and wind and are riding simply to arrive.

Nevertheless, it’s gorgeous. We startle a couple of deer, which dash back and forth across the road and then run in front of us for a while, with Jim sandwiched between the two deer, until they can find their way off the trail and back into the brush. About 4 or 5 miles from Port Angeles, we emerge onto the shore of the Salish Sea. It’s a striking transition; the saltwater smell and the tumultuous grey sea are exhilarating. But it’s too wet to stop and take pictures of any of this. Besides, we have a ferry to catch.

I will have to come back one day to ride this route again when the weather is good.

Rich is waiting for us on the dock, the truck lined up to board the ferry. We’ve arrived early, with plenty of time to take care of the boarding details. I unload my gear and put my bike on the rack on the back of the truck and climb in to enjoy the dry warmth of the cab. Jim and Gen wait in the ferry building, chatting with another cycling couple.

On the ferry, Rich and I sit in the lower deck area and enjoy hot coffee, while Jim and Gen are on the upper deck where they can keep an eye on their bikes.

By the time we reach Victoria, the sky has cleared completely. It’s sunny, cool, and breezy. And, if our weather apps are to be trusted, should stay this way during our two-day visit.

We check into the hotel, the Best Western Plus, a block away from the ferry dock. After getting settled, we go for lunch at a pub next door. By this time, it’s 3:30 and I’m downright hangry. I have a cup of delicious minestrone soup, a fish taco, and a glass of wine. Genny shares her flatbread with me. Sated, we decide to go for a walk and scope out the downtown Victoria scene. We wander around the waterfront, gawk at the parliamentary building, locate the museum and parks. Finally, we return to the hotel for showers and rest. I decide to use the time to do our laundry before an 8:00 dinner reservation at Victoria Harbor House, also next door but in the other side of our hotel. It’s a fine dining establishment with the motto, “We dress up so you don’t have to.” Perfect for cyclists.

Jim and I order the halibut special, Rich has the seafood en croute, and Genny orders something definitely non-seafood (I don’t remember what). It was all delicious, though I think it could have used a wee bit more seasoning. We top off the meal with crème brûlée and port (for Rich and me) and a decaf coffee for Genny.

Now, I’m back at the hotel, feeling satisfied with a good day of riding, eating, walking, eating (again), and enjoying the experiences that travel and life have to offer.

Image not found :( — Before the rain, a picture of this amazing bridge, built by the S’Klallam Tribe to help restore the Dungeness river and improve the survival of the salmon that spawn here.

Almost clear skies as the ferry approaches Victoria.

The front or the Parliamentary Building.

The famous Empress Hotel overlooking the waterfront.

Mural and totem pole at the park behind the Royal BC museum.

I think this old fire escape is interesting and sculpturesque.

And here’s the GoPro video for the first half of the ride: https://youtu.be/Av6Atl6reZk?si=7YEOR19CJJKd2lSF

Today's ride: 21 miles (34 km)
Total: 80 miles (129 km)

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