A warm ride from Seattle to Portland.

I spend the morning exploring Seattle on the bike. Zigzagging through the city on my motorcycle is a fun way to explore the city and the very steep streets eminating from Elliott Bay are fun to ride on. I’m surprised by the topography and how quickly the city rises from the waterfront. It makes for great views down to the bustling waterfront. Pike Place Market is surprisingly packed for a Friday morning. The market opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest in the country.

[Seattle Public Library]

[Steep Spring Street]

[Pike Place Market]

After my morning of riding around in Seattle, I jump on the highway to head to Portland. I’m going to hang out with my good friend from college Mark and his wife Rachel. I haven’t seen them in a long time and really look forward to catching up with them. I’ve also never been to Portland and look forward to exploring the city.

I’m soon reminded of LA as I find myself in 90 degree heat, parked in bumper to bumper traffic on the Interstate 5 in central Washington. The gridlock is spotty and is first caused by a roadside wildfire, then by multiple accidents along the way. The relatively short 175 mile ride ends up taking me nearly four hours. I’m relieved to finally cross the Oregon border and arrive at Mark and Rachel’s house.

[traffic]

They greet me with a cold beer and a tour of thier great new house they recently purchased. We spend the evening catching up and grilling in their backyard. They prepare an amazing spread of delicious food and we have a laughter-filled evening of chatting and reminiscing. We decide to wander down the block for a nightcap at one of their many local bars before calling it an evening.

[delicious dinner courtesy of Mark and Rachel]