In the summer of 2015, I rode my bicycle from Olympia WA to the Sooke Potholes in BC Canada.
Glacial action during the last ice age 15,000 years ago is responsible for the formations, as the moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface area and carved a path deep into the natural bedrock. Huge boulders carried along by the rushing river became lodged, were swirled against the canyon walls and consequently carved out the potholes that can be seen today.
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Hot Link - Victoria BC Tour Specials
Researching bicycle rides in British Columbia on the internet I came across the Galloping Goose trail. It is a trail that begins in Victoria BC and heads towards the coast on an old railway concerted to Bicycle trail. I was going to drive my car to BC but later decided to turn it into an epic bicycle ride and leave the car at home. This turned out to be a great decision! I decided to ride on 101 N highway from Olympia to Port Angeles and take the Ferry to Victoria BC and then ride the Galloping Goose trail to the Sooke Potholes.
My Destination was decided, and I started planning my Itinerary and gear for the trip. I would tent camping along the way and a hostel in Victoria, BC as my hub so I could explore more of the surrounding areas of Victoria.,
For my gear I started with a small tent, sleeping mat, light sleeping bag a large water bottle which I could replenish along the way a few trail mixes and various meal replacement packets. Also, getting fresh produce and seafood along the way was easy.
Only thing left to do was figure out when I would leave. I decided on July because it is normally a dry month in the northwest and temperatures average 70 to 80 degrees. I submitted my leave slip at work for 14 days for the 500 mile trek.
Day 1 - Packed my bike the night before and left my home in Olympia, WA at 7am to the Dosewallips State Park travelling on the 101 highway through Hoodsport. Highly recommend lunch at an Oyster Saloon near Hama Hama.
Buy Oysters Online – Hama Hama Oyster Company (hamahamaoysters.com)
The path I chose went through the Olympics and some very pristine views of the massive body of water known as the Puget Sound. Also, peddling thru a mountain pass there were plenty of hills to climb, and very windy downhills. there was a shoulder to ride on but the passing of highspeed cars kept me focused and peddling with lots of energy and the extreme adrenal rush I was getting every time a logging truck passed me at 65mph made the hills much easier to climb. Honestly the most challenging ride I had been on and to this day it still stands that way! The first day of riding was 60 miles to the Dosewallips State Park.
The first thing I did when I got there was jump in the river. After cooling off I setup my tent next to the river and made my first meal on the trip. Avocado toast and smoked salmon! toasted over the fire;-)
The Stars were a plenty that evening, so I decided to put my sleeping bag outside. Fell a sleep to the churning of the water of the river and the watching the universe in 4D.
Day 2 - I woke up early and boiled some water with my handy hiking cookware. made some coffee, took care of business, drank a Plant based replacement meal and hit the highway. The sun was just starting to come up and the light on the water was magnificent. About 5 miles into the morning ride a bald eagle came out of a tree and floated right in front of me! This went on for at least 5 miles. Floating in front me, like he was leading the flock. Guiding my way! there were chills blasting through my body the whole time and finally the tears kicked in!! In that moment I felt a peace come over me. my mind was no longer consumed with the trials of life. it had been set free by the eagle... I tear up every time that memory enters my mind. it was another 60 mile ride day to Port Angeles to catch the ferry to BC and spend the night at the Ocean Island Inn hostel.
The Inn has a kitchen area where you can prepare your own food next to a full service bar where there is live music in the evenings.
On my first night there I made a quinoa salad loaded with Avocados and other veggies I picked up at the market. Prepared just the way I like it in the fully equipped shared kitchen!
Looking at their website it looks like they are now preparing free breakfast and dinner as part of your stay! I will be definitely be staying here again!!
After 2 days rest in Victoria, walking through town, sight-seeing and eating at fine restaurants I decided to take a day ride to Sydney on the 5th day.
Day 7 - Ride to Sooke Potholes from Victoria
Spend the night near the river, back to hostel on the 8th day and start my ride back home on the 9th day. Taking the Scenic route and spent the night on Sequim bay
Sequim Bay State Park | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
. 10th day to Dosewallips and the 11th day home.
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I hope you enjoyed the post!!
Till next Time!!
Fire up the spirit, hit the road and go with the flow!
for your next Serendipitous Adventure!
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