Washington - Mount Rainier

October 9th to 11th

Leaving the Seattle cityscape behind, we head inland... and uphill.

We also hit our first snag - Interstates with no cycle friendly shoulder, and roadworks. Bikes become passengers, we the beasts of burden as we carry bikes and luggage over the debris....



Late in the season, campgrounds are now closed, ensuring we get the best pitch in the place....



This is bear country and panniers are hoisted aloft overnight. I worry that making food harder to reach, just makes us look more likely snack material...



The terrain begins to grow huge in scale....



As we get a glimpse of the distant snow capped peak of the volcano Mount Rainier, majestic at 14,411 feet (4,392 m)....



My rookie earns her stripes on her first pass and is promoted to "junior", a proud moment for both of us....



The descent is a blur of speeding trees and sweeping bends, before we earn the reward of motel bed for the night. Room with a view...