Whatcom (and Skagit) Wild
The bike jumped forward as I snapped out of the left hand corner and down toward the Oyster Creek Inn on Chuckanut Drive . Rocketing past the Taylor Shellfish turnoff, I layed the bike over as far as I dare to arc right and across the classic bridge over Oyster Creek. Any thoughts I've ever had that staying fit and strong was a hassle or a sacrifice seemed totally ludicrous. Suffice it to say that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Snapping upright after the bridge, I jumped onto the pedals and stood to power over the next hill without downshifting, carrying my joy and giddy glee right past the Oyster Bar , Chuckanut Manor and out into the Skagit flats. Although it was a sunny summer Sunday, traffic was light and I was able to enjoy the sun dappled madrones, the sandstone cliffs, and views of Cypress, Samish and other San Juan islands that lay west of the Chuckanut coast. The shoulder near the start of the trail to the Oyster Dome and the hang glider launch was packed wit...