John Wayne Trail 2014: Trip home

Nice lady from the train station. We talked about living on a houseboat.

The trip home was a long one. But it was amazing to me how well you can get around by bus on the peninsula. I was able to get on a bus in Forks, transfer near Lake Quinalt, transfer at Aberdeen, and get a train from Olympia back to Vancouver. I met lots of fun people on my way home but I was a little bit in shock after all of the lonely riding.

Comfy on a train

My traveling companion since Lake Quinalt. He told me about the train.

After the ride, I thought to myself that I need to do more of this stuff. I also had a lot of fun messing with my facial hair because I rarely grow it out. I started the school year with a pretty amazing mustache! I am so glad that I took the risk and got on that bike. I don't know if the following summers would have happened if I didn't!

A fun look!

A funny look!

I don't think I would change anything about my first trip. It was definitely a bit rough in spots. I would definitely prepare better, use better equipment, plan my sleeping arrangements, and pack differently. But all of the rough spots have long since turned into fond memories. I am so glad that I have them! And I was more prepared for my next adventure in 2015 with my wonderful wife! Planning things like this is fun and therapeutic as a teacher because I spend a lot of energy on people's kids throughout the year. It is nice to have something to fantasize about during the tough times. I am so thankful to God for a healthy body and the leisure to explore this beautiful world. I am such a lucky person!