July 10, 2019 – day 8.
This trip was inspired by the newly announced Great American Rail-Trail, Washington State to Washington D.C.
I reached it after a week on the bike.
The HIGHLIGHT was cycling through a mountain – Snoqualmie Tunnel.
When I entered I had no idea how long it was. And I was surprised to find it 11,894 feet (2.253 mi; 3.625 km) .
That was the end of a long day, however.
A very rainy day.
Up, up, up … but at a grade of less than 2%.
My first problem was navigating my way out of greater Seattle.
Of course I tried to stay on dedicated cycling paths like the Issaquah-Preston trail.
I considered hiking today but the rain kept me pedalling.
Twice it rained hard enough to make me find shelter.
I was forced on to the I-90 freeway at times getting to Rattlesnake Lake, the western terminus of the Great American Rail-Trail.
Stage 1 is called the Iron Horse Trail.
And here I am at the start on my Iron Horse.
Despite the rain I loved the Iron Horse. Up into the mountains over a series of very cool railway trestles.
Conveniently there is a series of backcountry campsites along the way. I had the tent set up by about 8pm and slept well.
Finally, … mushrooms.
