Bremerton – Vashon Island – Bremerton
As soon as I leave the house with all my bike gear to start a new adventure, all the stress and anxiety of everyday life melts away and I immediately feel at peace in the moment.
This is exactly how I felt two days ago when I left Bremerton and jumped on the Port Orchard foot ferry to pedal my way to Southworth and Vashon Island.
As soon as the wind ruffles my hair, I feel like a dog with its head bouncing out the car window. I have to take care that my tongue isn’t hanging out the entire way.
This local adventure that I take to help me decide what clothes, technology, and extra gear to bring gets me in the spirit of a a bigger extended ride.
On a short ride close to home, I challenge myself to forget everything I know, or think I know about a place, and instead see it with fresh eyes as if for the first time. This shift in perspective feels like a scavenger hunt of sorts. I realize I never paid attention to the totem pole carved by Frank Smith of the Makah Indian Nation that stands proudly next to the foot ferry or how much this area reminds me of my trip last year through Norway with all the small ferry crossings.
Everything suddenly feels fresh and new and exciting and all I had to do was pedal away from home on a bike.
Judy, the owner of the American Youth hostel (not just for youth!) on Vashon Island. 
Dragonfly Bakery Yummy bread and baked goods from the Dragonfly Bakery Flowers on the side of the road. Island flowers Portable portrait lady Saturday farmer’s market View from Maury Island Pizza break with Christina 
A couple of my best friends
Note: My last blog post did not go out to most subscribers due to a glitch in the system. If you are so inclined, go back and click on the first post entitled, “Summer 2024,” to get a rundown of what this summer’s ride is all about. Thank you!
Until we meet again…
Hugs,
Denise
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