Monday, 7 June 2004
Rest Day: Tillamook, OR
Total mileage: 482.4
The forecast for today called for more rain and wind and coldness, so
we decided to take a day off in Tillamook. As it turned out, it rained
far less today than it did yesterday, but it should be even better on
Tuesday.
Most people who come to Tillamook come to see the cheese
factory. Not surprisingly, we went to the air museum. The museum is
about 5 miles from the motel so we took what is apparently the town's
only taxi--a beat up K-car. As we waited in the lobby we saw a couple
of other southbound touring cyclists go by. Maybe we'll catch up with
them down the road.
The Tillamook Air
Museum is located within a gigantic hanger that is supposed to be the
largest wooden structure in the world. The hanger was built during
World War II as a base for blimps that patrolled the west coast for
enemy submarines. There used to be two of them but one burned down in
1992. The pictures do not convey its hugeness.
It's really, really big. Trust me.
There are lots of cool airplanes inside, most of which are maintained
in flying condition.
Nanaimo, BC: Best Western Dorchester
Inn
Old style downtown hotel. Small elevator so we left the bikes in the
truck. Parking is tight. Breakfast was excellent but it cost extra.
Rating: 4.
Victoria, BC: Travelodge
Typical motor lodge with outdoor entrances. No elevator. Convenient to
the Lochside Trail. Good breakfast that cost extra. Good for a
Travelodge.
Rating: 3
Anacortes, WA: Marina Inn
Inside rooms. Free continental breakfast. Nice people. Big rooms. Cheap.
Rating: 4
Bremerton, WA: Best Western Bremerton
Inn
Outside room access. We had huge rooms. Guest laundry. No elevator.
Free continental breakfast.
Rating: 4
Shelton, WA: Super 8
Tight rooms. Smoke-filled. Kind of run down. No breakfast (but Denny's
across the street). Cheap.
Rating: 2
Aberdeen, WA: Guesthouse Suites
New hotel. Jacuzzi and pool. Spacious rooms. Elevator access. There's a
Pirates of the Caribbean ship out back. Continental breakfast. Railroad
tracks out back too. Woo-woo!
Rating: 4
Cape Disappointment State Park, WA:
campground
Great spot right on the ocean. Hungry mosquitos. Coin shower with no
change machine. Protected from the wind. Store one mile away sells
beer. Not a disappointment.
Rating: 3
Seaside, OR: Comfort Inn
Very expensive. Inside and outside entrances. Elevator access. Pool and
jacuzzi. Lots of children running around. Continental breakfast. In the
center of town.
Rating: 3
Tillamook, OR: Best Western
Inside access to rooms. Big elevator. Continental breakfast. Pool and
jacuzzi. Very quiet. Moderately expensive. Very nice people. Far from
the center of town.
Rating: 4
Well, that killed an hour. Back to the History Channel until dinner
time.
