So, after a really difficult start to the journey getting all rained out and an unexpected stay in Sprague, WA I found myself behind schedule for day 2.

Luckily the rain had subsided and it was clear riding past Ritzville and into Ellensburg. I have some video of riding by the Gorge and the scenic lookout I will post when I get a chance to edit things.

Cle Elum was my next stop to visit my folks and older brother. It was awesome to see them and Mom did her mom thing by making me an awesome plate of eggs and bacon, thanks Mom!

Above is a shot from their deck on the new house. Unfortunately the trees and landscape are still coming back after the wildfires from 2 years ago that took down their original house. Luckily the new house is up and looks fantastic. Eventually the trees will catch up too.

Refreshed, it was time to hit the road again and get into Seattle hopefully in time to see my daughter compete in her first stand up paddle board race! The ride up the Snoqualmie pass was excellent – sunny and warm – though the traffic was something to contend with as I hit it right at drive time. Ive got some awesome video of the pass and downtown seattle as well, I will upload that when I get a chance.

I hit Gasworks park on lake Union just in time to see this:

The one thats all legs is Kaela of course 🙂

She did great and it was a lot of fun to see. Got a few random shots of Gasworks and the seattle skyline too.

Next up was a quick ride up to Capital Hill to see Lucky and the Artful Dodger Tattoo crew. Lucky has done pretty much all of my tattoo work and is an all around awesome dude. Check them out here at adtcseattle.com

A big thanks to Lucky and Erin for letting me crash with them in the guest room. So many laughs! Much merriment! I got a good rest and from there it was off to West Seattle to see Kaelas 5th grade graduation. But first a quick breakfast at Easy Street Records and a little gift for myself:

After that it was all I could do not to bawl uncontrollably at the awards and graduation ceremony for Kaelas last year of elementary school. Here she is being the totally beautiful emo hipster princess that she is:

http://http://instagram.com/p/pb2GqfqNYl/

All told I traveled a ton of miles in the past 24 hours – likely over 300 with around the city action. Which honestly makes me feel pretty good about tackling some major distance if need be, especially as it should be getting warmer resulting in more pleasant rides as I move south.

Next up is Portland! Gonna see my old buddy Josh and his lovely wife Sarah!

Ill be hopefully adding some sweet videos to the posts as well soon! More to come!

Travis