We Need a LIttle Help from Our Friends...and E-Bikes

 

Rain, rain and more rain. Such is life here in the Pacific Northwest in late fall. I'm trying not to be depressed - I'm telling myself to embrace the different seasons for what they are. It isn't working. 

I actually can't remember the last time I felt this low. I go into more depth about that on my spiritual blog, but that's not what we are talking about here. This is about hiking...the depression antidote. 

And also friends, the other depression antidote. I'm SO SO VERY fortunate to have friends who are ready to say "yes"...yes I understand your sadness, yes I want to hang out with you, yes I will brave the rain with you, yes I'll bring some booze and a cheese ball. 

Heidi is our hiking Martha Stewart

 

FYI : the San Juan ferries do not allow you to make your own mimosas in their galley UNLESS you buy THEIR booze. Also none of the five shops that rent bikes in Friday Harbor are open in November, even though Google will tell you they are. These were just a couple road bumps in the plan; nothin' much to worry about when you have friends who are ready to roll with the punches.  

Thankfully Suzie's Mopeds answers their phone - so even though they are not at the store, they will get there and hook you up. (Or you could avoid all this hassle by ordering online the day before so they know to be there.) Be aware you will find that most of their stuff has been retired for the season...except exactly three e-bikes. Hooray! We were back in business!

Because we walked onto the ferry (no car) we would not be getting to the planned Mount Finlayson hike without the help of Suzie. (Actually her name was Anna...SO nice! I highly recommend.) I'm also certain we would not have gotten there without the help of the magic "E" part of the e-bike either. If you thought I was a slow hiker, you should see me bike! Thank you throttle!

It's 8 miles to the Mount Finlayson trailhead, but we whizzed right by it because it is marked as Jakle's Lagoon. No worries; we wanted to see the Cattle Point Lighthouse anyway, which is downhill another mile. Then back up that big hill (again, thank you magic E) to start the 4 mile loop hike.

I'm so glad I bit the bullet and paid for AllTrails this year. I've been thankful to have it many times, and this was no exception. Not that this is a complicated or difficult trail - it just has a few intersecting paths that seem confusing...especially if you have indulged in some mimosas. 

It would have been nice to have more daylight to explore the island. I really wanted to revisit English Camp; but we will have to save that for another day. I know I have friends that will be ready and waiting. Happy "depression busting" trails (and friends!)

Sammy was glad I didn't forget him this time!