Pacific Coast Ride - Day 5-7, South Bend & Long Beach

 From Montesano, Highway 107 heads SW to hit Highway 101.  After a few climbs which seemed like passes. Then 101 south and more long climbs to reach South Bend. The motel Seaquest in South Bend was lovely with everything a tired rider needed -- reclining chair, bathtub, small kitchenette, and comfortable bed. 

Then south again on Highway 101 and a long hill at 5 miles and then a roller coaster of hills one after the other all the way to Long Beach for a day of rest before going over the Columbia river at Astoria Bridge and into Oregon tomorrow.  

Total Miles: 177, Total Elevation Gain: 6,605 ft.  

Arriving at 101

Willapa Bay

In South Bend

My room in South Bend

Lunch Spot

Pacific Coast Segment 1 - Day 1-4, Bremerton, Shelton, & Montesano

 100 miles over the back roads of Washington from the top end of Hood Canal to its bottom and then SW to Montesano. 

First two days were very hilly with a few hills over 10% and one between 15 & 20% for one mile. I finally had to walk that one!!  Day 4 is a rest day, well deserved. 

Lunch spot first day

Getting ready to leave 

Back roads of Washington

Lunch spot second day 

At the very bottom of Hood Canal

Spring flowers 

Riding the back roads 

Pacific Coast Segment 1 Ride

 Here is my plan for segment 1 of the Pacific Coast ride first week of July, 2026:

All my stuff ready to be packed for the trip.

Samoa - Upolu and Savai’i Islands

 Now on our way back with a stop in Samoa (formerly Western Samoa). With three nights at Le Vasa resort on Upolu and three days in Savai’i Lagoon Resort, on Savai'i then back to Upolu for one night before flying back through Honolulu. 

Diving birds

View from porch 

Our fale

Ferry to Savai'i 

Samoan open houses, a respite for travellers and family. 

Our fale

G

Australia 2026 - Port Douglas and Kuranda

 We are in Cairns at the end of our road trip but took two days to make to side trips up north to Port Douglas and Kuranda.  

On the way to Port Douglas. 

On 4-mile beach in PD. 

4-mile beach swimming area protected by shark and stinger barrier. 

In Kuranda. 

Sunning fresh water crocs. 

Kuranda Village. 

Feeding wallabies. 

Going on river cruise in Kuranda. 

Fish and turtles.  

Water Dragon. 

Kuranda historic train station. 

Annie's birthday dinner. 

On a horrific snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef. 

My mermaid at the hotel pool.