With nearly 4500 miles and counting put on The Betty II I have reached the west coast. The first stop was to check out downtown Seattle! This proved to be the ultimate test in maneuvering her in city traffic and true "urban" camping.
Luckily I had a copilot for this endeavor. I had met Erica in Durango earlier in the trip and she had hopped a flight to join me on the Northwest leg of the trip. It sure was helpful to have a spotter! We had planned to get a hotel while checking out downtown Seattle but we decided to just pay for parking and "camp". It was much much cheaper than the upscale hotels in the area and certainly added to the adventure. We spent about 24 hours in the lot which added up to about 40 bucks in parking.
The time in Seattle was well spent, checking out the market, restaurants, and a little of the night life in the area. While we were out exploring I squeezed the bikes into the camper for safer keeping but it made the camper a little cozy.
The time in Seattle was well spent, checking out the market, restaurants, and a little of the night life in the area. While we were out exploring I squeezed the bikes into the camper for safer keeping but it made the camper a little cozy.
Checking out The Market
6 point park job, with just enough room to squeeze out between the brick building
During our one night out in Seattle and a failed attempt to get into one of the local night clubs(no Chocos allowed!!) we decided to head home, aka, the pay lot down the street. It was a interesting night staying on the main night life drag. The shenanigans went late into the night, which kept me peeking through the blinds watching over the homestead. At one point a late night patron decided to jump on the bike rack rocking it up and down. By the time I hopped out to investigate, the perpetrator had moved on. All in all, The Betty survived the night, just a little short on sleep. It was time to get out of the big city!
"Betty at the Beach"
Next, it was North to Bellingham, WA. Known for some of the best riding in the Pacific Northwest. We spent a couple days exploring and riding in the area. It was cool to be in an area where the bike community is so strong. At the Galbraith trail head it was nearly impossible to find a parking spot! But with a huge network of trails you rarely saw another rider.
Stopped at one of the many coffee huts along the coast; not sure who's bigger.
For the trip back down to Seattle we decided to take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula. We pointed The Betty south to Fidalgo Island, catching the Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry. We lined up to wait for the ferry that departed every half hour. We were well outnumbered by Westfalia vans, also on various journeys' of their own. Our neighbor in line had a beautifully restored "Westi", out on her maiden voyage. It was a couple hour wait to load but we finally made it on(I guess reservations are recommended). Once across we took our time heading down the peninsula, stopping at the small towns and beaches before making our way back to Seattle. I put together a short video edit with a compilation of the ferry and coastal driving. Check it out at the end of the article.
"Eat, Sleep, VW"
"Like Sardines"
"Bon Voyage!"
Surprise Glacial Lake, two hours west of Seattle, just before the downpour
"Coastal Dwelling"
"Amongst the Giants"
"Over the Hood"
Below is the video edit from the PNW leg of the journey. I have been filming and photographing from the hood as I make my away around the US. Using a GoPro with the Bluetooth control app to link my phone. This set up allows me to film, shoot photos, and turn the camera on and off without leaving the cab. I have dubbed it "Over the Hood" Productions. It gives a "from the captains chair" perspective of the trip. So here is the first edit, with more on the way!
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