(David) I feel fulfilled from our visit with Micah in Portland as we packed up our boxes and suitcases and bikes and bags and boats, treasuring the fond memories of sharing a gourmet meal after walking to a nearby restaurant, and laughing together at the free comedy show in the park.
The upcoming bike tour has worked our logistical planning and execution skills to maximum. Monica's friend Annmarie is flying in from North Carolina tomorrow. We found a bike rental shop but it is closed Sunday and Monday, so Monica and I will pick up the bike in Seattle today then spend the night at Alison and Brian's house in nearby Sammamish. We will leave most of our extensive luggage collection and boats in Sammamish to make room for picking up Annmarie at the airport Sunday to drive to our first rental near the trailhead.
Monica counted down the minutes as we neared Alison's house, and their reunion was joyous. Brian generously offers to drive me into the city to he bike shop. We enjoy our time in the truck bonding over "the biggest mistakes I've made at work".
Back at the house we enjoy a mellow afternoon in the back yard, chatting and playing rounds of backcountry bocce ball, with the added challenges of the jack sometimes disappearing behind tufts of grass. Alison's daughter Grace dominates the winnings.
Brian treats us to delicious salmon meal with an incredible cream sauce, and after dinner we enjoy loud family board games.