One of the differences between Best Western and Best Western Plus is breakfast. At the Plus you can have eggs to order. This morning I had an omelet so that I would have more protein to keep me from getting hungry too early on the ride.

​ We started at 8:45. Because of riding styles, the group that we formed became consistent through the remainder of the tour. It was made up with Roy and Helga Smith, Rose Eicker, Pam Kelly and me. Others joined us from time-to-time. Today's weather was overcast but there was no threat of rain. Because of this, we packed our rain gear.

​ Our route backtracked yesterday's route to the Centenial Trail where we turned north. Being a Saturday, there were lots of cyclists on our route. Throughout the day we ran into cyclists riding the Red-Bell 100 century ride.

​ After we left the trail, we rode through back country where we had our first sighting of snow covered Mt Baker. A stop at a general store for Cliff Bars and ice cream gave us a rest break. We made another stop at a fruit stand for cherries. When we entered Mt Vernon there was a horrendous traffic jam - easy for cyclists to get past but very frustrating for autos. We pulled into Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery for lunch and learned from our waitress that I5 was closed because of a man threatening to jump from a freeway bridge. All traffic was routed through the town which caused the jam. We relaxed at lunch, though. I had a shrimp and avocato sandwich which was tasteless but filling.

​ Back on the road we continued north. The temperature was rising causing us to shed our extra clothing. We rode past fields of corn, potatoes and some kind of grain. Eventually we reached Lake Samish and rode along its western and northern shores. This was a scenic route marred only by I5 which borded the eastern shore. We paid for the scenery because of the long climb out from the lake. Roy and I stopped near the summit at a convenience store for snacks. I was starting to bonk. After we reach the top, we had a long, fast downhill into Bellingham and the Four Points By Sheraton Bellingham Hotel.