Day 48 - Another KULAFEST Begins

Day 48 – Friday: August 02, 2013, miles ridden today: 177.5

 

A - Chelan, WA, Jim’s place

B - Blewett Pass, elevation of 4,124 feet

C - Snoqualmie Pass, WA, elevation of 3,022 feet, carries Interstate 90 through the Cascade

D - North Bend, WA, Fuel Break

E - HD Dealer Bellevue, WA, Waiting for Walter

First of all, a KULAFEST -What is it? A Fest: A gathering or occasion characterized by a specified activity - like family & friends getting together for just more fun times!

Two “Kulakowski” brothers, two bikes, an annual quest that takes us down the road, bound for the mountains and the plains, from sea to sea. Hopefully, we keep wishing we’ll add a third brother Richard, my son-in-law Dave, nephews, and select friends down the road to share our journeys...

I left Jim’s place in Chelan, WA this morning, rode into town to find the local Starbuck’s. When I found the store I was amazed by a fireplace inside and out, nice sitting areas, but it was extremely crowded with multiple lines inside and backed up traffic outside waiting to place drive-up orders. I never waited so long for an order as I did today. Just too many tourists minus one! :)

Followed US-97/US-2 S to I-90 W and bee-lined it to Seattle to be at the Harley Davidson Dealer by 1 o/c this afternoon. I had to stop in North Bend, WA for fuel and a snack, and check phone for updates. On the way up through Blewett Pass it began to get cold; knowing it’ll be warmer on the way down I didn’t stop to layer up, wish I had. Heading up into Snoqualmie Pass was a trip; it got colder, rain didn't let up, thick fog prevailed, construction endless, great sighs of a ski-town at the summit, and crazy drivers that rival LA's.

 

THIS IS GOING TO BE CLOSE - DOES HE MAKE IT?

Walter texted the plane was 2h late into Chicago missed his connection and it’ll be a hit or miss getting to dealer on time. I arrived at Dealer 1:10 p.m., waited to see if United Airlines would hold the estimated 4:15 p.m. arrival time. However, dealer closed at 1750, and with Seattle traffic rivaling LA’s, I asked myself “will he be able to meet me here or must I seek quarters nearby for tonight”… decisions, decisions… In the mean time I hung out in the Customer Lounge where they fed me, provided me Internet, and entertained.

Well, he landed at 1650 and with traffic, he wasn’t going to get the bike today. So the dealer arranged for us to reserve a room at Motel 6 in Kirkland, WA., a $80 taxi ride from the airport – OUCH! Once settled in we took a taxi (it was raining) to a local Mexican restaurant, had our fill, returned to hotel.

Sorry, no pictures today.

Lata’