Yosemite National Park - 2016 Trip - Day 01

Start Location: Everett, WA
Ending Location: Seaside, OR
Miles Today: 238
Trip Miles: 238
States Visited: 2
Provinces Visited: 0
Low Temp: 74.9° F
High Temp: 103° F
Min Elevation: -27'
Max Elevation: 590'

Route Map:

Today was a liesurely day (once we got off I-5) which is kind of nice for the first day of a trip. It was also a warm day - much warmer than we expected. We expected the temperature to cool down once we got off I-5 but the temperature in Raymond was 97 degrees. 

We got off I-5 in Olympia and, after a brief false start, turned right and followed 101, 8, and 12 west to the coast where we picked up 101 south. We actually have taken part of this route in the past. A long time ago I participated in several triathlons that took place in Elma - specifically in Vance Creek Park. So we stopped at the park for lunch just for old times sake.

We got into Seaside and checked into our hotel around 4:00 and spent some time walking around Seaside and checking out the stores and the people. There was a massive amount of actvity going on down at the beach - huge media towers, dozens of large tents, and lots of workers. After checking out the activity, it appears that the Hood to Coast Relay and Portland to Coast Walk are both going on tomorrow and Saturday and the finish for both is on the beach at Seaside. According to the event web sites, there will be tens of thousands of participants and volunteers involved. It will be a good thing to get out of town before all that happens.

We had a nice dinner at a local restaurant, picked up lunch for tomorrow from Safeway, and will be heading for Bandon in the morning. It's only 238 miles but with traffic and slowing down for all the small towns as well as any stops to see stuff, it may be a long day. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.