Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1309033
NOVEMBER 2020 WWW.PNWR.ORG 45 The smoke that had blown in and settled in the Pacific Northwest and the entire West Coast for an extended period cleared just in time for my first PNWR Tour event of the year, and what a year it has been. The list of canceled events is too numerous to mention, so with an even greater anticipation I was looking forward to this weekend on the Olympic Peninsula. The added bonus was the proximity to my Oak Harbor home. Credit needs to be given to those unnamed contributors behind the curtain who make it logistically possible given the current environment, which brings us to the start of the day on Saturday morning at The Galloping Gamble Espresso in Port Gamble. Waivered, socially distanced and masked, the meet up certainly took on a different feel along with the downsized group of participants. I sadly missed Tour Chairman, Greg Halverson's usual emphatic pleas for safety and following the rules, settling for the written word, but still hearing his voice in my head as I read through the familiar do's and don'ts. At the appointed time our group leaders, Jeff Waibel and Sydney Tanner lead our small but merry group on a fantastic and enthusiastic 58-mile route towards our first designated stop at Fort Worden in Port Townsend, a beautifully preserved Army barracks right on the water looking toward Whidbey Island. Once again observing safety guidelines, we enjoyed a brown bag picnic lunch in the clear air and mild temperatures, getting to know our fellow members. New to the tour was the Rep from Hagerty Insurance, Mal Maloney. He graciously brought snacks and promotional swag for each participant. He was raised on the Olympic Peninsula and was very familiar with the surrounding area so his presence was welcome. The next leg began on the aptly named road called Discovery, which found us mostly heading West towards the final destination of the day at the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles. Meandering along the coastline next to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, stops were made at Article By Ralph Tomlinson III and Photography by Doug Whidby and Greg Halverson Have Mask…Will Travel Have Mask…Will Travel continued on next page