2019 Edison Memorial Ride

February 3, 2020

For many, there are areas of great life changing importance. Lake Crescent in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is such a place for me and Deborah. It has been the location of many firsts during our currently 26 years together.

It was the first lake we visited as a couple, the first place we brought both Edison and Jessica. The first place we tried our packrafts. We were even married here.

While the list of firsts can go on and on, there are also two significant lasts that haunt us. Lake Crescent was also the last lake Edison and Jessica visited before passing. Now, every year on November 13 and April 22 we arrive at its shores in memory of our beloved Australian Shepherds.

2019 Edison Memorial Ride Video

First few minutes of the video is silent. It is for a moment of silence for Edison as I explain his back story.

Our Lighten Up Spot

Our basecamp is named OLUS, it stands for Our Lighten Up Spot. Edison inspired this name because of all he taught and guided us through. His AKC name was Lighten Up and he had a spot in the shape of a diamond on his head. He had just passed away when we purchased our cabin on five acres and OLUS was a perfect reminder to keep us focused on our goal to simplify.

It was a fitting place to begin a Memorial Ride to Edison.

After loading the truck we drove to the Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent. It is a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail that crosses the Olympic Peninsula. A beautiful trail still in construction.

Our plan for this year was to bring our packrafts and to test some more gear. June 2020 we officially leave for our world travels and we are fine tuning some things for a comfortable life bicycle touring.

The Driest Memorial To Date

Since 2012 all our memorials here have been some of the wettest days, we expected 2019 to no different. The morning began with a light rain that continued all the way to camp. To this point it had not reached typical proportions. In fact, it never did. The second day was dry, and the third day was even calmer.

Two years ago was easily one of the wettest day and night we have ever camped in and our old GoLite Hex 3 shelter failed miserably. That trip is what prompted us to get our current Tarptent Cloudburst 3 as a replacement.

Day One: 12th November

After loading the truck we drove to the Spruce Railroad Trailhead. This time of year and the fact it was raining made the trail a pleasant ride. As we entered, a family exited and then we had the entire trail to ourselves.

Taking our time put us at the other trailhead later in the day than we had anticipated. To arrive at camp before dark we decided to ride the road to Fairholme Campground. That worked out as we were able to get camp setup and dinner made just as the sun was going down. Another magical evening at Lake Crescent.

Day Two: 13th November - Edison’s Memorial Day

Historically wet, we had our stove ready to make coffee from inside our tent. Something that is simple to do and stay out of the weather in our new shelter. Opening the vestibule door revealed a rainless morning that would continue our entire trip.

After breakfast, our plan for today was to ride the Sol Duc Valley. A road we have driven often but have never ridden. After a few miles there is a narrow road that follows the Sol Duc river. I have always wondered where it went so we decided to explore.

According to GaiaGPS this road was taking us to a previous track and GPS point we had done the previous year when riding the entire Olympic Discovery Trail. It was a happy find and another positive reminder to be flexible in plans and enjoy the journey, not the destination.

After a beer on the bridge we rode back to camp and settled into a relaxing dinner on the peaceful shore of the lake.

Day Three: 14th November

The morning conversation was about our packrafts. Today was our last day and we had yet to put them in the water. After breakfast, while we were unpacking our rafts and looking at the glassy lake, I suggested that we see how all our gear will fit in our Alpacka Rafts and take the lake back to the trailhead.

So, for the first time we loaded our gear in the dry bags, clipped them to the inside of the raft tubes, and zipped up the cargo fly. Then we pumped them up for the second time this morning. After attaching our bikes we set paddle and floated along the lake.

The day turned out to be one of the calmest we had ever experienced here. Nature had gifted us perfect conditions to grasp and practice with fully loaded packrafts.

We learned that 10 miles is a long way to paddle and it took us all day with a couple hour stop at Lake Crescent Lodge for lunch. As night fell one minor problem remained - There is no public lake access where our truck is parked at the trailhead. Our only option was to sneak onto a private dock and reach the road to the parking lot. Fortunately it was an empty vacation house, and all was well.