39 County Seat Ride 2009

Day 6 - Republic to Seattle

2009-07-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Today would be our final day on the road. Awakening early after a good night's rest, we did our t-clocks and headed away from Lake Curlew. It started to sprinkle and the skies looked threatening, but we elected to stay in our mesh gear and Andy donned a jacket.

#33 Okanogan County - Okanagan

We rode WA20 west before turning south at Tonasket on a US97A detour route. Arriving in Okanogan, we found the courthouse which looked sparkling clean. A local gal engaged us in conversation (her husband rides a Wing) and she indicated that if we had been there last week, we wouldn't have been able to position ourselves in front of the courthouse. But we took our pictures and headed for the Caribou restaurant for breakfast.

Yes, breakfast was good and it wasn't McDonalds!

#34 Douglas County - Waterville

We took a cross country route from Okanogan to Waterville (WA17 and some county roads).

We took a brief stop at the Chief Joseph dam.

Arriving in Waterville we grabbed a quick photo, refueled and rehydrated.

#35 Chelan County - Wenatchee

It was a fairly short ride down to Wenatchee; however, there was lots of traffic in the city. All of us were becoming quite comfortable with little to no traffic. Arriving at the Chelan County courthouse we were disappointed that we could not position the motorcycles in front of the building. Here's where Andy exercised his bravado and hopped off his Wing and went in to the courthouse and explained our situation and obtained permission to ride on the sidewalk and take a quick picture. WAY TO GO Andy!!

#36 - Grant County - Ephrata

We quickly got off the sidewalk and headed for Ephrata with a quick stop at Chet's Honda for a mic sock for Angela. After snagging the photo (it's the centennial year for the Grant county courthouse) we took a lunch break at DJ's on the north end of town (another very nice burger joint).

#37 Yakima County - Yakima

We headed south out of Ephrata for I-90. Cresting the Vantage Hill we were greeted by very strong winds that wanted to take off our helmets. We refueled at Kittatas and then headed down I-82 for Yakima where we eventually found the courthouse on Yakima Avenue. We snapped a quick photo.

#38 Kittitas County - Ellensburg

Finally we could smell the end with one more stop before King County. We rode up the Yakima Canyon Road which was also windy but more manageable at 45 mph. We headed for the Kittitas County courthouse and apart from a truck that had the primo parking spot, we bagged our picture. The lettering on this courthouse was of a definite western flavor as this is a rodeo town.

#39 King County - Seattle

We figured we would be able to make the King County Courthouse before dark at the pace we were riding. Heading over Snoqualmie Pass and across the I-90 bridge, we note that our exit at 4th avenue is closed, so we go to plan B and exit at James Street, circle the blocks and pull up in front of the King County Courthouse in a bus zone. I hop off, snap a couple of pictures and then we ride a partial block up to a parking area where we congratulate each other for completing the ride safely.

Reality starts to set in that we've done it! We completed in one long ride a visit to every county seat in Washington state. What's next? Stay tuned. It was a great geography and architectural lesson. Consider doing it. It's around 2,000 miles and there are lots of different ways to accomplish the ride. Like I posted earlier, it's something that politicians should try doing.

Day 5 - Colfax to Republic

2009-07-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

#26 Whitman County - Colfax

After doing our tclocks, we headed directly to the courthouse for our picture.

#27 Adams County - Ritzville

Leaving Colfax, we headed west on WA26 to Washtucna where we headed north on WA261 which is a very nice road to motorcycle through to Ritzville. Arriving in Ritzville, we fueled up at the local Chevron and enjoyed breakfast at, yes, McDonalds. We then got our photo at the courthouse (our first time in the actual downtown part of Ritzville) and motored on to the Lincoln County courthouse at Davenport via a fairly straight and boring road.

#28 Lincoln County - Davenport

A county worker commented that the roof was replaced in 1996 after a fire that was intentionally set by a juvenile miscrit who was trying to destroy his criminal record. Here's a link to a picture after the fire. Compare it with the photo we took.

http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif

We did catch a cowboy snagging a kiss next to a nice little park.

#29 Spokane County - Spokane

After witnessing the romantic encounter in Davenport, we rode east on US2 to I-90 where we took the Maple Street Bridge route north and zeroed in on the Spokane County Courthouse where there was great parking for a large city courthouse. The only problem was that the courthouse was so large it was difficult to photograph in one picture. This, for me, was the prettiest of the courthouses with its French Renaissance architectural style. Here are a few pictures:

#30 Pend Oreille County - Newport

It took us a while to get out of Spokane with lots of traffic. Riding up US2 to Newport, we passed by a major WSP Radar sting in the southbound lanes using a number of unmarked SUV's. Arriving in Newport, it took a bit to find the courthouse but "eagle-eye" Angela spotted it and we snagged our picture there. This was one of the two courthouses that didn't have the county name above the door although it had the marking in the cornerstone.

After taking the photo we found a VERY nice little family owned (4th generation) deli called Owen's which is right on the main traffic corner across from the historical display of sawmill machinery. Again, this was a very refreshing stop and we highly recommend it.

We refueled once again and then headed west on WA20. We took a rest stop at Tiger and enjoyed some conversation with a number of motorcyclists who were riding in from the west.

Of course, I couldn't miss taking a photo of Tomoose's protective poster. (inside joke and you'll have to ask me privately for an explanation).

This Tomoose fellow is apparently pretty valuable as elk are fair game.

#31 Stevens County - Colville

After a really twisty ride over WA20 and lots of elevation gain, we dropped down into the valley that Colville is located in. The temperature was 101 and we were very, very hot. We found the courthouse, snapped our photos and then headed for a museum that's got lots of shade and cold running water so we can cool off. Following this brief rest break where we watched a deer and two fauns frolic, we were off to ride to Republic and our stop for the night.

#32 Ferry County - Republic

We had hoped to get a bit farther than planned today, but the rest stops for heat and hydration took a toll on us. So when we hit Republic, we refueled the bikes at the local Chevron and bagged our photo.

Then I called our friends who live out on Lake Curlew to see if they could host us for the evening. They glady did so as we have a standing offer to visit them any time (I helped in a minor way to build the house they live in). We grabbed some dinner at Mel's drive in where I converted a mushroom beefalo burger into a salad.

We found it amusing that there was a planned power outage and what does the enterprising business person do? Invite everyone to a picnic in the park.

Arriving at the Byam's house, we watched Joe hand feed a very nice 2 point buck. I also took the opportunity to fix Angela's helmet communication system with a little solder and tape work.

We enjoyed a nice visit with the Byams and a wonderful sunset before retiring for the night. What a refreshing visit. And we only logged some 360 miles today.

Day 4 - Kelso to Colfax

2009-07-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

#17 Clark County - Vancouver

It's now day 4. After a good night's rest, we headed out in a marine layer of clouds around 7:15am for the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver. Shortly that marine layer was gone. Knowing that it was in a major metropolitan area, we didn't know what we would find for parking. Arriving at the courthouse, the parking was a bit limited and the courthouse is a modern building with no markings on the building. However, there was a signpost that identified the building. A fellow drove up in a Mercedes and engaged Andy in conversation. It turned out he was a chapter X member. After exchanging pleasantries, we were off for a breakfast stop at, yes, McDonalds.

#18 Skamania County - Stevenson

Following our nice breakfast, we headed up WA14 about 40 miles to Stevenson (home of the annual Dual Sport Rally) where we easily found the courthouse. It was starting to get warm, but this was only a pre-cursor.

#19 Klickitat County - Goldendale

We rode up WA14 to US97 and then a short 20 miles to Goldendale. At this point it was getting hot, so we refueled first and re-hydrated and plotted our next stop. The original route had us take a run to Yakima and then to Prosser; but that would be 120 miles. We decided to save Yakima county for the last day and get it from the north via Ellensburg plus it would allow us to ride the Yakima Canyon Road.

Arriving at the courthouse (we're now at the halfway point), there was lots of parking and we snapped our pictures.

#20 Benton County - Prosser

Leaving Goldendale, I led us east on the Goldendale/Bickelton Highway (really twisty where it crosses Rock Creek) to a re-hydration stop in Bickelton at the little market. It was then another hot ride on Glade Road into Prosser where we captured our photos at the courthouse.

Leaving the courthouse shortly after 2pm we started looking for a place for lunch (yes it was late, but we like riding!). Just around the corner we found a great little burger joint which also served hand-dipped ice cream (Davey's Burger Ranch 1305 Meade Ave, Prosser, WA 99350 (509) 786-2720). It rivalled Miner's in Yakima and shouldn't be missed on a trip through the area. Google the name for reviews. It was also air-conditioned which as a relief in the 90 degree temperatures.

#21 Franklin County - Pasco

After a nice refreshing lunch, we hopped on I-82 and headed a short distance to Pasco where we easily found the courthouse, hopped off, and took our pictures. Did I mention it was continuing to be hot?

#22 - Walla Walla County - Walla Walla

Leaving Pasco, we followed US12 south and then east with a fuel stop in Touchet. We then rode on into Walla Walla and snagged our pictures. This courthouse is dedicated to Christopher Columbus.

#23 - Columbia County - Dayton

We're really now on a roll and are ticking off courthouses fairly rapidly. The next one was in Dayton and we rolled into town, flipped a u-turn on US12 (no traffic) and snagged our pictures. It was a quick stop and we were off for Garfield county. But not before I lined the Wing up in the gunsight of one of the protective cannons. They also had some nice tapestries commemorating the courthouse on many of the light poles.

#24 - Garfield County - Pomeroy

It was again a very short ride to Pomeroy where we snagged the Garfield County Courthouse. It had an attractive lady of justice on the cupola. Pomeroy was special for me as my dad graduated high school in Pomeroy.

Bonus Stop - Pataha Flour Mills

At Pataha which is just down the road from Pomeroy, we stopped at the Pataha Mill, which is owned by some friends of ours and operated as a historical site and restaurant. We were able to have a very brief visit with our friend before heading off for Asotin County.

Heading west on US12 we came into Clarkston before heading down WA129 to Asotin where we grabbed a quick picture as darkness was now looming before us. WA129 south of Asotin is a motorcyclist's dream road and is called the Rattlesnake.

After refueling in Lewiston, we decided to ride the Old Spiral Highway out of Lewiston to the top of the 195 grade. It was a very, very twisty ride up in the twilight with lots of magnificant vistas.

We then rode in the dark to Colfax on a cooling evening. It was too dark to photograph the courthouse, so we saved it for the morning. We grabbed a 9pm dinner at the local subway, cooled off and then retired for the evening at Angela's dad's condominium.

Today was a long day from 7:15am to 9:15pm and 477 miles. It would be the longest leg of the trip. Rest was going to feel good.

Day 3 - Jefferson to Cowlitz Counties

2009-07-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day of riding and we polished off Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Cowlitz county seats. There was a definate variety of architectural styles and locations. Plus we picked up some bonus photos which will be included in this ride report.

County #7 Jefferson

It was an early morning ride down to Pt. Townsend where our GPS programs led us to the wrong address. Eagle eye Angela spotted the vintage courthouse on the hill above the downtown business district.

County #8 Kitsap

Leaving Pt. Townsend we motored across the Hood Canal Floating bridge and south on WA3 and around the Naval Station Bremerton mothball fleet where we found the courthouse up on the top of a hill in a modern building.

There was also a photo opportunity for a framed photo through a large circle.

County #9 Pierce

We rode WA16 east to Tacoma and dodged some construction and closed freeway off ramps and found ourselves in the congestion of downtown Tacoma where we double parked in a handicap zone for a quick photo and we were out of Dodge. There was way too much congestion for my taste.

Bonus #1

Since we were heading south for Chehalis to bag Lewis County, we took the opportunity to stop at the State Capital in Olympia. We borrowed some reserve parking spots for a brief photo opportunity.

County #10 Lewis

A short 25 mile jaunt down I-5 to Chehalis brought us to the Lewis County Courthouse where we were able to get a couple different views of this courthouse.

County #11 Thurston

After a quick McDonald's lunch in Chehalis, we headed back up I-5 to find the Thurston County courthouse. This one was again on top of a hill but it looked like a low level office building. Fortunately it was well marked. Quick pictures were taken in a bus zone, and we were off to find Shelton and Mason county courthouse.

County #12 Mason County

Arriving in Shelton, we found the courthouse and it was under some significant construction to put in handicapped access. A county worker who was also a motorcyclist engaged us in conversation and we really enjoyed our chat with him.

County #13 Grays Harbor County

The ride to Montesano was via a wonderful back road (Satsop - Cloquallum & Shelton, Matlock Roads. These two roads were a refreshing change from the multi-lane highways that we spent time on today. While taking our pictures at the nice little Grays Harbor courthouse, a lady engaged us in conversation and volunteered some nice road construction information about US101.

County #14 Pacific County

The ride to South Bend was generally without much traffic until we hit road construction on US101. Arriving at the courthouse which is on top of a hill, I was totally in awe of this one. It's being re-roofed and refurbished and will be a crown jewel.

County #15 Wahkiakum County

This rather unpopulated county has its county seat at Cathlamet. Before we arrived at Cathlamet, we rode down to the last covered bridge in Washington state (bonus #2) for some photos and chatted with some locals who were enjoying some cooling off time in the river under the bridge.

Leaving the covered bridge, we shortly arrived at the very small courthouse for Wahkiakum county. It was nice and neat.

County #16 Cowlitz County

It was only another 25 miles until we picked up the last county seat of the day in Kelso.

Kelso was the city my maternal grandparents lived in. We decided to call it a day and found a motel room at Motel 6 near the freeway.

We're now just about 50% complete. Tomorrow we head for Vancouver, WA and then start riding up the Columbia River to pick up the counties on the southern part of the state.

Stay tuned for more.

Day 2 - San Juan & Clallam Counties PLUS Twilight

2009-07-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Day 2 (Sunday) found us rising at 5am for a 6am departure from camp in Lynden. Our goal for the day was to make it to Kitsap County. But that was not to be for reasons that will become evident.

County # 5 (San Juan)

San Juan county is the most difficult County seat to reach as it's on an island at the conclusion of a 65 minute ferry ride. We (Andy, Angela & I) rode to Anacortes and dropped our trailers at my daughter's home. We then bought our tickets and found ourselves to the very front of the ferry line for Friday Harbor (that's the ferry rules: motorcycles go first and can bypass cars). Other motorcyclists soon showed up and all were amazed at our planned ride. We rode on out to Friday Harbor, de-boarded the ferry, rode up the hill a few blocks, snapped our photos of another non-descript courthouse, and rode back to the front of the line that was queued up, and reboarded the same ferry. It was a shame to not ride more of San Juan Island, but we're on a mission. We also took the opportunity to use the ferry power to recharge or camera batteries.

County # 6 (Clallam)
Arriving back in Anacortes, we went back to our daughter's house and hooked up the trailers and enjoyed a brief visit with her and her new husband (they had just honeymooned in Hawaii). We also discussed our routing for the next leg and checked on reservations for the Keystone / Pt. Townsend ferry route. None were to be had and we couldn't risk not making the ferry, so we decided to ride further south to Edmonds and take the Kingston ferry as we knew that we could get first priority boarding. So we arrived in Edmonds just in time for a 2:40pm sailing. Surprisingly, the boat was totally full. On the other side we were very surprised that the ferry waiting line was so short. Little did we know what would come next.

At the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, the traffic is parked. Drat, the bridge is open (probably for a nuclear submarine). So we waited for about 15 minutes and the traffic started moving again. We now saw the reason for the lack of ferry waiting traffic: with the bridge open, the traffic was parked for about 7 miles. We continued riding and there was more heavy traffic at Sequim (a lavender festival was ending for the weekend). We chatted on the CB's and decided we would make Port Angeles (Clallam County) our destination for the day so we wouldn't need to just sit in traffic to make it back to Pt. Townsend. It had been a long day. So we easily found the Clallam County Courthouse and it was one of the prettiest we've seen so far:

We then found a room at the Super 8 motel which has wireless internet and then we decided to become "Twilight" tourists. Twilight is a very popular book series about a vampire (Edward) and a high school girl (Bella). In the fictional account, there is a section of the book about the Bella and her friends coming to Port Angeles for Bella to find a prom dress. She ends up getting rescued from some thugs by Edward. We ate at the Bella Italia where she and Edward had their first date which has experienced a dramatic increase in business as a result of being featured in the book. Below are a few pictures of our tourist trip for the day.

The Ferry Kalakala which ran for many years between Port Angeles and Victoria. It's now moored in Tacoma awaiting restoration as a museum piece. Below is a mural depicting it.

Bella's prom dress

Bookstore

Bella Italia

There's even a wine called "Twilight".

How far do we get in day 3, check back.

Getting Started - Whatcom, Island, Snohomish, & Skagit,

2009-07-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Apart from my Alaska Ride, the big ride for us so far this summer is planned to be a 39 county seat ride to all of the county seats in Washington State. We're planning to do it in no more than 5 days with a total distance of some 1800 miles.

Given that we were going to be at a Gold Wing Motorcycle rally in Lynden, WA (up north near the Canadian border), we decided that we'd start there. But the start was a bit unconventional. While at the rally, our initial plan was to do a ride on Friday, 7/17 up to Shannon Falls, BC. However, Angela did a last minute change of bags and her passport got left behind. So, we went to plan B: Knock off 4 counties in the NW Washington state. So, Jeff Harvey, Andy Haugen, Angela and I took off to do so. Jeff would just be with us today, while Andy, Angela and I are committed to doing the full 39 counties in one ride.

BTW, you can track us on SPOT http://jasonjonas.org/spot/tripViewer.do?id=2195.

County # 1 (Wbatcom)

We found the county courthouse by spiraling in on it in downtown Bellingham. It has a very colorful totem pole in front of it. Below is a picture of it.

County # 2 (Island)

Leaving Bellingham, we headed down Chukanut Drive to WA20 and then west to Coupeville. Along the way we enjoyed a nice lunch at the Rhododendron Cafe (well at least 3 of us did as Andy had 2 clams that appeared to have some slimy substance in them. His meal was comped (free). I'll spare you the picture.

We crossed the Deception Pass Bridge where there was a "heavy rescue operation" going on and later on two significant traffic accidents. We bagged our Island county courthouse (the most undiscript building so far).

County # 3 (Snohomish)

Leaving Coupville, we headed down Whidbey Island for the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry. We paid our fare and almost literally rode right on the ferry and were given a primo spot about 5 cars from the front. SCORE! Leaving the ferry, we wound our way via back city streets to the courthouse in downtown Everett.

County # 4 (Skagit)

Our next county seat would be found in Mt. Vernon. Given it was a Friday night, we took a series of back roads up to just south of Mt. Vernon where we rejoined the freeway for a short distance. We got our photos in front of a really cool canon.

It was then a direct ride back to camp and we stopped for a little dinner of BBQ ribs. Very nice ribs.

What would our next steps be? Stay tuned.