And Then There Was One...

I was supposed to be at my residency at 9:00, but Steve's flight was at 11:30. Looked like Papa Stevesie was going to get some quality time at the Seattle Airport (as if he needed more from his arrival.) Second drive to airport in 12 hours to send another comrade home. I figured I would do both of them a favor and drive most of their camping gear back so they didn't have to check a bag. I'm too nice to them. This was the first time I've sent Steve off before a trip was over. He has always been there for all these ridiculous trips I try to put together. I knew he wanted to take the drive back with me, but he had to take care of business. Steve headed off, told me to be safe, and I headed to Swedish Medical Center.

This was an unplanned stop, but since I was such a big fan of Seattle I thought I would take a look at the program while I was there. The set up was a private practice which definitely had its advantages compared to the hospital setting. I liked it a lot and will definitely be adding it to my list of programs. But after an exciting morning, it was time to start the part of the trip that I was looking the least forward to. The weather was appropriate Seattle weather, grey and drizzling, but it also seemed to appropriately reflect my mood. I had been sharing such great experiences with those who are closest to me and now I was on my own. Even though I knew this was coming, it was still a little tough to swallow. Being 3000 miles away from home and by yourself.

I hadn't really planned out my route home so my first stop was a Target to load up on snacks and also purchase a new pack of undies (I was out of clean ones, eww.) I ate lunch at Panera so I could get some internet and figure out where the hell I was going. I was supposed to meet up with my buddy Griffin, but he had all ready left for a backpacking trip so I was out of luck with those accommodations. I decided to stay in Spokane, WA since it was about the distance that I wanted to travel. I booked a cheap hotel on hotwire.com and hit the road. As I was leaving Seattle, I could see Mt. Ranier more clear than the entire time I was there. I though to myself, "I'll be standing on top of that one day, and it's going to be awesome."

The drive across Washington actually blew my mind. About 2.5 hours east of Seattle, the state turns into a desert. It was really the last thing that I was expecting, but it was a pleasant surprise. It then became a little greener, but at this point I was ready for the hotel. I got off at the exit and grabbed some dinner at an Asian Noodle restaurant. Being on the road for so long, I feel obligated to try every fast food/chain restaurant that I see; weird, but true. Dinner was good, but I was ready for the hotel. There was a gym there and I went to go lift, but then decided to do a ride on the stationary bike since I haven't pedaled in over a month. I rode really hard and was sweating everywhere. People were looking at me like I was crazy, but it felt good to have that achy burn in my calves again. Back at the room, I took a shower, stretched out, and planned out my route to Glacier National Park. I have been looking forward to this stop for a long, long time. Tomorrow is my first full solo day. ULTRA day 30/39: COMPLETE

JM