Impressive sculpture honoring the logging industry outside the Enumclaw library.

I absolutely love the bike paths here. They are paved, smooth, and mostly very level. As I was riding through Orting, I started into a crosswalk, but suddenly I thought a car was going to turn left in front of me. The car ended up going straight, but I slammed on my brakes as hard and fast as I could. The good news is that my bike stopped. The bad news is that I went over the handlebars. I have had some close calls in the past, but this was the first time I actually wiped out and went over the handlebars. Once my shoulders were lower than my hips, there was no hope of staying on my bike. I am very glad I was wearing a helmet and gloves since that is what hit the pavement first. I hit the pavement hard enough with my head that I cracked my helmet. I will gladly buy a new helmet. I have a bit of road rash on my forehead and shoulder where I skidded after landing on my head. Other than a few scrapes, I am fine. Sorry, but there are no photos. No one was around to take a picture of me sprawled in the crosswalk, entwined in different parts of my bike. After few minutes to catch my breath, I was good to go to finish the ride. This time I remembered the gradual uphill climb back into South Prairie, so I geared down and took my time. I finished the whole 28 mile ride to Puyallup and back feeling pretty good.

Ed with Steve and Nancy in their beautiful backyard.

I have been enjoying my stay in Enumclaw and Saturday was especially great. Steve sent me a text in the morning and invited me to join him on a hike up Pinnacle Peak. It was beautiful and cool, so it was especially nice to be outside walking. Afterwards, Steve dropped me off at our motorhome and I caught up on emails and had lunch. In the afternoon, Nancy and Steve graciously allowed me to use their washer and dryer (without a sewer hookup in our RV park, I cannot use our washer). However, the highlight of the day was the wonderful meal we enjoyed together for dinner! Nancy prepared a great marinade using a recipe provided by a friend in Alaska and Steve cooked salmon on their barbeque grill in the backyard. It was absolutely fantastic! I could not stop eating the salmon. I took notes, but I do not think I will be able to match their salmon cooking expertise.