Stumbling Into (literally) A Clam Chowder Cook-off

After our experience of free camping on private land we biked another twenty miles to Kalaloch State Beach (ka-lay-lock) where we decided to wait out the weather. Kalaloch ended up being a very unique campground and definitely one of the best campgrounds that we have been to so far. After the great experience that we had while resting up and relaxing at Kalaloch, I decided to officially name my bike after the campground. For reference, kalaloch translates to "a good place to land."    En route to Twin Harbors campground, located just outside of Wesrport, Wa, we stopped at an oyster shop. Here we bought 1 lb of locally caught Halibut and a 1/2 lb of locally caught steelhead. Once at the campground, we cooked them up with quinoa and stir fry and had another excellent dinner. I have no problem saying that this is the best fish that I have ever had. Never before have I enjoyed seafood so much as I have in the northwest, thanks Chris for the recommendation to indulge!     After leaving Twin Harbors, Gillian and I began the day with what seemed like would be a very wet and rainy ride. Despite the wet weather we soon fell into a nice rhythmic tempo and began enjoying the views of the mist covered bays and inlets. This ride so far has been our favorite ride yet. We will have to see which ride will end up trumping this one.     At the end of the ride we finally made it to a KOA campground, located in Bay Center, Wa, where we met several of the greatest people. The staff at the campground were unbelievably nice. I honestly didn't think that this kind of hospitality existed anymore. We were also very lucky in our arrival date because there was a clam chowder cook-off that we were invited to as well as a root beer float social that followed. Keep in mind that Bay Center is an oyster farm town, so this chowder was definitely one of a kind. Each of the entries were household recipes cooked up by seafood experts. Gillian and I both had our fare share of tasting just to be sure that we made the best decision possible, what a treat.     Not only were all the staff amazingly kind, but we were able to receive inspiration and encouragement from two other touring cyclists that we met there. Stefan from Switzerland and Ines from Germany were completing their touring ride from Los Angeles to Anchorage! And we thought our trip was far! Both had much to say about their trip that I was able to soak up like knowledge coming from a book. These two were very easy to talk to and had lots to tell us about their experiences. It was great being able to drink a beer with the two of them. Stefan mentioned touring Iceland on bicycles which he said is his favorite touring ride, he has completed it three times! So perhaps one day we will travel to Iceland and tour the country with Stefan the proper way, on bicycles.   - Colin.