Mount Baker Scenic Ride (10,781 ft)

Bearjaws & wife Met with John & Gina Lane, also co-worker Erik around 10:00 a.m. gased up at the "76" adjacent to the Buzz-in resturant in Smokey Point. Proceeded to Hiway 9 to ride north to Hiway 542 south of Deming. Turning east we proceeded to Maple Falls to top off our fuel and take a much needed restroom stop & BS stretch of the legs and back. From there we continued on Hiway 542 following the river through the Mt. Baker National Forest to turn up the access road til we were held up by a County paint line trucks redoing the yellow lines to theSummit, approximately 4 miles below our destination. Alots of stop and go by the Follow Truck to allow paint to dry, also hampered by the bicycles on the narrow winding road. A beautiful day for the ride with temps in the mid to upper 70's and clear sky's. Beautiful panoramic views of the North Cascade mountain peaks with Our Canadian friends to the north, Baker Lake below us to the south & east, as well as the Glacier peak of Baker to our west. (Having trouble posting pics). On our return trip we followed our same route stopping in Clear Lake, at Evelyns Bar for a much needed repast. The food and refreshments were great, with the outdoor dining in the back makes it most enjoyable. From there we proceeded south toBig Lake where Erik peeled off west to I-5 for fuel and his ride home to Lynnwood, while John, Gina, my wife Myla, and myself continued south to Arlington. From there John & Gina Laneturned off to home, me & wife going south on Hiway 9 to our place off South Lake Stevens Road. Trip mileage around 250+.