Much has happened......

Ithas been a while since I last penned anything. It is nearly a week since we crossed into the States. We pedalled in rain for the first couple of days and LMF was definately a factor within the group. On leaving Bellingham on a wet cold morning, an 8 oclock pedal out was planned -Gilly and Di disappeared to a Starbucks to get an early morning caffene fix, Michael disappeared into a garage to check tyre pressures yet again and I was sheltering in a bus shelter from the rain wating. I was then approached by a 'hobo' of no fixed abode and we then had a discussion of how good life on the road could be. However he did say that after a while it wore a bit thin and he was looking for accomodation.
On the road today we received news that Gilly brother died unexpectedly which will have an effect on the trip. Gilly has decided to fly home from Portland on 17th Sept  and rejoin us in Crescent City about 2 weeks later.
Last Friday we caught a ferry to the San Jaun Islands where we met up with Jim & MARLENE. GILLY & and I had our first days camping WEREAS THE OTHERS RELAXED IN A HOTEL. Great islands and the sun started to shine for the first time. A little less LMF - at last.
We have gradually chuncked south on some very busy roads and in ever increasing temperatures. We have camped in a couple of State Parks but today we are in a Motel.
Drama - it has been over 80 deg for the last 2 days and today Pat succumbed to the HEAT. 911 and 2 ambulances - Pats heart rate over 175and blood pressure almost non existant. A few hours in hospital and an arm full of saline solution and he is OK and he rejoined us for supper.
We are half way down Washington, the Odo is exactly 250 miles.
It seems to be going OK.Jim & Marlene seem a little faster than us but we all seem to getting on.Jim has endless stories about their travels and it is good to have an international group. Pat, who started with more gear than the rest of us seems to visit a Post Office in most town shedding kit, Michael visits most garages to check tyer pressures, Gilly just pedals on and I bring up the rear. 2 punctures so far - both to Pats back tyre so I have given him my spare tyre as he sent his home a couple of days ago savei

ng weight.
We pedal on tomorrow whilst Pat rests up for a day. We are expecting another hot day.