update from Shad

I am in Seattle now (actually in north Kitsap county just across Puget Sound). I had to take a bus, as my knee wasn't much better after a week of rest.
I lived in my tent for 5 days in the mountains, and then tried to pedal out of the steep valley. I made it out of the Imnaha River valley but was in too much pain to continue over the next summit.
I hitch-hiked to town and took a bus to Seattle. I have an appointment today for a second visit with the doctor. I did a 26 mile test ride yesterday and felt pretty good.
Unfortunately, the pain returned last night, and hopes for continuing my ride are dwindling. I will see what the doctor says today.
I am thankful for friends here in Washington and am trying not to get too stir crazy.
My friend Grant (also my doctor) taught me how to operate his tractor. He is working on projects on a piece of waterfront property on Port Gamble Bay.
I spent an afternoon in the rain, driving a tractor through the mud, clearing brush, with his daughter sitting on my lap. She had her fifth birthday recently, the same day as mine. We had a blast.
I am trying to keep my spirits up, as I ache to be on the road. For now, I am trying to enjoy each day and the company of friends I have not seen in six years. Where I will go from here, only time will tell. I will be in touch.
Shad