Day 1 - Distance to Empty...zero

June 17:  Kalama to Lewis & Clark State Park, 45 miles, 2000 elevation gain
 Today was the start of a short tour, beginning in Kalama, WA, a short drive from home.  The Port of Kalama lets you park in the McMenamins lot, which is patrolled 24/7, if you request a permit.
 Yeah, you are probably thinking that 45 miles isn't so far.  Well I didn't think it was either until I started climbing some hills that I wouldn't want to do on my road bike.  I swear I will never ride Bond Road again for anything! I found a paved bike path that runs the length of the town of Kelso, a welcome change from the climbing and the traffic.
 By the time I got to the campground, it was late and no one was around, so I found my own spot and tracked down the ranger in the morning as I was leaving. I love hiker/biker sites - no reservations and cheaper than regular tent sites.  Washington and Oregon and a few other states have a no turn away policy for hikers/bikers, reducing the stress of where to camp the next night.