We awoke to our final Trekker Simon’s arrival, rounding out the group of 11 just in time for Continental victuals. As granola settled and sun crested, we set out to an REI of unfathomable proportions to tend achy bikes and browse carefully appointed displays of what suburbanites believe to be ideal outdoor living. Generally this involves a Yeti cooler, complicated sandals and down-filled vests in primary colors.
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Bikes and gear appointed, next up was lunch by the Space Needle, peppered with frisbee, safety drills, mini soccer 
and a healthy host of “Contact” — a game of synergistic verbal divination while Charlotte stitched the clouds atop Seattle’s iconic saucer.
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A theme of exploration drives the group; to venture out, take in new sights, sounds and modes of existence. Together, they will experience new country and expand horizons without 5G fetters to blinker attention. How many people, of any age, take time away from the world of binary certainty to venture into the unknown? What do we regain when we leave behind ones and zeros for infinite possibility? Our 11 may have answers in the coming weeks. Or better yet, more questions, leading to more exploration. Non-linear progression.
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We rounded out our evening at “Asean Streat Food Hall”, finding purchase amidst the stalls for our individual tastes — banh mi, bulgogi, bok choy and boba and other foodstuffs that don’t start with ‘B’. After a little more evening exploration round Pike Place, we gathered to discuss our journey’s true beginning, to Whidbey Island. We’ll bike and ferry our way to this promised land, keeping an eye out for mammalian seafarers. Life is rarely black and white, but maybe Whidbey whales will be.
