Post 79 officers continued a great annual tradition in welcoming the first two of seven Warrior Expedition Great American Railroad Trail bikers into the “Other Washington” from their start in D.C on May 6, 3.5K miles away. Welcome to Washington, John Wirth and Michael Kohler. We at Snoqualmie-North Bend American Legion Post 79 are all very respectful and have much admiration for these warriors' very challenging effort on this long bike trek. What a feat! Congratulations on getting here and going on to finishing the last leg of the epic journey to La Plush, the next few days with our other Washington welcoming committee partners at Forks American Legion Post 106.
Our first thirsty and weary Expedition Warriors, John and Michael, were first met by Art Farash at Tanner Way Landing crossing North Bend Way; then a quick photo, with Mt. Si in the background; and then escorted to George Townsen’s house for freshening up before bringing them to the picnic at Bill Cottringer’s. Later, they were joined by the other Post 79 officers, Chad Magendanz and Bill Cottringer. The group convened at the Cottringer home on the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River for a picnic full of tasty food (especially the brats and baked beans!), thirst-quenching libation on a hot day, eye-candy views with a slight breeze, two friendly dogs, Cody and Yuri, and lots of inspiring conversation. Needless to say, there was some very intriguing storytelling for several enjoyable hours in this group.
John and Michael went back to George’s “B & B house” for a quick sleep, breakfast and an early-morning departure for the final leg of their final bike ride to the ending point on the Washington coast at La Plush. There they will be greeted and hosted by Post 106. Again, a heart-felt congratulations to John Wirth and Michael Kohler for completing this cross-country expedition. American Legion Post 79 officers will be ready for the remaining five warriors during the next couple of weeks.