So we were just about to 'detrain' in Mt Vernon, Washington. We'd heard that it was possible to camp in the Fairgrounds, but it meant knocking on a locked gate to get in. At 9pm on a Saturday night in the rain it seemed a long shot.

We asked a couple if they could give us directions. They were helpful and gave us directions, but were unsure if we'd get in. We collected our bikes and trailers and set off down Main St, when a car honked its horn and pulled us over. It was the guy from the train. he'd had a rethink and thought the City Park would be a safer bet. We questioned the wisdom of camping there without consent. He replied he was the Mayor and he said it was just fine by him and he escorted us to the Park and found us a perfect campsite under the goal posts which he said we could lock our bikes to. He gave us his card in case the PO-lice came along.

Don't you just love the random kindness of strangers when touring.

That's awesome.

Kind, thoughtful helpfulness is just great full-stop. Everyone should do it, even when bikes aren't included! 🙂

mcmoonter – You landed on your feet there. My better half is from about 15 mins from Mount Vernon and the police in the area move people along even if they're just sitting on the beach at night let so without his help it might have been a long night. That said, the people are really friendly in general and happy to help out, particularly if you've got an interesting accent/story.

Atlaz, Just after we had our tent pitched the PO-lice did in fact check us out. they trained a huge search light on us for maybe a couple of minutes. We were ready and waiting with our 'Get of jail' card. They never came over or questioned us.

The Mount Vernon cinema, The Lincoln is well worth a visit if your are in town. they still have a pipe organ and a guy plays tunes before the film starts. How quaint.

Nice one, nice to have friends in high places. 😆

That makes me feel a whole lot better about the way things seem to be going these days. 😀

nice one Pete, wondered how you were getting along.

aye mcmoonter its ace isnt it

we had a couple take us in for new years when no where in a hundred mile radius had space for a couple of bike bums to stay …..

we had a shed in the garden with a double bed and they took us to an friends new years and we all had an ace time !