Black Bears!

The scenery on Day 1 was lush and pleasant, but it was understated compared to some of the jaw-droppers I'd seen in recent days.  

Toward the end of my ride, I encountered four glorious black bears, each relaxing in a different location near the road.  I was very excited but also aware that there wasn't much of a shoulder, so I didn't linger too long for fear of getting steamrolled by a semi.  Here's a youngster:

And here's a grown-up. 

My photography skills need some work, but the experience was an absolute treat.