Unexpected terror & confusion as the author and his bride returned from their honeymoon up in the San Juans

William & Faithlyn goofing around at Roche Harbor on the day before the near-miss on the freeways home. Definitely did NOT look this jolly after such a close call. Grateful, tho, for all’s well with life, limb, and property.

Selfie of us earlier the day of the near-miss. We’re in San Juan National Historical Park at the British camp.

Our car earlier Thursday in San Juan National Historical Park.

Another ferry passing ours on our way home Thursday afternoon from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island (connected by a bridge to the mainland). We had no inkling whatsoever over what was yet to come.

Called 911 yesterday for first time ever. Faithlyn, my new wife, and I were heading home to Shoreline from our little honeymoon to San Juan Island near the border with Canada. I drove. Our car was a white, 2020 Subaru Forester, Touring Model, in great shape. We were southbound on I-5 outside of Lynnwood when I realized I entered the entrance lanes to I-405. Traffic was moderately heavy, typical for summer evening traffic in our urban corridor. We were passing thru lower Snohomish County heading for King County where our home is. The day and date was Thursday 3 August 2023.

Looked both behind us & to my left, open lane, & so merged left. Our Subaru has flashing yellow lights to warn of vehicles in our blind spots or passing, but they did not go off, i.e. the lane was clear. Local time was about 6:50 PM PDT. Suddenly a large white sedan rocketed around me at high rate of speed as in pursuit. I immediately thought police car, unmarked, but did not hear sirens or see flashing lights.

The “cop” sedan swerved between cars and cut in front of us – its brakes squealing as its tires sent up black smoke of burning rubber. The car slid and spun in front of us as the driver fought for control. They lost control. The car spun around backwards into traffic to face oncoming cars and trucks. I continued to drive forward even tho slowed way down. For a nanosecond of eternity the careening sedan spun right alongside our Subaru as I drove ahead. I saw the white car and its bumper inches away from us thru violent smoke. The car slid in a cloud of burning rubber across 2-3 lanes of traffic. The sedan skidded off the pavement, slammed against the steep rise of a brush-covered bank on the driver’s side, and rolled over uphill as it flipped into small trees and bushes. Other drivers slowed down everywhere and all seemed in control. All of this happened in seconds, in seconds with the heft of hours. Continue reading →