Wednesday, July 2. At this latitude, at this time of year, there are 16 hours of daylight ... from sun up to sun down. We had plenty of time to return to Forks, have supper and make the short drive to Rialto Beach. Sunset was 9:22. The sun setting on the Pacific Ocean silohuetting a sea stack. Got it!
Rialto Beach Sunset with Sea Stack.
A perfect end to a wonderfully enjoyable trip.
I kept my eyes on the water as Helen drove us back along the coast of Puget Sound to Forks. "I think I saw a whale spout water. Stop!" Here is the whale we almost saw.
Whale. Heavily cropped.
It was exciting, even though....
Wednesday, July 2. A major allure of this area is to stand at the point of the contiguous United States that is furthest north and west. The trail to Cape Flattery is located on the Makah Reservation. We purchased our parking permit in Neah Bay at the Makah Tribe Cultural and Research Center. The museum is not to be missed.
The Cape Flattery Trail is a short drive from the village. The half mile descent is described as between 250 - 300 feet. As with many photographs, the reality of a place cannot be captured. The weather was perfect. The views and sound of the ocean were enough to make you want to stay as long as possible, except for the hike back and the knees that do the carrying.
Cape Flattery facing south.
The ocean color does change when viewed from different directions, but perhaps not quite this much. Ipad editing is not my favorite.
Cape Flattery facing north.
The lighthouse on Tatoosh Island is unmanned.
Cape Flattery facing west. Tatoosh Island.
A captivating place on the tip of the Olympic Peninsula.
Tuesday, June 30. We began the day visiting La Push which is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation and Rialto Beach which is in the northern side of the Sol Duc River.
Huge tree trunks at Rialto Beach.
Signs warn swimmers that floating logs are always dangerous and deadly.
From the Pacific Ocean, we traveled inland and hiked to the waterfall at Sol Duc. Below is what happens when the photographer, me, is not paying attention. I was so concerned I was in someone's way that I failed to readjust the exposure settings. Compounding and already high contrast environment, I "blew out" the whites in the image. Once gone, all the photo editing software on the planet cannot get them back.
Sol Duc waterfall and poor camera exposure settings. A lesson to be learned!
If you are reading these posts chronologically, you will recall our visit to Hurricane Ridge was overcast with light rain. So, back to Port Angeles and up the mountain we went. The goal was sunset on "the Ridge."
Fog forming on Puget Sound. Canada in the distance.
With no internet, my calculations on the position of the sun at sunset were off. Nevertheless, beauty abounded.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park.
As the sun was setting, the moon was rising in the east.
Moon rise at Hurricane Ridge.
The drive down the mountain in almost complete darkness definitely held our attention.
Monday, June 28. Several of the beaches on the northwest pacific coast have iconic images online of large "stacks." Stacks are chunks of coastline isolated from the mainland by erosion. During the approximately 30 minute drive from the Hoh Rainforest, the temperature dropped about 20 degrees. Fog shrouded the beach.
Helen and a "stack." In the fog behind her is a very large stack.
Another world.
Though there was sand at the water's edge, rounded rocks made walking a little challenging.
A beautiful, misty afternoon.
Monday, June 29. The need to do laundry delayed our arrival at the Hoh Rain Forest until slightly after noon. The persistent lesson for this trip continues to be: Make plans, but your enjoyment depends on your willingness to appreciate what comes your way. Too many natures programs on rain forests and online photos of the Hoh created a more Amazon Rain Forest expectation. However, I was aware of the current abnormal diminished rainfall. The height and density of the trees, the thick ferns and the overall beauty remain.
Notice Helen at the base of the tree. Average tree height: 220 ft. As tall as 300 ft.
Ferns are everywhere.
Too many people keep the critters in hiding.
Sunday, June 28. Leaving Bremerton. On the way to Forks, WA. The goal was to arrive at Hurricane Ridge to view the mountains on a clear day. Undeterred by overcast skies and ocassional light rain, the view was worth the 40 minute drive up the side of mountains.
Hurricane Ridge (iPad Snapseed editing)
Cloudy, but awesome.
Hurricane Ridge (iPad Snapseed editing)
On the way down the mountain ...
Saturday, June 27. Beautiful Lavender farms. Not as extensive as Provence France. We visited a lovely newly family owned and operated organic lavender farm less than a mile from Puget Sound. An ambitious and friendly couple. All products are developed and made by them. She is a biochemist.
We also visited Purple Haze, a farm growing spices and herbs along with lavender.
Purple Haze Lavender Farm
The buzzing of bees was quite intense, but no threat.
Lavender and Poppies.
Friday, June 26. We drove three hours to Quinault thinking rain forest. It may not have been wet, but the undergrowth was thick and some of the trees were incredibly tall. We decided to take a short hike to a couple of waterfalls. Our "short" hike was 3 miles long, with a 400 ft climbe through dense forest. Did I mention it was really hot. The waterfalls were a trickle, but the forest was beautiful. It was great exercise and it was fun.
Don't tell Mischelle, but we rewarded ourselves after the "strenuous" hike by splitting a pint of Ben and Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.
Thursday, June 25. Things often look better on a map than in reality. The shortest route was north across a bridge, then crossing Puget Sound by ferry taking us north of Seattle. Getting onto the ferry was risky without a reservation, however it was the bridge that stopped us. Traffic was backed up for miles. So, we backtracked heading south and then north towards Seattle. Once again, we were brought to a stop by traffic. We diverted further east eventually making it to route 20, which would take us to the Cascades. We reached the Welcome Center in mid afternoon. Our error was expecting the Welcome Center to be close to the highest peaks. We were able to enjoy some beautiful vistas, but the most impressive views were too far away.
Wednesday, June 24. Now, Seattle is known for copious amounts of rain, however, recently, it has been in a bit of a drought. The weather forecast predicted 20% chance of rain. Unfazed, we set off for the Northern Cascades (route 20). The plan was to travel due north from Bremerton, cross Puget Sound on the Port Townsend Ferry. However, we never made it across the bridge which was 26 miles from the ferry. Traffic was at a stand still, so we turned around and headed south. With the sky overcast since dawn and a few sprinkles on the windshield, I decided a glance at the radar might be wise. The entire Olympic National Park was coverd in rain and moving east. It was clear to the south, so to the south we went and headed for Mt. St. Helens. Two and a half hours from our hotel, MSH was not on our original itinerary,
Approaching Mt. St. Helens from the west.
It is impossible to grasp the enormous size of the volcano because there is nothing on it that can be used for comparison.
Mt. St. Helens
A park volunteer allowed us to look through a high powered spotting scope to see a herd of elk. To the naked eye, the elk were not even visible specks in the lower right of the above photo just above the ravine. Detail, below.
Mt. St. Helens, detail
Still, the geologist in me was, once again, overwhelmed ... at the size of the volcano and the destruction of the eruption over 30 years ago. Although not a "classic" explosive volcanic eruption, the largest landslide in recorded history removed 1300 feet of height off its peak. MSH is not a stop on the road to somewhere else. One chooses to go there and for those who appreciate the amazing natural forces at work in the world, the trip is absolutely worth is.
Tuesday, June 23. With only 3 1/2 hours of sleep due to our canceled flight and little opportunity for "real" food while flying from Nahville to Las Vegas to Seattle, we were tired and hungry. After checking into our hotel, we walked a couple of blocks to Anthony's, sat outside, overlooking the marina. The weather was perfect. We enjoyed a free appetizer compliments of the hotel and the best restaurant prepared scallop dish, ever. The favors of both were fantastic.
Following our relaxing and extremely satisfying dinner, we walked next door to the ferry dock for the one hour ride across Puget Sound to Seattle.
Seattle from the Bremerton/Seattle Ferry
We walked to Pike Place Market, but it was late and was mostly closed down for the day.
Seattle from the Bremerton/Seattle Ferry
Monday, June 22. We learned airport curbside checkin personnel are independent contractors not employees of the airlines. So, if your flight is canceled before you arrive, they may not have the information to tell you. Our late evening flight evolved into a 5:30 am Tuesday flight. Following current flying recommendations to arrive two hours early means beating TSA and Southwest employees to work. It also means being first in line for TSA Pre screening.
Several blessings occurred as a result of the rescheduling. During the connecting flight from Las Vegas to Seattle, we sat next to a delightfully enthusiastic young woman who had lived in Seattle. Jessica told us all about her favorite places and things to do. Had we taken the Monday night flight, I would have missed an experience that left me teary-eyed and awe struck. With a deep love for nature and an undergraduate degree in Geology, I was ovehelmed by the visual impact of the string of snow covered volcanoes which included Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. This time, I was saddened to have chosen an aisle seat and only my iPhone camera to capture the view.
Mt. Rainer (iPhone edited on iPad with Snapseed)
After gathering our suitcases and the Suburu Outback, in only moments we were breathlessly facing the powerfully imposing image of Mt. Rainier. No camera available since I was driving. I couldn't stop saying. "Wow ... Wow!"
Though our winters are short and mild compared to those in the North, dark overcast skies and temperatures in the teens with accompanying wind chill tend to dampen ones enthusiasm for outdoor photography. Still, ice clinging to tree branches creates a magical crystal forest. In the Night Photos Gallery, you will find a high contrast streetlight illuminated tree. It is dramatic and has been appreciated by many. I hope you agree.