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We decided on the spur of the moment to take a tour of
the Olympic peninsula in WA., since there are still some places
on the
peninsula we haven't seen yet.
The weather forecasts for the weekend called for rain, but hey,
so
what.
Figured if it became too miserable, we could always go
back home.
Left on Friday around 2 pm, and slowly made our way around
Hood Canal up to Port Townsend. In P.T. the banana belt was
working
quite well, and it was sunny and dry. Two hours later
drove into the
Old Fort Townsend State Park, and to our surprise
had the pick of
campsites. Guess everyone listened to the weather
reports and stayed
home.
Put up the "lawn chair guard", so no one would take our site,
and
spent
the rest of the evening hanging out in Port Townsend, and
stocking up
on
supplies. Saturday morning still sunny, but clouds
are starting to come
in.
After a big breakfast, we pack up and are
on our way to Port Angeles.
6 miles before P.A., decide to try to
drive up to Deer Park.
Haven't been there yet, so up we go,
only to finally arrive at a
barrier,
a couple of miles from the top.
The Deer Park campground at the top
of the mountain is still
closed. Guess have to try again later in the
season.
But the drive up is fun in a rugged sort of way.
A short visit at the Lake Crescent lodge, and by late noon, we
arrive
at
the Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground. By now it's raining
steadily,
and the moisture is dripping down the old growth trees,
and it's all
quite magical. After picking a site, and taking a tour of all
the tarp
castles, we cook dinner in our westy.
Then off for a long evening soak in the hot springs. Despite the rain,
it's crowded in the pools. There are people from all over the world.
The pools are open till 9 pm on Saturday, and they empty out
somewhat
during the last 3 hours.
During the day, one has to sign up on a waiting list.
But it's well worth it. To sit in the hot sulphur water, and feel the
rain
on one's head is not to be missed. Great fun for kids too.
That night in the wet rainforest made us really appreciate the vented
platinum cat heater in our camper. Inside it was warm and dry.
Sunday morning it's on to Neah Bay. Off highway 112 along the
strait,
saw some bald eagles sitting right there on the beach, eating
fish and
fighting with crows.
To our regret we didn't have much time to spend in the Makah
Indian
reservation and Neah Bay. People there are very friendly,
and we
are planning in the future to spend some more time up there.
We bought some cookies and fresh baked bread from a woman
selling out of the back of her vanagon, and she told us how to get to
Cape Flattery. The road is kind of rough, and just when we were
almost ready to turn around, there is a sign that says Cape Flattery.
The 1/2 mile hike to the shore is mostly over a wooden boardwalk.
Stunning view from the cape across Tatoosh Island, and the
rugged cliffs below. Saw some otters down below playing
in the waves, but no whales.
By now its 2:30 pm, and we decide to check out Ozette Lake,
since Fred once mentioned it, and we hadn't seen the lake yet.
The Hoko Ozette road is somewhat windy, and one has to
watch out for landslides and deer.
Now it's raining again, and we naively assume, it would be easy to
get a campsite in the Ozette Campground, and spend the night there.
The campground is very beautiful, but small. Right on the water,
most sites have a view of the vast natural lake.
Well, all 15 sites were taken. Most of them by people with
compact cars and tents. Despite the rain. This would make a
stunning location for a wetwestie campout, but don't know if
they accept reservations there, and the camp fills up fast.
We will try again, maybe on a Friday evening, to get a site there
to spend a weekend.
So we drive back and spend the night in Bogachiel State Park.
Lots of sites there, and great showers. Sunday morning, late
breakfast in the westy, and then on down 101 which takes
us back home.
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