I’ve now driven just about all of Highway 101 from south to north through three states, starting in Arcata, California in mid-May all the way to Forks, Washington, where the highway soon begins to turn eastward. This feels like a significant milestone after traveling in a northwesterly direction for so many months. Continue reading
Cape Flattery is the northwestern-most point in the Continental United States. It is at the end of the tiny tip that protrudes off the upper left corner of Washington State, seperating the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the Pacific Ocean. This point was named by one of my heroes of discovery, Captain James Cook, who wrote in his ships log, “there appeared to be a small opening which flattered us with the hopes of finding an harbour … On this account I called the point of land to the north of it Cape Flattery.” I am fascinated by the courageous exploration of Captain Cook and his accuracy for navigational charting. In fact, one of my favorite books was “Blue Latitudes,” where the author, Tony Horowitz humorously retraces the voyages of Cook in attempt to honor his legacy, (syphilis and murderous ending withstanding, of course.) Continue reading
My original intent in working my way around the OP NP (Olympic Peninsula National Park) was to make South Beach Campground my first stop. Several people suggested it was a “must do” because of its proximity to the beach. But I take one look at the RVs lined up bumper to bumper, jockeying for beachside real estate and realize I am still traumatized by Camp Agoraphobia. I just can’t do it. So I keep driving toward my next planned stop, Continue reading
I leave Camp Granada feeling a bit traumatized. As if my week of campground chaos has not been enough, as I am trying to make a fast and clean getaway, a nice young couple in an 800-4-RENT rig pulls in behind me at the dump station, just as I am gloving up. The man approaches with some trepidation, and in a heavy British accent asks, “Mind if I watch? This is my first time at this, and I don’t know how. I am hoping you don’t mind if I look on?” Continue reading
My Seattle friends Deb and Amy treated me to a day trip to Roslyn, WA, also known as “Cicely, Alaska.” It is always such a treat when anyone offers to drive me ANYWHERE, as I am always behind the wheel, missing the scenery as I am too focused on the road… Continue reading
I gave some thought to cutting my losses at Camp Granada and moving on. After all, it wasn’t about the money. But to do so would have negated the very reason I had driven 125 miles, waited in line for 45 minutes for a $71 ferry, only to give up and drive all the way around via Tacoma to get to Bellevue. To give up would have meant departing sunny Sequim to spend time with my friends Deb and Amy in Seattle, only to leave before I even had the chance to see them. Continue reading
Sequim Lavender Festival, Sequim, Washington
18th thru 20th July, 2014
“Lavender Capital of the Nation”
Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm
Through the “kindness of strangers,” who I now consider great friends, I am driveway surfing in Sequim, just 3 blocks from Dungeness Bay. I mentioned to my Winnie friends, Scott and Jan from Eugene that I really wanted to visit the lavender festival. After all, Sequim is “The Lavender Capital of our Nation.” But I was late in making my reservations, and all the campgrounds were full for the weekend. Continue reading
The weekend masses have not yet descended upon Cougar Rock Campground, so it is a cool, quiet morning. I marvel at my good fortune to get two blue sky days in a row in one of the “the snowiest places on earth.” I can see a few wisps of clouds, though, so I know the weather system is changing, so I hurry out for my intended destination for the day, Sunrise. Continue reading
After being in Oregon for two glorious, fun-packed months, it is finally time to say goodbye. Summer is fleeting, and the entire state of Washington is still yet to be explored. I have loved the state of Oregon more than any other state in the US…granted, I have yet to spend a winter here. But the winters would have to be pretty darned horrendous to offset the glory days of summer. Continue reading