After all the excitement of the first couple of weeks, the next couple of weeks were a lot more fun. On a trip back to Oregon to get my licensed replaced, we picked up Matthew to come stay with us for a week. Matt had a good time meeting new friends that camped next to us and had Joshua come stay overnight. The boys played in the canal, getting muddy and wet, dug in the dirt, played the Wii, saw Cars II, and Matthew got to ride the ferry to Bremerton. Deane took a day to have a grandfather/grandson day and took Matt to see the Destroyer and the Bug Museum with lunch at his favorite place, McDonalds.We are now half way though our stay here and finally took some time to do what we really enjoy, touring the area. The Olympic Peninsula has a wealth of interesting and diverse things to see, from beautiful water on three sides from the Pacific Ocean on the west, to the Hood Canal on the East and the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the north. The peninsula offers so may diverse landscapes from beautiful beaches, vistas from the Olympic mountains to a temperate rain forest. We were lucky enough to see a herd of Roosevelt Elk that roam the valleys and forests.
Our first stop was just outside Pt. Angeles at Hurricane Ridge. At a mile high, you are above most of the clouds and are offered the most incredible views of the Olympic mountains. We did not see any of the well known mountain goats, but we were treated to a very tame deer, that was not afraid of people, and munched her way along the edge of the parking lot, occasionally taking a bite from food offered from humans.
Having only two days to see everything we wanted, we headed next to Neah Bay to visit Cape Flattery. To get there, you veer off Highway 101 onto 112 that parallels the north coast of the peninsula and offers you views of Vancouver Island through the Straits of Juan de Fuca and some incredible seascapes. We did not have a reservation for the night, but found ourselves an 'interesting' room at Linda's Wood Fired Kitchen and Motel! Had a Japanese soaking tub that was one of the more 'interesting' bathtubs I have ever seen. Once checked into Linda's.. we headed out to Cape Flattery about 15 minute drive. Cape Flattery is the oldest permanently named feature in Washington state, being described and named by James Cook on March 22, 1778. Cook wrote: "... 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.
Cape Flattery is the northwestern most point of the contiguous United States on the Olympic Peninsula, where the Strait of Juan de Fua joins the Pacific ocean. It is also part of the Makah reservation. The trail to the point is about a half mile through some beautiful forest foliage, old growth trees and spectacular views.Something to know before you go, is all of the town of Neah Bay is part of the Makah reservation and therefore is dry. Meaning no liquor. Could not even get a beer to go with our pizza from Linda's.
Our second day, we headed south to the Ho Rain Forest. Now, when I think of a rain forest, I think of a heavy canopy, drippy west weather and a bit dank. The day we visited was a beautiful sunny day, and this rain forest in considered a temperate rain forest which consists of conifers as well as evergreens and lots of moss. We spent about 5 hours there, taking a couple of hikes, one with a ranger. Although June, July and August get about 5" of rain each month, the winter months get around 25". That equates to about an 1" per day.
We have had a couple of visitors this month. Jane and Stan Smith stopped by one Sunday after a stay on Hood Canal. We did a bit of touring, and ended up at 2 Margaritas in Union Wa., for one of the best Mexican dinners we have had in a long time. Weather was wonderful as we sat outside enjoying the food and view of the canal.
In between visits from friends and our little trip, we have been enjoying the grandsons. Jonathan's premier soccer team has won the two tournaments they have played in. The team is very good, but as proud grandparents, the goalie (Jonathan) is exceptional..
We have had Joshua and Jayden come stay and spend the day and nights with us a few times. We spent time with Jayden at the Maritime museum and miniature golf, and Josh at the Bug museum and the Destroyer in Bremerton.
Can't believe how fast this month is going by.....Jonathan has another tournament this coming weekend, and our family get together on September 3rd is quickly coming up. So looking forward to it!