Going West As Far As I Can Go

One final walk of my three canine companions early Sunday morning and then on the highway before 9 AM.

Gosh it was good to get on the road again, I needed to see something besides those cul de sacs I had been walking for 45 minutes twice a day, I have to admit that for two weeks, I kept thinking there were many streets and I kept getting lost and confused. Finally, I realized there were really only two circles and three dead ends. I had been walking in circles the entire time,
Odd that I can get all around the US in this old van and travel Europe via train and bus, but get lost in a white bread suburb!

I drove on the Interstates from Portland until I reached Highway 12 in Washington. I then followed 12 to Washington 101 and 112 into Port Angeles.
Perhaps you can see the route on this map.

Much of the roadside view is blocked by towering trees. Supposedly, the forest we drove through in Idaho is one of the largest in the lower 48. You wouldn't think it compares with what you drive through in Washington and the Olympic National Forest.

Lake Quinault

Quinalt is a beautiful lake and community within the National Forest and next to the southwest tip of Olympic National Park. There is a historic lodge, but if you are toying with something more permanent this has to be the lowest pricing for lake property I have seen in all my travels.

Only 129000

Every now and then you catch a glimpse of towering peaks in your rear view mirror. Then all of a sudden - there is the Pacific right in front of you.

The Pacific at Kalaloch

Stop at Kalaloch for the view, the food, or to stay a while.

A Perfect Retreat

Here is a direct suggestion to my friend Cheryl:
Gather up some of your quilting friends and stay here for an extended weekend of quilting and touring.
While there, take a day trip up to the Makah Indian Reservation to visit the Makah Cultural Center.

Worth a Visit

I journeyed to Neah Bay because it is the furthest western point in the northwestern USA.
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Neah Bay Is Still a Fishing Port

Any road you venture down will be a treat. Click on this link to hear the birds, but you will just have to imagine the fragrence on your own.

Wish I Could Still Hear and Smell It

After going as far west as I could go, I headed east and found a place to camp on the beach near where Sand Creek empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. I had to check Wikipedia to learn about ol' Juan.

Strait of Juan de Fuca

It is not the most beautiful campsite

You Stay for the Beach View

Morning at Sand Beach Campground

Or the Mountain View

In the morning, I took a stroll on the beach which looks like mud. When you touch it, however, it is very fine sand. Also, parts of it swarmed with these little critters that tried to get out of your way; would disappear; and then reappear. There wasn't anyone up to ask what they were and I forgot about it by the time others in the campground started stirring.

Half Shrimp Half Cricket

Crabs in the Port

I headed to Port Angeles for a breakfast of local Dungenese Crab Benedict.

Here Comes the Ferry

By noon, it was time to ride the ferry to Vancouver Island where I will spend the next two months.