Sequim, WA To Forks, WA
| Today I awoke somewhat early - 8a - rolling out of bed at
8:30. I needed to pack and wanted to do a small bit of laundry
and meet the check out time of 11a. With those things taken care
of (I was close to the 11a slot but missed as I started to talk with
the maint guy - bikes and stuff). I headed to the post office three
blocks down the road to mail off some items. Over to the parts
store for some oil - and to see if they take old anti-freeze - I'm not
going to keep the jug of anti-freeze as the new (NEW! - it's off of a
1983 bike) water pump seems to be holding fluids in. They don't but
suggested the lube shop across the street. With a quick jump over
I'm free of that gallon jug (which was purchased at a Canadian Tire
back in Grand Prairie BC - many miles back). Next for some fuel for the
bike and some fuel for me. The bike stop was quick but the stop for me
took a bit - I spent time talking with three folks - enjoying all of
it. By 1:15 I was headed west. An unplanned side trip up the road to the hot springs was fun - a nice roade, a dam, some river pictures. Back out to 101 I was in search of a forest road - FR29 - that would jump over one of the mountains and spit back out onto 101. I believe I found it but the road was closed as I drove further in/up. Not much of a backtrack I was out on 101 again - Hoh Rain Forest as the destination. The Hoh Rain Forest was nice and if the weather holds for tomorrow I might go back and take one of the other trails. I took several pictures but many are a bit dark - it was late in the afternoon and there was some cloud cover. Jumping back to 101 - near dark - I was in search of a spot to park myself for the evening. I came _very_ close to a campsite at the Rain Forest. There were a handful of campers there and one tent guy. I picked out three nice tent sites but decided to not push the rain issue. I could either turn right on 101 and backtrack 12 miles to Forks or head left and down 21 miles to the next food/lodging stop. Wanting to make some sort of way I turned left. Just 8 miles later I came across a "Hostel 1/4 mile" sign - sweet - done deal. Tomorrow I'll continue on south along the coast and some of the smaller roads - poking and exploring - and perhaps a bit east towards the mountains - Rainier and St. Helens. |
How's this for a mailbox stand!
Heading up a side road to the Olympic Hot Springs
Lake Mills - at the boat dock.
This lake is man-made with the Glines Canyon Dam (aka Upper Elwha Dam).
Seems like a "smallish" dam - right??
The "smallish" aspect left me as I tried to get a shot of how deep the structure was.
Bridge where the above river pictures were taken
Back on US 101 heading West - Lake Crescent visible
Lake Crescent
After Lake Crescent the road straightens out. Passing by a logged section.
Heading up on a forest road - a bit of a bust - I missed a turn (perhaps all for the better)
Heading into the Hoh Rain Forest
Walking about the rain forest
In the parks, where trees fall - they stay. They are only cut where they are across a thru-way.
This stream was so clear. It was filled with growth but the water was swiftly moving.
They grow big... Looking one way along a fallen tree.
Turning around and looking the other way. I am also standing - not kneeling - thick trunk.
Ahhhh - the peace.
I get a kick out of the telephone booth "roof"
