We spent the month of April in Washington. and experienced all the rain we wanted or needed! To be sure, it does rain a lot there, however that's also why everything is so green and beautiful. Most of our pictures were taken during blue sky weather, as we didn't venture out much during the wet stuff. We did have a few campsites that flooded, as you can see below.
During our first few days in Wa, we headed out to see Mount St Helens. It was a gorgeous drive and the first snow we had encountered, up front and personal, on this journey. Check out the one pic with the "Pet Area". Harlie was not sure where to go!!
It's hard to fathom what this area looked like immediately after the eruption in 1980. The entire landscape was transformed and is still experiencing regrowth. It is awe-inspiring to stand in front of this breathtaking place.
We also took a day trip to see Mount Rainier from a distance. Unfortunately, there was too much snowfall to visit the National Park by car. Little did we know, we would be able to see the mountain later from an unexpected vantage point.
Our plan was to spend more time inland for this state, but the sea was calling us (as well as rising gas prices), so we ventured west to the coast. Ruby Beach was our first stop and we enjoyed strolling the shore before heading to our destination of Sekiu.
Sekiu is located on the northern coast of Washington on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which leads from the Pacific Ocean to the Puget Sound. On clear days, you can see across the water to Vancouver Island.
Our reason for visiting here had nothing to do with the Strait and everything to do with Cape Alava. Our wish is to visit all of the extreme points of the contiguous United States. The Southernmost point has been easy for us, as we have visited Key West on numerous occasions. Cape Alava is the Westernmost point and that was our goal. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, we had to hike over 4 miles one way to get to the Cape. Not to mention this has to be completed during low tide. The hike in was gorgeous and began with a moss covered bridge. Most of this hike is on a very old boardwalk, which also includes steps up and down.
At the end of the trail, you have to walk on the rock covered beach for another half mile to reach the actual Cape.
We enjoyed a short time at the Cape and then began our trek back. This is where Scott decided to collect buoys for Southern Tides, so we strapped as many as we could on his body and on we went.
We must admit the 4.5 miles back to the Jeep was almost never-ending to us. We over estimated our hiking abilities, or should we say, our current state of fitness! It was grueling, to say the least! LOL
That moss covered bridge couldn't get into our view quick enough. We probably should hike more often before we decide to go over 9 miles in the mountains. Or anywhere for the matter. 😩
We drove through the Olympic National Park to reach our next destination, the Dungeness Spit. It was also a beautiful area on the same waterway. We did hike the Spit, but kept it to 3 miles. Much better!! 😊
Camping locations in and around Seattle are limited, so we stayed at a State Park across the water and took a ferry ride into the city on Easter Sunday. It was an absolutely gorgeous day! This is where we got another look at Mount Rainier, as we were in transit to Seattle.
We actually really enjoyed our day in the city. We did many "touristy" things, e.g., Seattle Wheel, Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, Space Needle, etc.
I (Sybil) will admit it is disconcerting to be up in the Space Needle, sit on a glass bench and lean back against glass walls when your feet don't touch the ground. My face does not really show my discomfort at that moment! 😳🤪
As a tribute to our son-in-law, Karl, we stopped briefly at Boeing headquarters (his employer) and toured the "Future of Flight". It was "okay", but not sure if it's worth the price of admission.
Another of our goals in Washington was to visit the Tulip Festival in La Conner. It did not disappoint!
This is another of our favorite stops on this year long voyage. La Conner is a quaint waterfront town that was surrounded by acres of vibrant tulips, beautiful farmhouses, a boardwalk that extends along the entire downtown area and so much more.
We stayed for over a week at the town's marina RV park, which was within walking distance from downtown. We met Deb and Jim, new friends, that were staying there as well. They are refurbishing a vintage tow boat and were generous enough to give us a tour.
This marina included a couple of interesting boat builders, American Tug and Mavrik Marine, the latter of which builds ferries and other types of commercial vessels. A new San Francisco Bay Ferry was moored at the docks and then headed out on the water as we had dinner.
We know it's a long way from home, but we would love to go back to La Conner and visit again someday! Then again, home is wherever we park it!
Our final stop was at another Harvest Host site, Oostema Farmstead, a quiet peaceful location just south of the Canadian border. We were treated with the arrival of a new calf the morning of our departure. Definitely a new day dawning!
One final note, as we are sure you have noticed from our earlier posts, we never miss a chance to visit a pub, brewery or winery in our travels. Washington was no exception. Here's a sampling of our tastings. CHEERS!
NEXT UP: OH, CANADA!!
Comments