We didn't get to pick a Virtue for this week because simply it is hard to keep track of the days and weeks. So far we have picked "Unity" and "Courage", both were quite suitable for us, I had to remind Steve several times about "unity" when we were looking for car/SUV, and at the end he fully understood to keep "unity" means "agreement with the wife", just joking, and I certainly held on to the courage several times when we were maneuvering narrow tracks on the ridges with a sheer drop on the side.

We have had a great time here in Olympic NP, I am amazed by its beauty and diversity, in the five days we have had here we have seen rain forests, alpine meadows, rugged beaches and amazing water falls. We could have certainly spent more time here but other beautiful parts of the continent are calling us.

Steve will be adding his story shortly.

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Port Angeles

This morning the weather was wonderfully clear again. We emptied Clancy out and reorganised again. The more we travel the more you identify what needs to be packed where. It will be interesting where we get to by the time we arrive back to Big White still over a month away.

Hot shower in the morning, quick but no 5 minute and loose the water. Our plan to empty the pantry before moving on meant another cold breakfast Shoeleh was out of breakfast food so we had eggs and a hot cup of tea. We made our lunches for the day and got organised to leave.

This morning we planned to walk along Hurricane ridge and then perhaps a few other activities before deciding what to do about staying longer in the US or beginning our journey to Alaska. We decided that another night was the way to go as there were more things to do and see before leaving Washington.

Interesting Aside: KOA Kampgrounds are great, for under $30 we got internet access, showers and toilets including access to sitting area and other generally clean and tidy campground.

The drive up to Hurricane ridge starts at sea level in Port Angeles and proceeds upwards, we make the visitor information centre, where we are advised, again, that other than the Hurricane ridge trail most trails have snow within the first mile of the path.

So we exited the centre, there was a ranger giving a talk on mountain lions and was showing the pelt to the keen listeners we did not stay for the talk did learn that they can run down almost any dog in about 40 yards.

The drive to the ridge was interrupted by the entrance to the park proper (fee $15 - not for us with our annual pass). The road was a two lane pathway that hugged the side of the hill as it climbed to above 5000ft. The drive up offered views of the mountains surrounding Mt Olympus, which was still covered in cloud. We went straight past the ranger centre to the Trailhead. The carpark was already packed, we achieved the penultimate parking spot in the main carpark.

Got all our gear together, including grabbing our walking poles for their first outing of the trip. With the pack loaded up we started onto the trail. We were greeted by a huge variety of wildflowers taking up either side of the path. The colours were varied along with size, shape and variety.

You gained elevation quite quickly as you proceeded along the path. The age groups of the other walkers varied from quite young (6 mths) to over 70's all making the trek. As we progressed along the path the flowers gave way to grassy meadows. There was still a lot of snow drifts to be seen as you progressed but the path was clear, except for a few spots in the shadiest points, easily navigated. There were however still large snow drifts on some meadows and the shaded sides of hills.

As we walked on we noticed some movement in the meadow and got my first view of Marmots. They look a bit like oversized gophers and were not exceptionally camera shy, so many people snapped them as they ate or wandered about their business. The path continued to gain elevation, the walking path was well paved and maintained which aided the ascent. We got to the end of the path in what felt like no time at all and were greeted by a Roosevelt Deer grazing on the mountain grass.

Mt Olympus and the surrounding peaks were almost clear of clouds giving a great view of the range. The view back over Port Angeles to Vancouver Island and East to Seattle were however all clouded out. After the obligatory photos and a quick drink we decided to descend a little before having our lunch. We stopped at a bench and had our lunch while looking out over a beautiful vista. Then it was the walk back down to the carpark, passing the munching marmots. Then off in the distance …

Yes, there in the meadow about a 1000m away was a black bear!

With all the excitement and for the waiting it was a little disappointing. Unless one had the Clark Kent or Steve Austin viewing capability it was not much more than a moving black dot. The people next to us had binoculars that gave them a good view. Even Shoeleh's lens was not enough to capture the detail. So on the 11th day of our journey we spotted our first bear.

The trip back to the carpark was a lot more pleasant now. Unlike the gentleman we passed on the way to the carpark no elk did we spy, mind you they had hiked 25 miles through back country to find there first elk in the car park at the other end. Further down the path we again came to the wild flowers and the snow and then there was the faithful Clancy protected by Dinosaur waiting for us. Now you will recall how I described the carpark well, a number of cars had found purchase on the verge and other spots rather than park in the overflow carpark ¼ of a mile away.

Interesting Aside: Hurricane ridge is made up of sedimentary rock and black seams of shale, now I wonder if there will be a time when these seams will be mined or drilled.

The return from the ridge down the winding path, this time on the fall to oblivion side of the road. Offered me a different perspective of the view and risks. About 6 miles from the entrance was an unclouded view of Dungrees spit, Port Angeles and Vancouver Island which all looked quite spectacular from this distance.

On our way back to the campground we stopped at McDonalds for some free WiFi and electricity - only to be wholly disappointed that there were no accessible powerpoints. So we left there and headed back to the campground to see what we could do for electricity.

The KOA let us hook-up in the games room free of charge and allowed us to sit there and work away on our journals. We also used the time to catch up on some washing and complete a few other chores.

Given the pantry depletion we decided to head into Port Angeles for dinner. Not that I could convince Shoeleh that we should go to the restaurant where Bella and Edward had their first meal together, not that I tried too hard. We headed to the wharf for some seafood. As we approached the ferry terminal for BC appeared and so we dropped in to get all the 'goss' on what we would need for the morrow to get the ferry to Victoria. Fully informed by a very helpful young lady we headed off to dinner.

There was the "Landing mall" with a seafood restaurant "Smugglers Landing" where we feasted on clams and grilled fish ($43) the food was great and the service was good. The serving sizes were large enough for us to feel very full, so we stopped off at the 24hr Wal-Mart™ to grab a few items before heading back to the KOA.

Tired we retired for the evening in Clancy.

Animals Spotted: Bear!!!!! Marmots, deer, birds and insects.

Day eleven - We spotted our first bear! J