Olympic National Park

This fall has been a WHIRLWIND. We've been so busy, with lots of very exciting goings-on. I guess we've been too busy doing to spend any time blogging. In late September, Russell and I took a (somewhat spur of the moment) trip up to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. It was incredible. If you EVER have the chance to explore this corner of the country, take it. But bring a rain poncho. And rain boots. And an umbrella. But go! (We were there for five days. I wore my poncho every single one.)

Olympic National Park is a world in and of itself. We were drawn to it because it contains so many different ecosystems and there is such a wide variety of things to see in a small area. There are mountainous Alpine regions (many of which require 18+ mile hikes to the interior of the park . . . um, yeah, we were there to RELAX, so we skipped out on that), Lowland Forest with huge trees and lush undergrowth, Rainforests that get over 300 inches of rain a year (don't walk too slowly - moss will grow on YOU), and gorgeous rocky and black sand beaches.

I just finished editing our photos. Here are a few highlights! If this doesn't quench your thirst for pics, you can see the other 183 on our picasa site here: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=114943789989653996352&target=ALBUM&id=5938900112826017297&authkey=Gv1sRgCPvduJCUpL-2xAE&feat=email

A very cooperative marmot posing for me on Hurricane Ridge

On top of Hurricane Ridge (Behind us, Mt. Olympus and the rest of the Olympic Mountains, in front of us, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island)

Black tailed deer

A tree root large enough to climb in the Lowland Forest

Russell the tree hugger (Lowland Forest)

A famous banana slug (we were dying to see wildlife, but weren't finding much . . . a slug is such an easy photo target but I took way too many photos of this and other slugs we found)

The George Washington Inn and Lavender Farm (our first B&B)

Lake Crescent
The water was so clear you could see to the bottom almost anywhere in the lake, even at depths of up to 300 ft. Or so we were told by the locals. We were freezing - no kayaking for us!

Sol Duc Falls
This was a magnificent waterfall. Photos can't do it justice. It was certainly worth the hike!

Another shot of Lake Crescent

Recognize this antique object? Another 10 years and it will probably be completely covered in green. Your cell doesn't work in the Hoh Rainforest, so this seems to be one logical place to have a pay phone. But you're outta luck now!

The Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest
I got lots of pics of the back of Russell's poncho. Some of these trees are over 300 ft tall and 20 ft in diameter. And really, really old. Like BC old. Wow!

Hiking along Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
The waves in the Pacific Ocean are enormous and LOUD. What a gorgeous and difficult hike. It can only be completed when it isn't high tide. 1.5 miles doesn't sound like much, but fighting slippery sloped rocks and climbing over driftwood made it quite a workout. The view was so worth it.

My attempt at artsy

Watching a storm roll in at sunset over the Pacific Ocean
The forecast was for rain all day and we considered it a gift from God that we were able to enjoy such a gorgeous afternoon on the beach. We thought we might just have to go home. This was one of the best days of my life - not exaggerating.

Playing with nighttime photography in Port Angeles, where we stayed

Checking out the Pike Place Market in Seattle the day before we flew home
This place is amazing - way more than just people throwing fish!

Found the first Starbucks store. Right after we had drinks at a Starbucks down the street, thinking IT was the first Starbucks store. Yeah . . . oops.

Guess this was the original logo. Anyone know why they changed it??

Thanks to the lovely Peaches and valiant Grandpa for watching the munchkins while we were gone. What fun they had with you and what a blessing to us!