Rain? Who Cares...

Come Tuesday or Wednesday Charlie and I begin itching for a new adventure.  It keeps the dreary weeks moving when we're planning and looking forward to something new.  We've been working in Western WA for about a month now and decided it was time to head north into the Olympic Peninsula.  One side note I'd like to include is that WA is true wilderness and my cautious side has definitely taken form as we begin to explore wild Washington in the winter.  I can't help but get slightly anxious and feel my stomach churn as I am repeatedly faced with warning signs in regard to natural dangers surrounding us.  Here are just a few examples: AVALANCHE DANGER, Extreme Danger Zone - CLIFFS (positioned just beside an intermediate ski trail), tree well and deep snow safety: snow suffocation hazard.  And don't forget that we currently live in a tsunami hazard zone!  Lets just say I'm slightly overcautious at this point, but I think we'd be crazy not to be!!!  Charlie loves my older and wiser cautious side (Amanda says sarcastically).

Scary, right?!

Where was I?  Oh yes, the Olympic Peninsula, which is home of Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, various logging communities, reservation land, and we can't forget the town of Forks.  Forks is where the Twilight book series is based, which seriously increased the tourism (from approximately 10,000 to 73,000 visitors) for this small town of roughly 3,500 people.  Pretty impressive.

We decided to make our first trip into the peninsula a day trip so that we could spend one day getting our shed, I mean home, a bit more Christmasy.  The weather forecast showed Sunday as having less constant rain, so Sunday it was!  We rose early and headed out before sunrise to make the most of the short day.  With limited time we chose two areas of interest to focus on, Lake Quinault and the coast.  After driving for about an hour we veered from the main road, highway 101, to take a scenic drive around Lake Quinault and along the Quinault River as daylight finally arrived.  We stretched our legs to take a walk along a short trail leading to the world's largest spruce tree.   

This Sitka Spruce tree is 58' 11" in circumference and 191' tall!
Whoa baby!
See the orange spec at the bottom? Those are Charlie's pants.

The drive took us into the Quinault Rain Forest and allowed us to dip slightly into the southwest portion of Olympic National Park. We were in awe of the lush vegetation but pleasantly surprised when we were greeted by bald eagles and herds of Roosevelt Elk. We saw at least 10 bald eagles either perched high in trees or gracefully soaring through the air. As for the Roosevelt Elk, we saw a bull and herds consisting of females and calves. One herd crossed the road about 200' from us. Luckily they provided a show and did not trample our beloved Ford Escape.



I don't make this stuff up...

Rainforest.  Female Roosevelt Elk.

We left Olympic National Park psyched about all the wildlife we'd just encountered but turns out I was ready for a nap.  Luckily Charlie is a champ and let me rest my eyes until we arrived in Forks.  Cute little town with some good Diet Pepsi (to wake Amanda up) and Kettle cooked Jalapeno potato chips (to reward Charlie for his top notch driving).  Rejuvenated, we continued onward and arrived at Second Beach trail head.  This is part of the Pacific coastal strip designated "wilderness" under the National Park System.  Interestingly, protection of this land is shared by the NPS, Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.  We began a short hike through the forest as we headed toward the beach in as much water proof and water resistant gear as we could put together.  We didn't have to work very hard to enjoy the awesome rugged and rocky beach that was at the end of the trail.  We spent a long time exploring the beach, climbing on the slippery rocks and searching tide pools for cool creatures. Check out the pictures, they are better than words...

Beautiful Sea Anemone

Starfish everywhere!

We had enough daylight for one more slightly longer hike to Third Beach.  Creative names, huh?  This beach was unique with two opportunities to see fresh water meeting the ocean. 

This picture is for you Lindsay Knepper!

Satisfied and only slightly damp as we peeled off our many layers, we were ready for a good meal to end the day.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Salmon House Restaurant that was recommended by one of Charlie's patients. The garlic bread and fresh salmon hit the spot while the ambiance of a fireplace, a slide show of local natural wonders, and mounted wildlife all around made it that much better. 

We returned to reality for another week of work and the last few days I'll spend in my twenties. :( 

Until next time...I'll bid you all farewell as you continue preparing for the busy weeks ahead.  Take time out to remember what the Christmas Season is all about! 

Merry Christmas!!