A Walkabout in Victoria – Elwha Dam RV Park, Port Angeles, WA 9/13

We woke late this morning and really enjoyed lying in bed and experiencing the sights and smells of the rain forest. There was a steady patter of soft rain all night that turned to a light mist. This campground is exceptionally beautiful and when I saw the park staff raking the sites that sure explained a lot. Only one small catch, Ned managed to get a hot shower, but I could only get cold water. Needless to say it was a very quick shower this morning. By the time we got to downtown Victoria it was noon, but the skies were definitely clearing up and we decided to take a walking tour of the city. After a quick bite to eat we visited The Empress Hotel and enjoyed seeing people at high tea, the art galleries and gardens. We walked along the harbor to the Market Square and Old Town, thru Chinatown and other parts of the city. We thought we’d check on tickets for tomorrows ferry and found out it was already sold out. Yikes! A quick change of plans was in order. Instead of staying another night at Goldstream Provincial Park we decided to catch the 7:30 ferry, landing in Port Angeles at 9:00 pm. Since we had some more time to kill before boarding the ferry we decided to view the stately homes in Rockland. This area reminded us a lot of Piedmont in the Oakland hills. We came upon the Governor’s Mansion and spent a good hour or so walking the grounds. There were several acres of gardens that were just marvelous. They varied from wild gardens, to tree shaded rhododendron groves, rose gardens that smelled divine, Asian and Japanese gardens, and beautiful water features. We had the entire place to ourselves as we meandered thru all the paths. Sweet! After driving a little more thru the residential areas of the city, we decided to park in the ferry lot and hoof it to the other side of the harbor for dinner. Fish and Chips with beer for Ned and a salmon wrap for me. The sun finally broke out and we were treated to crystal clear skies with sunrays beaming down on the water and boats. Once we got thru the grind of customs it was fun riding the ferry at sunset. The view from the boat pulling away from the waterfront was magical. You could see the hotels and government buildings lit up and their reflection in the water. (See today’s pic). As we pulled into Port Angeles after 9 pm, the crescent shaped moon looked gorgeous over the sparkly city lights. This was the first ferry ride we’ve done at night and it was quite fun. Ned and I passed the time by playing Skip-bo on the boat. (Ned figured I wouldn’t whine quite as much in public). Once we reached Port Angeles we drove around in the dark looking for a place to camp. After a couple of failed attempts (either too pathetic or the gates were closed) we found a private RV park. Good news – we have wifi. Bad news it’s a private RV park and we’re camped under a glaring security light. Tomorrow off to explore Olympic National Park and the weather forecast calls for sunshine!

On the high seas again – Goldstream Provincial Park, Victoria, BC Canada

It rained most of the night and was still going at it as we woke this morning. Needless to say it wasn’t a group breakfast at the campsite. We were all heading off in different directions today so the first part of the morning was everyone concentrating on getting their things together and getting situated. After a couple of misconnections, we finally all synced up at the Laundromat in town, grabbed a quick cup of coffee and had an opportunity to get our laundry done. At about 10:30, Josh said his good-byes and walked into town to catch the ferry. I admit there was a tug at my heart as he walked into the rain, with a fully loaded backpack in tow, off to his next adventure. (Be safe Josh and remember to call your mom when you get off the mountain!). Since there was still some time before our next sailing, Denise, Ned and I decided to explore the island. We drove to the west side of the island, to Lime Kiln State Park, to see the lighthouse. Even though there was still a light drizzle, it didn’t stop us from walking around the grounds and getting some great views of the park and lighthouse. Our noses were plastered against the door of the lighthouse looking in when we got lucky. The local park ranger was giving a private tour to his cousin and wife and asked us if we’d like to go along! He was a very friendly fellow who told us about the whale study taking place and the history of the lighthouse. We were able to go to the top of the lighthouse and were rewarded with great views - we could even see Victoria which was 9 miles away. It was fun to watch the harbor seals and porpoises play in the water, too. Afterward we visited the museum and learned a lot more about the transient and Orcas whales. I had no idea that so many pods of whales hung around these parts! Denise left for her ferry back to the mainland and Ned and I ventured to the other part of the island to check out the county park and the exclusive resort at Roche Harbor. As we headed back to Friday Harbor we realized that in 24 hours we had driven on every main road on the island. Mmm – I’ve decided that I’m not an island girl. Lots of fun to visit, but a little too claustrophobic for me. Hanging out waiting for the ferry to take us to Victoria, British Columbia was a good excuse to grab a very late breakfast and get caught up on email and check the upcoming weather. Crossing the channel to Victoria it was quite foggy and the captain kept blowing the foghorn and slowing down periodically to listen for small vessels. Ned was asked to leave the “picklefork”, the elevated walkways on each side of the bow, so the crew members down below wouldn’t be disturbed looking and listening for small craft or hazards. As a result, our ferry crossing took a bit longer than scheduled. Our destination for the night was Goldstream Provincial Park, about 10km outside Victoria, but we decided to poke around Victoria first. The view of the Olympia Peninsula was fantastic! Victoria was still shrouded in clouds, but the storm front ended over the peninsula, thus the sun was shining “God-like” right on the mountain. I’m not sure the picture captured it, but for what it’s worth here it is. We eventually made our way to the campground and were completely surprised by the beauty of this park. Our last two trips into Canada we were not overly impressed with the campgrounds. Everyone was crowded together and were parked helter-skelter. This one is heavily wooded and the campsites are far apart. It feels more like a National Park, even like Mt. Rainier which we just visited. It’s still raining so we’re having an evening of “dining-in” and perhaps play a game or two of skip-bo. Here’s hoping tomorrow brings some better weather so we can hike or ride bikes. I’m beginning to get a little antsy, but glad we have a day off from riding ferries or being held captive on a small island.

Ferry Hopping – Friday Harbor, San Juan Island 9/11/10

We woke to a beautiful sunshine day and one we did not take for granted! Denise surprised us all by whipping up a hot breakfast before heading out. We took advantage of the clear day and left for the top of Mt. Constitution. We were rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding islands. Apparently there are over 750 islands that make up the San Juans – I had no idea. The view of Mt. Baker, with its snow-crusted top was impressive. (See today’s pic). Hard to believe that in less than 48 hours Josh will begin his ascent up that mountain. We took our time making it to the ferry driving to Deer Harbor and then hanging out in the little seaport of Orcas Village. The ferry ride to San Juan Island was gorgeous with watching the sailboats and ferries cruising by and seeing the crystal clear views of homes hugging the shoreline. Once we reached Friday Harbor we found our way to Lakedale Resort. It’s a pretty swanky camping spot, but also known for its gorgeous lodge and canvas cabins. Apparently it is featured in the latest Sunset. Not a bad spontaneous pick! We have a very scenic and remote campsite overlooking a small lake, allowing Bella to run without a leash. We decided to explore the island. Our first stop was the lavender farm. At first the boys weren’t convinced, but were soon won over by the chocolate lavender ice cream and the cool distillation process with the accompanying audio-visual explanation. Next stop was the one and only vineyard on the island. Meh. We tasted 6 different wines and California definitely doesn’t have to worry about San Juan wines beating us out. We picked up a couple of baguettes and headed back to the campsite. While Josh and I did a little pre-dinner bike ride checking out the upscale grounds, Denise & Ned put together a yummy spaghetti dinner. (Don’t worry, I was on dish clean-up duty). Afterwards, Denise and the boys played skip-bo while I worked on my blog and played with my photographs. Tonight’s our last night hanging out with Josh. Tomorrow we part ways with Josh heading back to the mainland and we head west to Victoria. Definitely bittersweet.

Kicking Back on Orcas Island - Moran State Park, San Juan Islands – 9/10/10

We woke to a misty, cool morning surrounded by typical coastal fog. We all gathered for a quick breakfast then concentrated on breaking camp and heading towards the Anacortes ferry to the San Juan Islands. Waiting in line for the ferry was a treat with Bella, who certainly gets her fair share of attention! Once on Orcas Island we drove to the far end and set up camp at Moran State Park. After lunch we decided that a hike around Cascade Lake seemed like the best plan. It was hilly, with lots of ups and downs, but you couldn’t beat the views! We were mainly in a heavily wooded forest along a trail that skirted the lake. The lake gave us a colorful display of teal, jade and steel blue. The flora varied from wild foxglove, ferns and woodeared mushrooms. (Today’s pic is Cascade Lake). Of course, the big entertainment was watching Josh play fetch with Bella and training her to heel and obey. Once we reached the far end of the lake we decided to keep on trekkin’ and go view the falls. They were okay, but not spectacular or anything out of the ordinary. The entire hike took about 3 hours. We decided that checking out the little downtown of Eastsound was next in order. We found a quaint bar, just in time for happy hour, and settled down to some brewskies, a good zin, and some bruchetta. I’m a little worried that we are going to corrupt Josh, the mountaineer purist. I’m sure he doesn’t camp like this when traveling the backroads of China or hiking the high sierras! When we got back to camp, Josh made us all a scrumptious jumbalaya dinner. Yum. Afterwards, we all sat around Denise’s Eurovan (Wallymobile) and played some “chickenfoot” dominoes. Fun Times.

Working Day – Bay View State Park, Washington 9/9/10

We woke up this morning and didn’t spend too much time diddle-daddlying around. Josh had an 11:00 interview and we knew that we had at least an hour’s drive. (Have you ever prepared for a job interview at a campground? Boys have it so easy). While he was in his interview, I hung out at the library posting yesterday’s blog and researching things for Josh, and Ned was busy grocery shopping for our 3 day trip to the San Juan Islands. We all met up afterwards for lunch in the Winniemobile in the library parking lot. Afterwards we caravanned to a nearby self-storage unit where Josh stored most of his worldly possessions which consisted primarily of sports gear, i.e. bike, skis, boots, poles, and kitchen and bedding stuff. From there, we did another trip to REI in preparation for his two week mountaineering course that he will be taking. Finally, we were off to northern Washington to meet up with Denise at Bay View State Park. The day had become progressively sunnier and by the time we arrived at the campsite it was a beautiful clear day. Josh immediately started playing with Bella, her puppy Lab, while Denise and I decided to go berry picking. It was so much fun catching up with her (never mind we had just seen each other a few days ago!) while we scoured the campground for the juiciest berries we could find. Soon the whole gang, Bella included, headed for the beach. It was a blast playing fetch with Bella and watching her run unabashedly into the water and then rolling ecstatically in the sand. (Today’s pic is Denise playing with Bella at the beach). Back at the campsite the dinner was fish tacos and a yummy bakery dessert that Denise had picked up - topped off with our fresh berries. (We do eat well camping, don’t we?) We are all looking forward to taking the ferry tomorrow and hoping the weather holds.

Spring flowers in early fall– Kanasket-Palmer State Park, Washington 9/8/10

It rained steadily all night, which definitely added to the mystique of the rain forest where we were camped. When we woke up it was cool, but not cold and we were shrouded in a misty fog. Our first destination was Grove of the Patriarchs. This was a beautiful hike through the forest that featured the largest trees of the park, showcasing Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, Western Hemlock and Red Alder. We hiked along a crystal clear creek created from glacier runoff that ran through an old growth forest. A cable suspension bridge took us over the creek and into the large grove of trees. We were impressed with how the younger trees grew out of the fallen trees, how everything was covered in moss, and how lush everything was! Mt. Rainier gets over 90” of rain a year which explains all the above. We spent the rest of the morning driving through the park stopping to see several stunning waterfalls and lakes. Unfortunately, there was a thick fog and steady drizzle so the peak of Mt. Rainier wasn’t visible. After spending some time at the Visitor’s Center (a very impressive one too!), we walked over to the lodge and enjoyed a great lunch. Buffalo burgers for the boys and artichoke-red pepper soup for me – yum. After lunch we took a wonderful hike along the Avalanche Lily trail. We had hoped to hook up with the Nisqually trail, but took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up doing the Glacier View and Deadhorse Creek trails. The purple, pink, blue, yellow, white and red wildflowers were spectacular! We also thoroughly enjoyed the deer that we encountered along the trail. (See today’s pic). We made our way to the western entrance of the park and eventually headed to Puyallup. Josh has a job interview tomorrow morning and we had planned on staying at an RV park close by. The picture of Mt. Rainier on the website and the glowing write-up without pictures of the RV park should have tipped us off. After a quick drive by a gravel parking lot packed with run down and sad looking trailers we decided to come up with a plan B. We eventually settled on this state park, about 45 minutes away. Gotta love state parks – they are always consistently better than private RV parks! The drive to Kanasket-Palmer State Park was gorgeous – dairy cows grazing on green pastures dotted with red barns opened up to a panoramic view of a tree covered mountain range. Wow! Tomorrow after Josh’s late morning interview we head toward northern Washington and plan to hook up with Denise with her “new” Eurovan. Should be fun!

It was a berry good day – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 9/7/10

Much to our surprise, it started to rain in the middle of the night. I don’t know why we were surprised, after all this is Oregon! However, the day before the temperature gauge kept playing with the 90 deg. mark and it was bright and sunny. When Ned and I woke up this morning I peeked out of the Winniemobile window to see how Josh weathered the wet night. His tent looked mighty cozy. Apparently the rain woke him up in the middle of the night and he made a mad dash to put the fly on, held down by our bikes – nice touch. It was cloudy, but dry and pretty warm this morning so we decided to take a spin around Champoeg park. It is situated on the banks of the Williamette River and we had a great time visiting the museum, visitor’s center and the pavilion where the Oregon government was first started. The park has several miles of bike paths and we enjoyed seeing the working farm and riding out to the historic general store in Butteville. The paths are lined with thickets of blackberry bushes, lush with juicy ripe berries. The highlight of the morning was stopping along the way to pick berries. Josh donated his water bottle to the cause and we had a blast filling it up, eating quite a few along the way. (See today’s pic). We didn’t pull out of the campground until after 11:00. Next stop Portland. Josh wanted to see downtown Portland and we used the excuse of stopping by an REI store for justification. While Josh perused the store (and bought some stakes for his tent fly), Ned and I hung out at an nearby coffee shop. It was a great excuse to post yesterday’s blog and check-in on facebook. (Congrats Megan on running the Virginia Beach Half Marathon!) After the boys had a snack, we caravanned over the Columbia River and into Washington. We took the back roads into Mount Rainier Park, going through Packwood. It was a gorgeous drive. The sky had cleared up and we drove past green fields with the mountains rising up between layers of fog. We finally reached Mount Rainier National Park, Ohanapecosh Campground at about 4ish and are camped in a beautiful rain forest on a rise above the river. As is typical of this time of year, the campground is barely populated. Nice. The three of us hopped on our bikes ready to do some exploring. Our first stop was the Visitor’s Center and then a short hike to the natural hot springs. Towards the end of the hike it started lightly raining and it seemed like a good time to make a beeline back to the campsite. As I write this blog, we have bbq chicken and corn cooking and are ready to settle down for the night in the Winniemobile playing some games – with some red wine of course!