Spring time is just now getting here as we enter Washington state. It seems to be following us as we move north. It’s kinda funny, I think we’re stuck on groundhog day never ending cycle of spring. We spent the winter in Florida and we enjoyed spring in February. We got back home in Virginia in March and enjoyed a Virginia spring. And as we travel north along the western USA, flowers are starting to bloom and tree are coming alive.
Driving from Oregon into Washington was not an easy drive. Highway 101 north along the eastern route to Port Angeles, WA. is probably the most hilly, windy and narrow road that I have driven the Land Wanderer on. We were just too big for the road. There were no warning signs, I kept driving on thinking that around the next curve, the road will become better. It did after 100 miles. I was wore out but felt really good that we made it in one piece.
We are at the very top of Washington Olympic Peninsula at Port Angeles. There is just the Strait of Juan de Fuca between us and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and just south of us is the Olympic National Park.
Once we settled in, we got acquainted with Port Angeles, got some groceries and stopped by the Olympic NP Visitors Center on the edge of town. All hikers had to check-in and get a permit. If staying overnight, you were issued a bear can. We were of the ‘driving-our-truck-through-the-park’ type and didn’t require any permit, just an entry fee $25. I was more than glad to show them my National Park Lifetime Senior Pass. We got the wave on and all I left them was a big smile!
Our timing here is good. We were told that this is the first good weather they have had this year, the park roads are open and the number of visitors is just starting to pickup. Daytime high in the 70’s, a sunny sky overhead and a light offshore breeze it was about as good as it gets. Throughout the park forest, the snow melt produced nice sounding water flows.
Our Overnight Stay:
We are staying at Salt Creek County Recreation Area Campground. This by far has been the best campsite of this trip. Our site is on the bluff that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca which is the body of water that separates USA from Canada. We paid $30/night with 50amp and water service. The sites are paved and very close to each other. There is no USA cell service or internet. We did get 15 channels of over-the-air TV, all were from Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Great photos, Dave. Pam and I were there 2 years ago. We were headed to Victoria across the strait. We took the Port Angeles ferry. Clear days at Hurricane Ridge overlook are not very common. You were fortunate. I don’t know if it is out of your way, but Mt. Ranier NP is one of the best. Take care. Vince.