Olympic National Park

Hey there Michael! I’m trying to get myself all caught up on what we’ve been doing this summer. This is just a travelogue of Ty’s senior trip, but I thought I’d send it along in case you were interested. 

We had such a good time taking Ty on his senior trip. Your dad’s parents selflessly watched the kids while we were away—making the whole trip possible. We were up and out the door early, and made good time driving all the way up to Seattle. Ty and I of course conked out in the car and slept at least a few hours, which made the drive shorter. Our hotel was right across the street from the space needle, and we spent the evening walking around enjoying the Folklife festival happening on the grounds. We bought quesabirria tacos and beignets and had a fun time wandering vendor shops and people watching. For the first time in my life I saw someone who appeared to have had plastic surgery to create pointed elf ears. It was wild. 

The next day we went to a Mariners baseball game and tried the crickets sold at the stadium (yuck), and then went to Pike place which I loved. Dad discovered he does not like shopping. 🤷‍♀️ We got there too late to taste the donuts we wanted, so that means we will have to go back another time. We had dinner at Dicks (overrated), and drove to Port Angeles. Dad and I had a nice walk along the water while Ty enjoyed the hot tub. 

Sunday we went to church and had a delicious (and speedy breakfast) at an adorable cottage restaurant before boarding a ferry for Victoria, Canada. I managed to spill syrup all over my coat and into my hair, but luckily found a great spot to clean myself up on the boat. We didn’t really see any sea life on the ferry ride, but it was enjoyable. It was the first time for all of us in Canada! That evening we hiked in East Sooke Regional park, and were rewarded with weird looking trees, enormous mushrooms, and spectacular views of the ocean. 

Monday we went to Butchart Gardens. I absolutely loved it! Around the year 1900 the Butcharts operated a cement quarry. 10 years later when operations ceased, they began turning the lane into a beautiful garden—which ultimately because a tourist destination. We had just enough time to explore the grounds before taking the ferry back to Port Angeles. We ate delicious pita wraps at place called “Turnip the Beet,” and then spent the afternoon hiking. We found a couple of waterfalls that Ty climbed into (of course), and then we arrived at our adorable cabin that was right on the shore of Crescent Lake. It was freezing cold, but Ty still jumped in for a quick swim. I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the lake the next day. 

Tuesday we hiked Sol Duc Falls and then relaxed in the hot springs. In the evening we hiked to Cape Flattery which is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. It was a beautiful view and we made some birding friends. 

Wednesday we hiked the Hall of Mosses and the Hoh Rainforest—which was not quite what we were imagining a rainforest to be like.  The trees were so funky—covered in moss, weird root and growing patterns. That place would definitely be spooky after dark. In the evening we walked along Rialto beach out to Hole in the Rock—despite the absolute torture of the rocks in my sandals. We enjoyed looking for birds and exploring the tide pools. We watched the sunset at La Push beach and reconnected with our birding friends who pointed out 8 eagles perched at the dock. 

Thursday we enjoyed Ruby beach and then went to Kalaloch beach to see the Tree of Life. The tree of life had a huge exposed root structure that you could walk under. It was so cool. That afternoon we hiked Maple Glade and also saw the world’s record Sitka Spruce. 

Friday we hiked the Staircase Rapids—driving Dad nuts every time we stopped to listen for birds. We spent the afternoon relaxing by the Quinault lake. Fish and chips for dinner, and lots of Food Network before bed. 

Ty rose super early Saturday to get on the boat for his sea birding excursion. They traveled 40 miles out into the ocean and faced some cold and rainy weather, but Ty added a bunch of birds to his life list, so he was happy. Dad and I shopped for souvenirs (confirming the fact that dad hates to shop. We ate donuts and walked on the beach where I found a bunch of sand dollars. 

More fish and chips for lunch and then we hit the road. We drove past My Hood because Ty wanted to see the ski resort that stays open year round. 

Sunday was church and a full day of driving. Then, finally home! I was really happy to be home and see the kids.