Italian Exchange – Olympic Peninsula
Our first day visit to Port Angeles had us staying in part - at the Angeles Motel and part at the rental House along the Damn Road. Our first hike was initially in question as “improvements” to the Hurricane Ridge Lodge had backfired. It now lays ruined; burnt to the ground with only the two giant fireplace chimneys remaining.
As traffic is limited up the winding access road, Clarence came up with the idea of our entire group taking public transit to the top to prevent being held in traffic lines.
With our backs to the rubble, we were able to enjoy a winding path through the woods and on to the first crest trail. It was complete with lunch and well placed facilities; arriving in time for the return bus to sea level.
A ptarmigan with chicks ran among us. Her job was to distract a local hawk looking for lunch.
Day 2 Hoh Rain Forest. We were lucky that repairs were underway along the access road to the Hoh. Winter storms had done quite a bit of damage from slides and undercuts from the river.
But the Hoh never lets visitors down. We were able to hike along its trails lined with ferns, giant trees decorated by Mother Nature with long strands of moss and oxalis; our NW version of clustering clover in the rain.
After the “temperate rain forest” it was on to the Washington Coast - Beach 1 near LaPush.
Along the way Antonella, Toni and Dale played “auto bingo” to pass the time. They were thrilled to find items unexpected such as sports cars. While we were only on the beach for a few hours, the views were spectacular and a reminder of how violent the storm surges can be in the off seasons. An artist from Bainbridge WA had set up his easel on the beach to paint in oils. Sadly as soon as they set up a breeze added sand and texture to their work. A local pelican hovered undetected just above the artist just to critique their work.
We enjoyed seeing Bart when exiting the parking lot. And an Italian version of the “long good bye” took place. This was followed by a coffee and happy snap stop (what the Auzzie call photos).
Day 3 Crescent Lake Falls and Beaches
Although cut off in traffic along the way, the entire group reunited at the Storm Ranger Station for a short hike to the falls. Moisture is low this time of year but we were able to take in some spectacular trees with moss hanging off them. The return hike took us to the beaches at Crescent Lake near the Lodge. The common event was to be entertained by campers doing back flips off the docks and afternoon coffee. Some of our group too waded to cool off.
Submitted by Joel Patience