Olympic National Park Loop

Our travel of the Olympic National Park loop included stops in Forks, Sequim, Port Townsend and Chimicum before heading toward Mt. Rainier.  The western portion of the 101 loop is adjacent to the rain forest.  The Forks area receives 12-14 feet of rain per year.  It's just plain wet all the time.  Driving into the national forest gave us a sense of that environment.  Slickers and rain boots are the fashion of choice.  The forest is a deep luscious green with the ground cover of ferns and other vegetation dripping water crystals.  From Cape Disappointment to Sequim, we never saw the sun for at least five days.

We spent two days in Sequim at the Elks.  As always, the Elks members were welcoming and informative about area highlights.  The camp sites were spacious, and the property was fenced on three sides.  We took advantage of some down time to play ball with Maci off leash.  Another couple near us had a female Doberman named Bella.  She and Maci got in a good run while there were few campers there.

Sequim is a unique area touched by seaside and lavender fields.  We were two weeks early for the lavender festival, but we were able to see a couple of the larger farms as we drove around investigating.  As always when we are close to the ocean, we spent much time driving around by the docks - always in search of fresh sea food.  We've been blessed to eat several meals of Dungeness crab - always with the thought that is might be our last meal of fresh crab.

The next stop was at the Fort Wordon State Park.  Of course our timing and lack of advanced planning landed us in the state park on July 4th week-end.  We were able to secure two nights in two different sites before moving on to our next stop.  In this area of Washington, old forts commissioned during the time between WWI and WWII have been turned into state parks.  Many sites are full hook ups with 50 amp service.  The 50 amp service is a big deal to a big rig like ours, especially if it's hot and air conditioning is needed.   I've been known to blow a circuit with one air, the microwave and the dryer running.

Fort Wordon Light

Black tailed deer visiting the camp site across from us

We traveled on to Chimacum with the intention of camping 3-5 days at the Escapees park there.  This would allow our mail to catch up with us.  With full hook up, we could catch up on laundry and take care of other business that often does not get done due to being on the road and sightseeing.  The time in Chimacum would also give us time to explore Port Townsend and the surrounding areas.

In addition to scouting out sea food when we are close to the ocean, we also love to wander through the boat yards.  Long ago we use to sail, and there's still a part of us that would like to wander on the water.  It amazes me how many different vessels we find in boatyards.  Large, small, sail boats, motor boats, new, old and some like the one below that look beyond repair.  We saw some as in disrepair as this being restored.  I wouldn't be surprised if that's why this barnacled boat was on the blocks, ready.

This motor sailor spent a bit too long in Davy Jones' Locker...

We also took some time to stop of a picnic lunch with some of the best scenery every.

This was our picnic site

If you ever get the chance to visit the Port Townsend area and you like to drink coffee, look up the Sunrise Coffee Company.  Beans from all over the world are roasted on site in one of the biggest coffee bean roaster I've ever seen.  The owner is highly knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

Soon after our mail caught up with us, propane tank filled, laundry done and gear stowed, we left Chimacum for Shelton, WA thinking this might be one more crab meal.  No such luck. We did find Bob's Tavern at the recommendation of a guy at the gas station.  That would be the best fried chicken ever and Jo Jo's (fried potato wedges).  Early the next morning we headed to Mt. Rainier National Park.