We went to Garden of the Gods which is a beautiful and free park to visit. There are huge red rocks that jut out of the earth. What a marvelous place! We hiked around the central part of the park on a nice paved walkway. Then we went and hiked to two rocks called “Siamese Twins”. They were really neat.
Then we went to Manitou Springs which has cliff dwellings of the Pueblo Indians. These dwellings were acquired from different areas of New Mexico and Southern Colorado and brought here in the early 1900’s. Native Americans lived in these dwellings until 1984. We walked inside the cliff dwellings and saw how small they were. Four families were housed in four rooms of the dwellings.
Monday, October 13, 2008
SIDNEY, NEBRASKA
We stopped here in Sidney because they were predicting a bad storm. Sidney also is where Cabela’s the world largest sport store headquarters is located. They even have a campground which was very nice. It was very cold and windy for the first two nights and then rainy and windy for the last. We left on Sunday for Colorado Springs.
LAKE MINITARE, NEBRASKA
Next we went to Nebraska and Lake Minitare State Park. This lake is known for migrating waterfowl. We were going to go kayaking and see what birds we could; however, when we got up the next morning it was 26 degrees and the wind was blowing at about 25 mph gusts. We decided to take a walk along the lake instead. We did not see any water fowl but we did see the only lighthouse in Nebraska. The CCC built the dam for this lake and when they were done they had time on their hands so they build the lighthouse. We were able to walk up to the top.
MT. RUSHMORE SOUTH DAKOTA
What a wonderful monument to four wonderful presidents. It was breathtaking to see. After we visited Crazy Horse Memorial, we took the camper and checked in at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota. We then went on this 20 miles mountain road to Mt. Rushmore. The road was fantastic on its own. When we were about 5 miles from the monument, we went around a bend and you could see Mt. Rushmore. There were also 3 tunnels that we had to go through and luckily the kayaks made it through.
CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL
We went to the Crazy Horse Memorial which is in the process being built. It is amazing to see and we watched a video that shows how they blast away the rock. The family of the sculptor is carrying on his work. There is his wife and 10 children, all of whom help out with the Visitor’s Center, Museum, and Gift Shop and the ones who are doing the sculpting. Entrance fees are what supports this endeavor. The family will accept gifts of any kind; but will not take any money from the Federal or State Governments…
DEVIL'S TOWER WYOMING
We stopped at Devil’s Tower on our way to South Dakota. Some of you remember “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. It was filmed here. It was amazing to see in person!
POWDER RIVER PASS WYOMING
October 6, 2008
We stayed an extra two days for Precious and she got over her queasy stomach. Sunday afternoon we had a storm with hail and rain. The hail wasn’t very big and did not cause any damage. On our way out of Wyoming we traveled through Powder River Pass at an elevation of 9666 ft. The pass was open but there was snow. It was so beautiful that we stopped and made snowballs. There was even a snow plow clearing the side of the road. How awesome!
We stayed an extra two days for Precious and she got over her queasy stomach. Sunday afternoon we had a storm with hail and rain. The hail wasn’t very big and did not cause any damage. On our way out of Wyoming we traveled through Powder River Pass at an elevation of 9666 ft. The pass was open but there was snow. It was so beautiful that we stopped and made snowballs. There was even a snow plow clearing the side of the road. How awesome!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday October 4, 2008
We are staying in Thermopolis for a couple extra days because Precious is not feeling well again. Something she ate I am sure. We will leave on Monday for Devil's Tower. While here we are catching up on cleaning and organizing and resting.
Until we meet again...
Until we meet again...
Legend Rock Petroglyphs Thermopolis Wyoming
Yesterday we took a ride outside of Thermopolis to Legend Rock. There were saw petroglyphs which are images that have been "pecked" or "incised" into a rock surface. Who made them? It might have been done as long as 11,200 years ago by Native Americans. Some petroglyhs are easily identified as animals while others are more difficult to identify.
They were really amazing to photograph.
They were really amazing to photograph.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
THERMOPOLIS, WYOMING
Today we left Grand Teton National Park and headed to Thermopolis, Wyoming. On the way we saw a herd of Pronghorn Antelope. We drove through Wind River Canyon. We are at Eagle RV Park that is beautiful and comfortable. Tomorrow on to Hot Springs….
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
On Tuesday we left Yellowstone and traveled to Grand Teton National Park. You left one park and entered the other at the Northern entrance.
Once again what a beautiful National Park! After we set up camp at Signal Mountain Campground, we drove to Moose Junction stopping at many beautiful spots. We went down around Jenny Lake and saw Sting Lake and decided to go kayaking the next day. You have to obtain passes in order to go on the lakes. We took hundreds of pictures and was amazed at how high the Grand Tetons are. In geological years they are considered teenagers.
One of the mountains we saw was Mt. Moran which is 12,605 ft high. On the peak you can see brown sandstone. The scientists know that there is a layer of sandstone 24,000 feet below the earth that was once connected to Mt. Moran. How awesome!
We drove to the summit of Signal Mountain for sunset. Signal Mountain is 7593 ft high. The sunset was beautiful.
On Wednesday we went to String Lake and then portaged our kayaks for .1 of a mile to Leigh Lake. We then went to the base of Mount Moran and touched the rocks there. As we were on our way to the mountain there were dark clouds coming from behind the mountain. We turned and headed back when it started to thunder. I did not know we could paddle that fast. As we rounded one of the points we saw a bolt of lighting. We decided to get out on the shore and wait out the storm. It rained for just a few minutes and there was no more thunder or lighting and we headed back towards home. We portaged back to String Lake and just enjoyed the beauty of the autumn colors and the beautiful landscape.
On the way back to the camp we went by Jenny Lake and there was a bear eating an elk. I was able to get close enough to snap pictures through the trees. Wow!!
Once again what a beautiful National Park! After we set up camp at Signal Mountain Campground, we drove to Moose Junction stopping at many beautiful spots. We went down around Jenny Lake and saw Sting Lake and decided to go kayaking the next day. You have to obtain passes in order to go on the lakes. We took hundreds of pictures and was amazed at how high the Grand Tetons are. In geological years they are considered teenagers.
One of the mountains we saw was Mt. Moran which is 12,605 ft high. On the peak you can see brown sandstone. The scientists know that there is a layer of sandstone 24,000 feet below the earth that was once connected to Mt. Moran. How awesome!
We drove to the summit of Signal Mountain for sunset. Signal Mountain is 7593 ft high. The sunset was beautiful.
On Wednesday we went to String Lake and then portaged our kayaks for .1 of a mile to Leigh Lake. We then went to the base of Mount Moran and touched the rocks there. As we were on our way to the mountain there were dark clouds coming from behind the mountain. We turned and headed back when it started to thunder. I did not know we could paddle that fast. As we rounded one of the points we saw a bolt of lighting. We decided to get out on the shore and wait out the storm. It rained for just a few minutes and there was no more thunder or lighting and we headed back towards home. We portaged back to String Lake and just enjoyed the beauty of the autumn colors and the beautiful landscape.
On the way back to the camp we went by Jenny Lake and there was a bear eating an elk. I was able to get close enough to snap pictures through the trees. Wow!!
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
In a word WOW! We arrived at Yellowstone on Thursday Sept. 25th for four nights. We stayed at the Madison Junction Campground. The first evening we walked down to the Madison River and watched some fly fisherman at work. You can only fly fish and catch and release at Yellowstone.
On Friday we went to Old Faithful and waited for the geyser to erupt. I know that we have all been taught about Old Faithful; however, being there and watching it was awesome! It erupts about every 90 minutes give or take 10 minutes. For those who don’t remember their history/science lesson: Surface water seeps underground, is heated by a deep source of magma, and rises as superheated water. Geysers occur when underground constrictions increase the pressure of the water until if finally erupts. Hot springs have no constrictions, so water rises, cools, and sinks. The small amount of water in fumaroles flashes into steam before reaching the surface. Mudpots are acidic hot springs with limited water. The acid and microorganisms decompose surrounding rock into clay and mud.
That being said it was fascinating watching different geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots do their thing. We spent the over 4 hours at the Old Faithful area watching different geysers and hot springs. Our favorite was Castle Geyser. It went off for 20 minutes and went as high as 75 feet into the air. We had to wait almost an hour to see it but it was well worth the wait.
For the rest of the day we went to view different geyser basins. On one of the hikes we just crossed a bridge and three huge buffalo came charging down the river. We were not sure which way they were going; but luckily they went the other way running up a hill. Whew!!!
On Saturday we drove to Norris Geyser and then onto Mammoth Hot Springs in the North. We stopped at one place where the Obsidian Cliffs were. We saw large rocks with obsidian in them. Obsidian is a volcanic glass used for projectile points and cutting tools, was traded across North America by American Indians.
We passed through Mammoth Hot Springs and went to Tower-Roosevelt. We stopped and viewed Urdine Falls and then drove on a 6 miles dirt road, Blacktail Plateau Drive, in hopes of seeing wild game. No luck, but the drive was beautiful.
We then headed back to camp and decided we had to stay another night. You cannot see everything in Yellowstone in three days. We were able to get another night of camping and would leave on Tuesday morning.
On Sunday we drove to the Northeast entrance through Lamar Valley. We saw two herds of buffalo and pronghorn antelope. They were beautiful. We watched for quite a while and then we spotted two coyotes. They were not interested in the antelope, thank goodness.
On Monday we drove to Canyon Village and back toward Tower Roosevelt. Such beautiful area and the trees are turning. We also passed back through Mammoth Hot Springs and saw a bull elk and his harem. His antlers, rack, was probably 3 or more feet apart.
On Tuesday on our way out we drove by the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and headed south to the Grand Tetons. Another beautiful drive.
We did not see everything there was to see. In four days we drove 400 miles and never left the park. Needless to say we need to go back. We did not take any of the hikes available because there was not enough time. Also the weather was unusually warm so there were not as many sightings of animals as there should have been.
On Friday we went to Old Faithful and waited for the geyser to erupt. I know that we have all been taught about Old Faithful; however, being there and watching it was awesome! It erupts about every 90 minutes give or take 10 minutes. For those who don’t remember their history/science lesson: Surface water seeps underground, is heated by a deep source of magma, and rises as superheated water. Geysers occur when underground constrictions increase the pressure of the water until if finally erupts. Hot springs have no constrictions, so water rises, cools, and sinks. The small amount of water in fumaroles flashes into steam before reaching the surface. Mudpots are acidic hot springs with limited water. The acid and microorganisms decompose surrounding rock into clay and mud.
That being said it was fascinating watching different geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots do their thing. We spent the over 4 hours at the Old Faithful area watching different geysers and hot springs. Our favorite was Castle Geyser. It went off for 20 minutes and went as high as 75 feet into the air. We had to wait almost an hour to see it but it was well worth the wait.
For the rest of the day we went to view different geyser basins. On one of the hikes we just crossed a bridge and three huge buffalo came charging down the river. We were not sure which way they were going; but luckily they went the other way running up a hill. Whew!!!
On Saturday we drove to Norris Geyser and then onto Mammoth Hot Springs in the North. We stopped at one place where the Obsidian Cliffs were. We saw large rocks with obsidian in them. Obsidian is a volcanic glass used for projectile points and cutting tools, was traded across North America by American Indians.
We passed through Mammoth Hot Springs and went to Tower-Roosevelt. We stopped and viewed Urdine Falls and then drove on a 6 miles dirt road, Blacktail Plateau Drive, in hopes of seeing wild game. No luck, but the drive was beautiful.
We then headed back to camp and decided we had to stay another night. You cannot see everything in Yellowstone in three days. We were able to get another night of camping and would leave on Tuesday morning.
On Sunday we drove to the Northeast entrance through Lamar Valley. We saw two herds of buffalo and pronghorn antelope. They were beautiful. We watched for quite a while and then we spotted two coyotes. They were not interested in the antelope, thank goodness.
On Monday we drove to Canyon Village and back toward Tower Roosevelt. Such beautiful area and the trees are turning. We also passed back through Mammoth Hot Springs and saw a bull elk and his harem. His antlers, rack, was probably 3 or more feet apart.
On Tuesday on our way out we drove by the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and headed south to the Grand Tetons. Another beautiful drive.
We did not see everything there was to see. In four days we drove 400 miles and never left the park. Needless to say we need to go back. We did not take any of the hikes available because there was not enough time. Also the weather was unusually warm so there were not as many sightings of animals as there should have been.
CRATERS OF THE MOON, ARCO IDAHO
On to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve--Craters of the Moon National Monument is located in the cradle of Idaho's Snake River Plain. Beginning 15,000 years ago, molten basalt erupted from fissures in the earth's crust creating this landscape of black and raw lava flows that undulates like a quiet sea. Cinder cones, craters, and myriad volcanic formations line the fissures, or Great Rift, for some sixty miles from north to south, and rise above a surface swirling with frozen eddies and cascading blocks of lava foam.
There were so many things to see. One was a chance to climb up the side of a small volcano and look into it. Amazing! Another was into two different caves made of lava rocks. It was very cool inside and dark! Just look at the pictures!
There were so many things to see. One was a chance to climb up the side of a small volcano and look into it. Amazing! Another was into two different caves made of lava rocks. It was very cool inside and dark! Just look at the pictures!
BRUNEAU DUNES STATE PARK, MOUNTAIN HOME, IDAHO
From Oregon we went to Bruneau Dunes State Park, south of Mountain Home Idaho. There are sand dunes here next to two lakes. Here is why: Bruneau Dunes started to form 11,000 years ago after the tremendous Bonneville Flood. BD is the tallest single sand dune structure in North America. Ideal conditions existed here for sand dune formation. 1) a circular basin carved by the Snake River which forms a natural trap to cat h wind born sand 2) a supply of sand coming from ancient sediment laid down in the Snake River plateau 3) a wind blowing at least 10 miles per hour to transport the sand. The dune is created and maintained by long term wind patterns. The wind comes from two prevailing directions approximately 180 degrees apart. The opposing winds keep the dunes in place.
We climbed up the dunes and walked along the top of one of them. It was so much fun
We climbed up the dunes and walked along the top of one of them. It was so much fun
LA PINES, OREGON on the Deschustes River and CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
September 17-21, 2008
We decided we needed a vacation from our retirement adventure so we went to La Pines, Oregon about 25 miles south of Bend Oregon to La Pines State Park. We stayed for 5 nights. On the day of our arrival we met Frank and Marilyn who were head of a Good Sam RV group. They were rally masters for a work session at the park. About 7 other RVers joined them for this event. Frank invited us over after dinner to play Mexican Train. This is a game with dominoes, one we had never hearad of, that was a lot of fun to play.
On the 18th we went to Crater Lake National Park. This was about 60 miles southeast of La Pines SP. When we arrived at the park the first lookout was over the lake with a perfect view. The water was so blue and the view of Wizard Island was spectacular! We spent most of the day driving around the lake and seeing different views. By late afternoon the view were getting hazy because of three fires burning to the north of Crater Lake.
La Pines State Park is on the Deschutes River. There is supposed to be great trout fishing there; however, the river was difficult to get down the banking to. We decided to drive about 15 miles from the campground and went to Twin Lakes to kayak and fly fish.
Steve taught me how to fly fish. I was not too lucky but on the first day Steve caught two rainbow trout and the next time we went he caught two more. We ate the first two and then froze the others for later.
The weather was cool and the water was too. But the kayaking and the fishing were great!
We decided we needed a vacation from our retirement adventure so we went to La Pines, Oregon about 25 miles south of Bend Oregon to La Pines State Park. We stayed for 5 nights. On the day of our arrival we met Frank and Marilyn who were head of a Good Sam RV group. They were rally masters for a work session at the park. About 7 other RVers joined them for this event. Frank invited us over after dinner to play Mexican Train. This is a game with dominoes, one we had never hearad of, that was a lot of fun to play.
On the 18th we went to Crater Lake National Park. This was about 60 miles southeast of La Pines SP. When we arrived at the park the first lookout was over the lake with a perfect view. The water was so blue and the view of Wizard Island was spectacular! We spent most of the day driving around the lake and seeing different views. By late afternoon the view were getting hazy because of three fires burning to the north of Crater Lake.
La Pines State Park is on the Deschutes River. There is supposed to be great trout fishing there; however, the river was difficult to get down the banking to. We decided to drive about 15 miles from the campground and went to Twin Lakes to kayak and fly fish.
Steve taught me how to fly fish. I was not too lucky but on the first day Steve caught two rainbow trout and the next time we went he caught two more. We ate the first two and then froze the others for later.
The weather was cool and the water was too. But the kayaking and the fishing were great!
CULVER KOA AND TRUCK REPAIRS
Here I sit in the laundry at a KOA. We didn’t plan to stay here for two days, but the truck had a different idea. As we were climbing up Blue Box Pass a truck went by us and we thought that it was making a terrible noise. We thought he blew a tire; however, as we continued up the steep road, we discovered it was US making that noise. There was a rest stop at the summit. We stopped, took off the bikes, and looked up and down the truck. We could not see any problems; so we called Travis, our handy dandy repairman. Steve did all the things Travis said to do and couldn’t find any major problems.
After lunch we set out again on our way. Travis found us a Ford garage in Madras, OR, that was about 45 miles away. The noise continued when we accelerated to go up the hills and as there were many, we just held our breath. I called the Ford garage to inform them of our arrival. The serviceman was very nice and sent a mechanic out right away to ride with Steve. The diagnosis was a disintegrating catalytic converter. We are so lucky that we have 2! The parts needed to be ordered so we traveled 6 miles to the KOA for the night. We took the truck in the next day and the repairs were made. Hopefully all will go well and we will continue on our adventure.
On our way to Culver, OR, we passed by Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. They are snow covered as they are about 12,000 or so feet high. The view was hazy because the farmers in the area are burning their fields after the summer crops have been harvested. We saw a tractor pulling this contraption, fed by propane, with fire coming out and burning the land. That is a job I wouldn’t volunteer for…
After lunch we set out again on our way. Travis found us a Ford garage in Madras, OR, that was about 45 miles away. The noise continued when we accelerated to go up the hills and as there were many, we just held our breath. I called the Ford garage to inform them of our arrival. The serviceman was very nice and sent a mechanic out right away to ride with Steve. The diagnosis was a disintegrating catalytic converter. We are so lucky that we have 2! The parts needed to be ordered so we traveled 6 miles to the KOA for the night. We took the truck in the next day and the repairs were made. Hopefully all will go well and we will continue on our adventure.
On our way to Culver, OR, we passed by Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. They are snow covered as they are about 12,000 or so feet high. The view was hazy because the farmers in the area are burning their fields after the summer crops have been harvested. We saw a tractor pulling this contraption, fed by propane, with fire coming out and burning the land. That is a job I wouldn’t volunteer for…
MT. RAINIER WASHINGTON
On Saturday we traveled to Mossyrock, WA, and stayed at a private campground. We had a site on Lake Mayfield. The site was really nice and quiet.
On Sunday we traveled, along with thousands of others, to Mt. Rainier. After entering the park we stopped at Klautz Creek. Then onto Longmire Museum which had displays about the area. We took a hike through the forest and saw three mineral springs.
After the hike we continued on to Paradise about 19 miles away. We stopped, ate a picnic lunch and then hiked down to Narada Falls where the river flows down the 168 ft. rocks. The falls were so beautiful and you could see a rainbow that was reflected from the rocks. Gorgeous! Then on to Paradise where there is a hotel and visitor center. Little did we know that hundreds of other people had the same idea as us. When we got to the Paradise area, the main parking lot was full and the overflow was just as full. We drove around again and decided to just drive through the area. We stopped along the road at different intervals to take pictures of Mt. Rainier. It is 14,467 ft tall. Also the meadow around Mt. Rainier was beautiful. The leaves are slowly starting to turn and Sunday was a warm, beautiful day. There are still a few types of flowers blooming.
On Sunday we traveled, along with thousands of others, to Mt. Rainier. After entering the park we stopped at Klautz Creek. Then onto Longmire Museum which had displays about the area. We took a hike through the forest and saw three mineral springs.
After the hike we continued on to Paradise about 19 miles away. We stopped, ate a picnic lunch and then hiked down to Narada Falls where the river flows down the 168 ft. rocks. The falls were so beautiful and you could see a rainbow that was reflected from the rocks. Gorgeous! Then on to Paradise where there is a hotel and visitor center. Little did we know that hundreds of other people had the same idea as us. When we got to the Paradise area, the main parking lot was full and the overflow was just as full. We drove around again and decided to just drive through the area. We stopped along the road at different intervals to take pictures of Mt. Rainier. It is 14,467 ft tall. Also the meadow around Mt. Rainier was beautiful. The leaves are slowly starting to turn and Sunday was a warm, beautiful day. There are still a few types of flowers blooming.
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ROUTE 101
After we left Hoh Rain Forest we headed south on 101 along the coast. 101 is a highway that makes a loop around Olympic National Park and then goes down along the coast of Washington and the coast of Oregon. As we made the turn along the coast we got a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. It is gorgeous. We continued driving until we reached Pacific Beach State Park. We got a site on the ocean for two nights. As we were setting up a fog rolled in and you couldn’t tell where the ocean was and as it was low tide you could barely hear it. Around 6:30 p.m. the fog lifted and we took a walk on the beach. It was very cold and windy but there was an absolutely gorgeous sunset. We walked a mile or two and watched the birds and seagulls.
On Saturday we drove into Ocean Shore, WA and had lunch at a nice the Homesport Restaurant. The food was delicious. We had to get a bulb for the truck because the left turn signal was burnt out. We went to ACE Hardware that also had a Radio Shack inside. You could buy anything from work clothing to plumbing to souvenirs to wedding gifts. It was like a department store. On the way out of Ocean Shores we stopped at a casino and won a $20.00. Steve had a lucky machine….
On Saturday we drove into Ocean Shore, WA and had lunch at a nice the Homesport Restaurant. The food was delicious. We had to get a bulb for the truck because the left turn signal was burnt out. We went to ACE Hardware that also had a Radio Shack inside. You could buy anything from work clothing to plumbing to souvenirs to wedding gifts. It was like a department store. On the way out of Ocean Shores we stopped at a casino and won a $20.00. Steve had a lucky machine….
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK--HOH RAIN FOREST
Friday we drove on 101 West to the Hoh Rain Forest. This is still part of Olympic National Park. We went to the campground first to set up. The campground was on the Hoh River. We had a nice site not too far from the river. After setting up we took a hike on two trails: the Trail of the Shadows and Spruce Trail. Both were interpretive trails and described the rain forest here in the Northwest.
On the way to Spruce Trail we saw an elk eating by the stream. He was beautiful. The signs all around the area said to say 100 feet from the elk because they have been charging visitors. After our hike we went back to the truck and on our way there were two elk sparring with each other. They make a high squeaky noise which was surprising to us because of their size. They fought with their antlers and the sound you heard was like sticks hitting each other. We watched them for awhile and then went back to the camper. Later on after supper, we saw them again and there was a third elk that joined them. They were just eating grass around the park. Very exciting!
On the way to Spruce Trail we saw an elk eating by the stream. He was beautiful. The signs all around the area said to say 100 feet from the elk because they have been charging visitors. After our hike we went back to the truck and on our way there were two elk sparring with each other. They make a high squeaky noise which was surprising to us because of their size. They fought with their antlers and the sound you heard was like sticks hitting each other. We watched them for awhile and then went back to the camper. Later on after supper, we saw them again and there was a third elk that joined them. They were just eating grass around the park. Very exciting!
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
We arrived at Elwah Dam RV Park on Sunday to stay for 3 nights.
Our first trip in the National Park was to Hurrican Ridge. The visitor's center offers an outstanding view of several glaciers, see photos. We hiked another 1/2 mile about 200 feet in elevation and got a fantastic view of the north and east of the park. We could see as far as Victoria, Vancouver, Canada.
We also saw a mule deer who was not afraid to pose for us.
The next day we took a ride to Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park. On the way we stopped and hiked to Marymere Falls.
It was a beautiful ride to the Sol Duc Resort where you have to pay to use the natural (?) hot springs. The resort was built in 1912 around the hot springs. We went into the resort and saw the springs. They have been cemented in and painted blue to make it look more like a modern spa. However, the water is from the hot springs and they are not treated in any way with chemicals. We decided to go on the hike to the Sol Duc Falls which were awesome. The hike was about 1.5 miles through the forests which are outstanding.
On Tuesday, we took the 8:15 a.m. ferry from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, Vancouver, Canada. The ferry ride was about 55 minutes long and we bought a tour ride to Butchart Gardens. This is one of the most beautiful gardens. Originally the area was a limestone quarry, but after the resources were exhausted, Mrs. Butchart wanted to make the area look nice so she hired people to landscape the area. There is a rose garden section, Japanese Garden, Sunken garden area, and an Italian garden. The weather on Tuesday was glorious which only enhanced the beauty of this garden.
After the garden tour we went back into Victoria and had lunch as a restaurant overlooking the water. Then we went to the British Columbia Museum. The exhibits there were wonderful and explained the history of North American and particularly British Columbia. There was a Mammoth exhibit that was excellent. We spent two hours at the museum before returning to the dock to pick up the ferry at 6:10 to return to Port Angeles. What a wonderful day!
Our first trip in the National Park was to Hurrican Ridge. The visitor's center offers an outstanding view of several glaciers, see photos. We hiked another 1/2 mile about 200 feet in elevation and got a fantastic view of the north and east of the park. We could see as far as Victoria, Vancouver, Canada.
We also saw a mule deer who was not afraid to pose for us.
The next day we took a ride to Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park. On the way we stopped and hiked to Marymere Falls.
It was a beautiful ride to the Sol Duc Resort where you have to pay to use the natural (?) hot springs. The resort was built in 1912 around the hot springs. We went into the resort and saw the springs. They have been cemented in and painted blue to make it look more like a modern spa. However, the water is from the hot springs and they are not treated in any way with chemicals. We decided to go on the hike to the Sol Duc Falls which were awesome. The hike was about 1.5 miles through the forests which are outstanding.
On Tuesday, we took the 8:15 a.m. ferry from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, Vancouver, Canada. The ferry ride was about 55 minutes long and we bought a tour ride to Butchart Gardens. This is one of the most beautiful gardens. Originally the area was a limestone quarry, but after the resources were exhausted, Mrs. Butchart wanted to make the area look nice so she hired people to landscape the area. There is a rose garden section, Japanese Garden, Sunken garden area, and an Italian garden. The weather on Tuesday was glorious which only enhanced the beauty of this garden.
After the garden tour we went back into Victoria and had lunch as a restaurant overlooking the water. Then we went to the British Columbia Museum. The exhibits there were wonderful and explained the history of North American and particularly British Columbia. There was a Mammoth exhibit that was excellent. We spent two hours at the museum before returning to the dock to pick up the ferry at 6:10 to return to Port Angeles. What a wonderful day!
DOSEWALLIPS STATE PARK, WASHINGTON
We stopped at Dosewallips SP in Washington across the Puget Sound from Seattle for one night. A beautiful park where the chum salmon were swimming upstream on the Dosewallip River to spawn. The salmon were about 2 1/2 feet long and weighed quite a bit. The river was very shallow so you could see the salmon very easily.
We also watched the eagles flying up and down stream looking for a snack! They were beautiful! We had a nice site not too far from the river.
We people on the east coast always hear about the salmon swimming upstream; boy was it amazing to watch!
We also watched the eagles flying up and down stream looking for a snack! They were beautiful! We had a nice site not too far from the river.
We people on the east coast always hear about the salmon swimming upstream; boy was it amazing to watch!
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