Is it still a warning sign if you never read it?
Our journey West of Mt Rainier took us to the coast line via Yelm and Olympia. We recycled four of our used propane gas cylinders at a transfer station and collected four more at a hardware store. A wifi stop with Starbucks and we were back on the road. Our aim to track around Olympic National Park catching a bit of coastline and forest over the next few days. As mentioned in the earlier blog, 'Seen to be Believed', we encountered Mike just North of Aberdeen. Spending the night there, we took his recommendation and ventured to Lake Quinault. A shallow but scenic lake on the cusp of Olympic National Park. We drove a gravel road around the lake, 26 miles, and caught a few glimpses of deer and a fox.
A small village catered for back packers and offered public showers at a 'Quarter a Minute.' We eagerly took the opportunity and waited in line for one of the two public showers to become available. During this moment of pause, knowing our wash was timed by the cent, we strategised our routine. A quick wetting for one minute, then wait, soap and scrub, another minute for rinse. Only 50 cents used. We almost kept our target, just going over by an extra minute to include some shampoo in the hair. All up, two adults, $1.25. We had another 10 quarters ($2.50) we never had to use. Looking back, I don't know why we didn't 'splurge' at least an extra $1.00 just to enjoy it. Oh well, we felt like we beat the system.
A short drive around the corner and we pulled in for some lunch. We have been hoping for a quaint diner that could serve us either a berry or apple pie. Despite outside appearances, this one tended a prominent mexican cuisine. We were still happy, burrito and tacos with a beer each made us happy.
Back on the road and a little uncertain where or how far we were going. We had some options, either along the beach near La Push, or tucked in a little further to Olympia. With rain gently falling, we opted for the forest, with the beach tomorrow. So we took another winding, twisting gravel road up into the National Forest, tested an official campsite but already that seemed too crowded. So drove a little bit further and found a small dirt road to turn back on and tucked away was a small single campsite.
There was only a moments caution when we saw a red sign nailed to a tree. We couldn't tell you verbatim what it read as so much was worn off. Words we made out were, 'Caution', 'Watching' and 'Prohibited'. So we waited a few minutes before setting up camp. Two hours have passed now and we've made this our home for the evening. One short stroll in thongs for a light toilet visit made us re-think our footwear. Only a small, black, thin snake slithering away but enough for us to act a little smarter.
So you catch us now, sitting in the van, light misty rain falling outside. Our doors are open and a cool breeze is nice. We purchased a tarp for just this type of occasion. It sits over the rear of the van across the open doors. Our washing drying underneath. Snacks at hand and a beer washing them down. One of us typing, the other painting. The odd mosquito venturing inside but our trained hands are too quick for them here. In a short while we'll pack away the snacks and begin preparing dinner. Moments of peace, moments of laughter, moments of uncertainty, but most of all enjoyment.
A small village catered for back packers and offered public showers at a 'Quarter a Minute.' We eagerly took the opportunity and waited in line for one of the two public showers to become available. During this moment of pause, knowing our wash was timed by the cent, we strategised our routine. A quick wetting for one minute, then wait, soap and scrub, another minute for rinse. Only 50 cents used. We almost kept our target, just going over by an extra minute to include some shampoo in the hair. All up, two adults, $1.25. We had another 10 quarters ($2.50) we never had to use. Looking back, I don't know why we didn't 'splurge' at least an extra $1.00 just to enjoy it. Oh well, we felt like we beat the system.
A short drive around the corner and we pulled in for some lunch. We have been hoping for a quaint diner that could serve us either a berry or apple pie. Despite outside appearances, this one tended a prominent mexican cuisine. We were still happy, burrito and tacos with a beer each made us happy.
Back on the road and a little uncertain where or how far we were going. We had some options, either along the beach near La Push, or tucked in a little further to Olympia. With rain gently falling, we opted for the forest, with the beach tomorrow. So we took another winding, twisting gravel road up into the National Forest, tested an official campsite but already that seemed too crowded. So drove a little bit further and found a small dirt road to turn back on and tucked away was a small single campsite.
There was only a moments caution when we saw a red sign nailed to a tree. We couldn't tell you verbatim what it read as so much was worn off. Words we made out were, 'Caution', 'Watching' and 'Prohibited'. So we waited a few minutes before setting up camp. Two hours have passed now and we've made this our home for the evening. One short stroll in thongs for a light toilet visit made us re-think our footwear. Only a small, black, thin snake slithering away but enough for us to act a little smarter.
So you catch us now, sitting in the van, light misty rain falling outside. Our doors are open and a cool breeze is nice. We purchased a tarp for just this type of occasion. It sits over the rear of the van across the open doors. Our washing drying underneath. Snacks at hand and a beer washing them down. One of us typing, the other painting. The odd mosquito venturing inside but our trained hands are too quick for them here. In a short while we'll pack away the snacks and begin preparing dinner. Moments of peace, moments of laughter, moments of uncertainty, but most of all enjoyment.
All that moss and lichen. Still no bears which is a positive. Still recovering from the "santa" story though!
ReplyDeleteYou’ve got the blackberry foraging down! Watch out for the Devils Club, the large leafed plant with red berry “clubs” to the left of the waterfall. The stems and branches have lots of sharp thorns. Native Americans used it as a cathartic. We recommend the Makah Museum at Neah Bay. Cape Flattery near there is the most northwest point of the contiguous United States.
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