On the road Washington; Olympic Peninsula 1

One of our first stops after exploring some seaside towns was the Dungeness Spit. It is a 5 mile hike down a rocky beach. We decided to go against the guides opinion and go that night instead of waiting for low tide. The way out wasn't bad if you don't mind the feeling of walking down a treadmill of beach. It felt like it was never going to end. It was a very beautiful walk down the beach and left us feeling like we were hiking out into oblivion. 

Upon reaching the lighthouse we didn't have too much time to hang out and enjoy. The tide was coming back in and unless you want to be stuck traversing huge drift logs on the beach it was time to head back.

The hike back was grueling through loose pebbles and rocks that slid every time you step. It was super strenuous but fun, and I would consider doing it again. Just be sure to plan your trip with the tides as it adds stress when you are racing to get back to dry land.

We were able to wake up to ocean front views almost every day while we were out on the peninsula.

On our way out to the NW corner of the US we were able to drive through many beautiful forests, even better the weather was great. 

We harvested some mussels and enjoyed them with a bottle of wine and a small campfire on the beach.  

Neah Bay/Cape Flattery, the NW corner of the US. Amazingly beautiful place on an Indian Reservation. If you have the time check it out. Be sure to buy your Makah Tribe visitors pass. They sell them at the convenience store, and helps keep this amazing place beautiful.

 We stopped by Rialto Beach and hiked around a little bit before heading down to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd beaches. 

Our makeshift heater for drying out gear. 

On the road Washington; Mt. Saint Helens, Seattle, Bainbridge Island

Our journey North continues as we work our way up to Seattle. Along the way we were able to stop at Ape Caves, along with several other hikes in the area. We found our way to the south east side of Mt. Saint Helens. We had planned to hike it until we were tipped off that it was awesome downhill. We took up the strangers offer, geared up and headed up the mountain.

As you climb the switchbacks through the forrest you pass huge old trees that border the blast zone. As you top out you are gifted with a vast amount of nothingness. It was like being on the moon. No vegetation in the blast zone. It was a very unique experience that gifted us with more surrounding mountain views of the Cascades. 

  View of the mountain just before Abrahams Plains.

We hung out in Seattle, took a long walk around town and saw about all we could in one day. We did take the ferry back a second time with our bikes and rode around town and explored. Seattle has an amazing international district where we were able to find all of our favorite Japanese foods. I quite enjoyed the Japanese book store, a place I used to spend countless hours.

REI at Seatttle, This place was HUGE.

Sushi in Seattle, oh so good. Filled up on local catches and some imports from Nippon. 

Finished it all off with some Agedashi Tofu and Genmaicha.

The ferry out to Bainbridge island was great. Fresh Sea air, and our timing of the sunset was nearly perfect. We were over height by just an inch. needless to say it nearly cost double. The joys of driving your house around. We were able to stealth camp on a side street on Bainbridge and then went to a gypsy music festival at the park where we were able to camp and shower for cheap.

Water front pancake breakfast.