DAY 10 - FDAY 10 - FORKS, WASHINGTON & LA PUSH, WASHINGTON

DOUGLAS FIR AT SUN-RISE ALONG US 101 NEAR LAKE CRESCENT, WASHINGTON

MOSS EATS EVERYTHING...SIMPLY NOTHIN IS SPARED

OLYMPIC FOREST HAS MANY ATTRACTIONS ALONG US 101

SOMETIMES WALKERS ARE THE ATTRACTIONS..NICE ANIMAL

WHITEST SHEEP I EVER SAW...NOT AT ALL AFRAID OR SKITTISH

BUS STOP...GUESS THESE KIDS ARE ALL READY GROWN UP

US 101 NEARING FORKS, WASHINGTON

SOL DUC RIVER WITH TRIBUTARY STREAM ON LEFT...OFF US 101 BRIDGE

RIVETS...THE WAY BRIDGES USED TO BE BUILT...AIRPLANES STILL ARE

THIS HILL HAS A "MOHAWK" CUT...WHEN TREES ARE CUT THESE DAYS, THEY ARE "CLEAR CUT"; I.E., EVERYTHING IS CUT DOWN AND REMOVED. WITHIN ONE YEAR NEW "SEEDLINGS" (ABOUT 10" - 12 " HIGH) ARE PLANTED TO RENEW THE FOREST...CREATING THE MOHAWK LOOK.

ENTERING FORKS, WASHINGTON FROM THE NORTH ON US 101

POLICE STATION...BELIEVE "BELLA'S" DAD WORKS HERE

"TWILIGHT" SHOP...SO DARK INSIDE, DON'T KNOW HOW ANYONE CAN SEE WHAT THEY ARE BUYING...BUT THE STORE IS CRAMMED FULL OF "TWILIGHT" CLOTHING.

LA PUSH, WASHINGTON...FIGURING IN THE "TWILIGHT" STORY, IS 15 MILES WEST OF FORKS...HARBOR ENTRANCE IS TO THE RIGHT PAST THOSE HAYSTACK ROCKS...50 YEARS AGO, DAD, MOTHER AND I CAME HERE TO SALMON FISH...NOT MANY SALMON LEFT THESE DAYS...GOOD "PERCH" ARE CAUGHT IN THE SURF...USED TO HAVE THEM SERVED UP FOR BREAKFAST...YUM

YES, LA PUSH SURF IS HIGH ENOUGH FOR SURFING...BUT, MAN IS IT COLD

DAY 10 – FORKS, WASHINGTON & LA PUSH, WASHINGTON

We are spending the night at LA PUSH, WASHINGTON, on the Pacific Ocean North West Coast…there is NO Internet service here…La Push is 15 miles West of FORKS, WASHINGTON, the home of “TWILIGHT” of international acclaim. I asked the Lady at the Forks Information Bureau what She thought of “Twilight”…she replied…”look at the registration book…72,000 people signed that book last year…before “Twilight”, Forks was not even on the map…now folks from around the World think Forks if the Best.”…

Since a wee babe, I have been coming to Forks and La Push….Parents were great Salmon Fishermen and La Push was a Salmon Hot Spot. Mother said my first time out in the Pacific Ocean was in a 16 foot outboard…carried in an Apple Box with a Blanket. Makes me shudder when I see the breakers crashing ashore here on the La Push Beach.

But then, “Twilight” was played out partially in La Push, so I came late this afternoon. Wish I had NOT. It is very commercialized and my initial contract was a bit aloof and condescending. Anyway, took a spot for SPIA and here we are about 100 feet from the actual breakers pounding the sandy beach.

Cannot upload pics until tomorrow in Forks.

Was up at 4:30 am today, parked on the West Shore of Lake Crescent. Had usual b’fast and got dressed, ready to hit the road at 5:30 am. Took one look out…was pitch Black. I was going nowhere until daylight.

At 7:30, enough light was about that I drove SPIA onto US 101 to the top of the long hill I climbed before dark last night (or rather, 1.5 hours worth of climbing…and did NOT reach the top…and walking back to SPIA. Not wanting to climb that beast again this morning, drove SPIA to the top, parked, and walked back DOWN for about 2 miles and returned…no ride for me this morning…was drizzling with overcast and COLD.

Drove SPIA out for 5 miles and parked. Walked back to previous parking spot and was about 3 miles out when Jason stopped and offered me a ride…took him up on it. Jason drove me back to SPIA, but did not stop; He drove another 5 miles West on US 101 and let me out. I walked back to SPIA.

Then, drove SPIA out US 101 another 10 miles and parked. Made a nice lunch…Chicken Noodle Soup and Peanut Butter Sandwich (to test the scalp – which has NOT reoccurred at all since leaving home) and a glass of Wine.

Then walked back 5 miles to the previous turn-around spot. Walked BACK to SPIA for about 2 miles when along came Larry Wilcox in his spiffy new SUV. Larry was a chatty fellow about to leave Forks for a new life in Libby, Montana, where he will be a lawman. Larry took me 5 miles beyond SPIA and let me out.

I then walked BACK to SPIA, and drove to Forks. Stopped in to ask about “Twilight”, and drove around town to take photos of the Hot Spots. Decided to spend the night at La Push, so drove the 15 miles out here to the Pacific Ocean and at least have electrical hookup for the Mini…no water, because of freezing night time temperatures, so cannot fill SPIA’s water tank.

But, what the heck…got a few gallon jugs and am not hurting.

DAILY REPORT: Walked a total of 20 miles today. Jason and Larry combined drove me about 15 miles – which I would have had to walk if they did not come along.

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 20 miles at $0.02 per mile = “$0.40 for the day.

Photos will be uploaded tomorrow. / OK…is now 5:00 am “tomorrow” & raining like crazy…waves crashing with loud “booms” onto the blacked-out beach in front of SPIA.

Plan to return to Forks; walk the final 5 miles into Forks, and then start out on the 120-plus mile leg where there is NOTHING except Rain Forest…will be a very interesting bit of walking…which should take about 5 days. Questionalble if I can post the Blog for lack of electricity and Internet Service...is really desolate out there in the Rain Forest...

Will not be able to generate electricity as we will need all our gasoline to run SPIA…dare not run out…even though we do have three gallons extra in Jerry-jugs. SO, just wear extra sweater and socks to keep warm…thank goodness we have SPIA…just imagine attempting to set up a tent…there is not a single dry spot to be found, with nearly everything not paved over is swimming under water.

SAM is going to have to wait a bit longer before She gets into the Walk and Roll act.

Day started out with a drizzle. Ended with Sun peeking through the overcast.

DAY 9 - LAKE CRESCENT

At 4:30 am, left the feathers...made up a pan of oatmeal/raisins/brown sugar and hot tea. Then hit the road from the WAL MART Parking Lot in Port Angeles. Walked for one hour in darkness but with good street lights, to the West side of town and return to SPIA.



Then drove out about 5 miles to "The Junction", where SPIA was again parked. Walked BACK to Port Angeles. Walking back to SPIA, Curt stopped offering me a ride in his spanking new Toyota SUV. He drove past SPIA and on another 8 miles to mile marker 235. Thanked Curt, and walked back to SPIA.



Made lunch...Chicken and Pasta Soup and yummy bread from Bow.



Then drove SPIA to Lake Stevens and parked. Walked back to mile marker 235 and returned to SPIA at mile marker 238. Drove another mile and behold...there is Lake Crescent.



MOUNTAIN BROOK FALLING INTO LAKE CRESCENT, WASHINGTON

WINTER IS WET, MUGGY, AND COZY WITH A WARM FIRE

MOSS COVERED TREES ON LAKE CRESCENT: Curt clarified for me the question of Moss and Trees. Moss is on the NORTH side of trees. So, to find your way in the wilderness, use the Moss covered Trees as a compass.

ROAD TO LAKE CRESCENT LODGE...CLOSED FOR THE WINTER...BUT THE ROAD IS BREATHTAKING

ELWA RIVER VALLEY WITH SNOW COVERED FOOTHILLS BEHIND...Many years ago, My Dad and I hunted Elk along this river...no luck

ELWA RIVER...NOTE CREAMY WHITEWATER...SIGN OF RECENT GLACIER MELT

THE OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN AREA IS VERY WET...WOOD ROTS QUICKLY IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF...SHINGLES AND SHAKES SHOULD LAST 30 YEARS...OUT HERE - UNTREATED - MAYBE 10 YEARS.

SOME OF THE FIRST OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS...THE TOPOGRAPHY HAS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST TWO DAYS...LOTS OF STEEP HILLS TO CLIMB AND DESCEND...MY FEET ARE QUITE SORE FROM THE SIDE-HILL EFFECT...MUST BE EXTRA CAREFUL TO AVOID INJURY.

FERNS ARE A COMMON SIGHT IN THE RAIN FORESTS OF THE OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS. IN A WEEK OR SO, THESE FERNS WILL REACH 6 FEET HIGH AND MORE.

SNOW IS STILL ON THE GROUND ALONG US 101. IT IS QUITE COLD AT NIGHT...MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDRESS FOR DAY-TIME WALKING...COME BACK SOAKED THRU AND THRU FROM PERSPIRATION...RAIN IS NOT A CONCERN

LAKE CRESCENT IS A BEAUTIFUL DEEP BLUE COLOR. IN SUMMER IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO SPEND A WEEK OR SO...IN WINTER, NOT SO WELCOMING...WIND WAS BLOWING STINK AND IT WAS COLD.

A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE ...NEED ONE SAY MORE...LAKE CRESCENT, WASHINGTON

WANT TO KNOW WHAT "WISPY" IS...TAKE A LOOK...THOSE ARE "WISPY" CLOUDS

SPIA RESTING ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE CRESCENT...State o Washington cautions bicyclists to be extra cautious because this stretch of US 101 has NO berms. Therefore, I drove SPIA the entire length of Lake Crescent to check out the berm. Parked at the West End where we will spend the night - and walked back 6 miles and return to SPIA...no place for any vehicles to stop for me to catch a ride.

Upon return to SPIA, walked another 1.5 hours West on US 101...all up-hill...and return to SPIA.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked a total of 28 miles today...not counting Curt's ride of 12 miles

SEE MY IMPACT: Credit 28 miles @ $0.02 per mile = $0.56 for the day


Tomorrow we will continue on US 101, hopefully reaching FORKS, WASHINGTON...

May take a room in Forks to get a shower, etc.

DAY 8 - SEQUIM TO PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON

This is the first time I have attempted to load down photographs BEFORE any narrative. First look seems to be OK...so, let's try it out.......



TOTEM POLES: Last night, spent the night in the Parking Lot of 7 Cedars Casino. Had a superb Steak Dinner - custom prepared PERFECT (2 " thick"), and all the trimmings that a first class Buffet can offer...all for $11.77. Out front of the 7 Cedars are these Totem Poles...very impressive...narrative follows below:

TOTEM POLE: Each figure carved into the standing Cedar Tree represents a significant event or character in the life of the Indian Tribe or Person doing the carving. One can find century-old Totem Poles throughout the Pacific Northwest, from California thru Canada and Alaska.

This morning, was up at 4:30 am. Left SPIA at 5:15 am, walking BACK East towards Port Townsend to the point I left off yesterday...and returned to SPIA. It was PITCH BLACK. Would never attempt to hitch a ride in the dark, so walked both ways, returning to SPIA about 7: 00 am...felt great (it was Blacker than Sin, COLD, and Raining hard), so kept walking for another 3 hours, reaching and passing SEQUIM, WASHINGTON, the home of the Dungeness Crabs (I have a personal hair-raising story about taking my 25 foot Chris Craft out there from Seattle back in 1964...no one died, but not because I didn't screw up real bad...because I DID).

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Stopped in at a Food Mart to buy a coffee and a couple Snicker Bars...only to find I did not bring my ID or $$...left everything in SPIA. So, turned around and started walking back to SPIA, a bit over 10 miles away. About 2 miles out, a kind driver - with a vicious dog - picked me up...his dog bit me twice...I scolded him...and gave him a bite of my emergency ration - my Bagle...after that, he wanted to lick me...just like someone I use to know.

SEQUIM, WASHINGTON - Home of the Dungeness Crabs

After returning to SPIA, drove all the way to Port Angeles, stopping at WAL MART, where I bought a spare gas can, some new carpet for SPIA, and some Scented Candles (I goofed with the Crab and Oysters...left them too long in the fridge and had to toss them...and they smelled up SPIA something awful; i.e., the scented candle.

ABANDONED BARN NEAR SEQUIM:

CAT TAILS ALONG US 101. For those who may not know, Red-Wing Blackbirds LOVE these Cat Tails...want to see a Red Wing, find some cat tails and wait.

A FARM NEAR SEQUIM, WASHINGTON

MOSS-COVERED ROCKS NEAR PORT ANGELES. In Rain Forest Conditions, it is possible to determe NORTH by the coating of moss on trees. Nice to know if no compass is handy on that sad day you get lost out in the wild. Google it for details.

LOGGING TRUCK NEAR PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON


After my WAL MART Purchases, put them in SPIA and started walking East, back towards SEQUIM to where I left off earlier today. It started to rain and had NO rain gear. Heck with it, says I, and walked out 5 miles and back to SPIA. Starting to get into a rhythm. This morning, experienced about 20 cramps in my right leg calf. Have found that a cramp IMMEDIATELY disappears by T O T A L L Y relaxing that muscle and talking to it...did not even miss a step.

The cramp only occurred once on this afternoon's walk.

LOADED LOGGING TRUCK:

This was Cri's favorite thing in the Pacific North West. Seeing one, Christiane would become really excited..."Look Look, Bruce...a Logging Truck..." Memories sometimes are strange bedfellows...but this truck brought tears to my eyes...Rest Well, Cri...Rest Well; You are NOT forgotten.

US 101 NEAR PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON

A RIVER A MILE EST OF PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON


PROGRESS REPORT: Walked 14 miles this AM & 10 miles this PM. Count 19 miles.

SEE MY IMPACT : Walked 19 miles @ $0.02 per mile = $0.38 for the day.


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Tomorrow, was going on the ferry boat to Victoria, but is raining, overcast, COLD, and have decided to forge ahead towards FORKS, WASHINGTON...should be a fun place to visit. Have actually visited all these places many times in my life...but never at 4 miles per hour. Might stop off at Neah Bay, where years ago I helped the Indians living there carve out the interior of a Cedar Log Canoe...had tons of pictures, but lost them all when I lost Cri.

DAY 7 - KITSAP PENNINSULA - OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS

TWILIGHT OFF FERRY BOW - SALISH SEA & OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS

PORT TOWNSEND ARCHITECTURE

PORT TOWNSEND MAIN STREET

OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS...WE WILL WALK AROUND THEM GUYS

DISCOVERY BAY HISTORY

US 101...275 MILES TO ASTORIA, OREGON - COLUMBIA RIVER DELTA

7 CEDARS CASINO

DAY 7 – KITSAP PINNESULA

As planned, caught the 7:30 Ferry to Port Townsend…’cept it departed at 7:15 am.

Was up at 5 am; cooked up some hot cereal & tea…then walked for two miles back toward Coupeville and return to SPIA parked at the Ferry Terminal.

Got on board and WOW, was I surprised…the name is the same CHETZAMOKA, but the Boat is NOT. It is a entirely NEW Ferry Boat, but in service about 1 month ago.
Took a stroll around and was duly impressed.

30 minutes later, we docked in Port Townsend. We were the first vehicle off. Parked next to the terminal and walked to the end of Town (East) and back to the end of town (West) and back to SPIA.

Drove SPIA out of town for 1 mile and parked again. Started walking West on Highway 20. 12 miles later, at DISCOVERY BAY, turned around and started walking back to SPIA. A old pickup truck stopped and offered me a ride. WOW…just what I needed. The morning was beautifully CLEAR – not a cloud in the sky – bit bitterly COLD…ice was on the roadway and all puddles were frozen over.

Yes, I suffered just a bit.

The traffic is DENSE; i.e., very heavy. The roadway to US 101 (about 6 miles out) had NO Berm. US 101 was beautiful…wide berm…but un-ending traffic. This is no place for SAM to be Rolling along.

Started to walk back to SPIA from Discovery Bay, when RALPH stopped &gave that ride back. Thanks, Ralph.

Drove SPIA to my turn-around point at Discovery Bay and started walking West on Highway 101. Got about 8 miles out…turned around and immediately was picked up by another good sumaritan…Chris, who deposited my back next to SPIA…thanks, Chris.

Made a Ham& Turkey Sandwich and drove to my previous turnaround point…

Was VERY tired…left foot Achillies Tendon was hurting…left Knee was hurting…right calf had a cramp…

So, decided I needed a break.

Drove a couple miles toward SEQUIM, WASHINGTON (where I hoped to reach today) and stopped at THE 7 CEDARS CASINO.

There is a pathway along the Bay (Salish Sea), so I took a Busman’s Holiday and took a stroll for a half hour or so to wind down and give my muscles and tendons a chance to relax slowly.

Is now 3:00 pm. SPIA is parked in the 7 Cedars Casino Parking Lot. Might just treat myself to their Buffet…$11.00 for everything…then get a good evening rest and hit it again tomorrow.

Admit I am very tired and have been at it one week without let-up. Must remember I am now one year older than last Summer…and we have a long way to go.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked 14 miles this morning, plus another 8 miles over noonish = 22 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 22 miles @ $0.02 / mile = $0.44 for the day…See, it is adding up…pretty soon I can give someone a garden or water well, or backpack…minimum is $10.00 per donation, with ALL (100%) of $$ going to the end recipient, who e-mails a photo and narrative back, thanking ME for my help/

Not a bad way to end a day…

I am having a superb walk…must take it a bit easier until I get my stride back…last thing I need is to get an injury…

Then again, I wonder…just what in He_ _ is a 76 year old thing he is doing…gotta be nuts.

I’m Back: Buffet is CLOSED until 5 pm…OK, so be it…gives me a chance to finish my message for the day.

Have entered the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, traveling along US 101 which parallels the Strait Of Juan De Fuca which is the start of the Salish Sea.

From Brother Jim’s Bedroom on South Whidbey Island, one could lie in bed and see the Olympic Mountains where I now walk. Would blow Jim away to know big Bro was out doing this thing…partly for him. Rest, Jim, Rest.

WHIDBEY ISLAND

BEFORE DAWN TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 20...Raining and COLD

KYLE OF THE CORNER RESTAURANT...Thanks, Kyle

WILDLIFE OF PUGET SOUND (SALISH SEA)

VIEW FROM DECEPTION PASS BRIDGE

DECEPTION PASS BRIDGE...Note Island In Center Of Bridge

DECEPTION PASS BRIDGE ...

DECEPTION PASS - HISTORY ...Second Largest Island In the USA (after Long Island, NY)

A-6 IN FLIGHT OVER OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON

A-6 US NAVY FIGHTER BOMBER

A-6 STATIC DISPLAY, OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON

OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON WELCOME

STACEY'S COW STACEY NEUMILLER (http://www.staceynuemiller.com/)

PENN COVE, WASHINGTON... Stacy's Place

FORT CASEY, WHIDBEY ISLAND, FERRY LANDING

WASHINGTON STATE FERRY, CHETZAMOKA (Used to ride this Ferry 40 years ago)
Day 6: WHIDBEY ISLAND

Another rain leak developed…this time somewhere above the Shower Stall…a small one, though, which can wait till Sun shines.

Discovered I have a problem (ya don’s say !!)

To sleep before 8 pm last night and awake at 5 am. Fixed up some hot cereal & tea…nice. Checked E-Mail…nothing. Heated up a teakettle of water and took a sponge bath…sure needed THAT…shaved while I was at it…felt nice & shiny.

It was exceptionally dark, but was 8am, so got rain gear on and set out from the Anacortes / Highway 20 Intersection for the Deception Pass about 6 miles away.

Got about a half hour out. Was pouring rain and very cold and extremely DARK. No berm on Highway 20, and cars by the dozens whizzing past throwing bow waves soaking me to the skin.

Then it hit me…how dumb can I be…no, never mind…we all know THAT.

Forever, my wristwatch is kept on Pacific Daylight Time On our cruise around the World in the 2000 Millennium, my watch stayed that way…Going to Europe or Florida, it stays that way…given me a mental challenge to calculate quickly the “local” time.

Well, this morning, I screwed up…totally forgot about the watch setting…when the dime finally dropped, I realized it was NOT 8:30 am…it was 7:30 am.

Anyway, I got over it quickly and reached Deception Pass & it’s beautiful bridge by 8:45.

Roamed around the bridge a few minutes, which I have visited numerous times before – but never by walking…even took both TICINO and JOURNEY through the Pass with full tide running…exciting as all get out.

Turned around and walked part way back when Kevin stopped and offered me a ride…was raining & guess I looked kinda shriveled up. Kevin’s ride gave me an extra hour for walking…so, I stopped in at the Corner Restaurant, where Kyle whipped up a scrumptious breakfast.

So far, so good.

Got aboard SPIA and drove her over the Deception Pass Bridge and about one mile beyond. Parked and walked back to the Bridge and returned to SPIA...But did NOT stop; kept walking South on Highway 20 all the way to Downtown OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON.

Turned around, to return3to SPIA.

So happens the US Navy Base at Oak Harbor is Home to the A-6 Fighter Bomber (Flight Of The Intruder)…the Navy’s primary Aircraft Carrier Bomber since years before Viet Nam. A-6’s were roaring overhead constantly. Managed to get a couple pics in flight. The static display at the Base Entrance is, however, awesome.

Then, W.D. came along in his vehicle, offered me a ride, and handed back another 45 minutes for later-in-the-day walking. Thanks W.D.; hope the fishing is good.

Drove SPIA to the Oak Harbor Safeway Store, where I picked up some fruit.

Continued with SPIA South of Oak Harbor a couple miles and parked. Walked back to Oak Harbor and returned to SPIA…then along came a kind hearted Navy Man in Combat Fatigues, who gave me a ride nearly to Coupeville. Thanked him, and walked back to SPIA, some 5 miles back toward Oak Harbor.

Popped in to the “Pottery” shop in Penn Cove, where Stacey met me and toured me around her shop, pointing out the oil and acrylic paintings she created.

Continued back to SPIA…now 3:40 pm. Drove on to Coupeville. Parked and walked back a couple miles along Highway 20 and returned to Coupeville. Then, getting dark, decided to drive to the Fort Casey Washington State Ferry Dock to check out sailing schedules and cost. Cost is $28.00 for SPIA, SAM & ME to cross the Salish Sea to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula, where we will go in the morning.

There is limited over-night parking at the Ferry Dock and I got one of them. Decided better stay for the night…might not have a spot if I went back to Coupeville to complete the walk…OK OK OK, so I deleted a couple lousy miles…better safe than sorry…and besides, do have a mile or two in the bank.

Cooked up the True Cod Fish I bought Saturday…Salt, Pepper, Garlic, and Sweet Pickle Relish…was it ever tasty.

Now, to spend the evening cleaning up SPIA inside a bit…got a bit scrambled the last couple days going in and out in soaked/dirty duds.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked FORWARD 23 miles today. Got rides of 8 additional miles…So all told, walked 31 miles today..

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 23 miles at $0.02 = $0.46 for the day

Catch the 7:30 am Ferry in the morning. Reach Port Townsend about 8:30 am. Then start our Round-The-Olympic-Mountain walk – hopefully with SAM…weather and road condition allowing.

When we started at the Peace Arch last Thursday, projected arriving in Fort Casey day after tomorrow… NOT a good projection ! !