DAY 13 - KALALOCK & QUEETS, WASHINGTON

QUEETS IS AN QUINAULT INDIAN VILLAGE ON THE BANKS OF THE QUEETS RIVER...PERHAPS 300 POPULATION. THEY OFFERED ME TO KEEP SPIA FOR THE NIGHT, BUT WE MOVED ON SOUTH.

VILLAGE OF QUEETS IS DIRECTLY ON THE RIVER...VERY MODERN...THIS VIEW FROM THE QUEETS RIVER BRIDGE ABOVE THE VILLAGE

QUEETS RIVER FROM THE QUEETS RIVER BRIDGE ON US 101

A NURSERY STUMP...OFTEN ONE FINDS AN OLD STUMP PLAYING "MOTHER" TO A NUMBER OF NEW GROWTH TREES...AT LEAST THREE TREES ARE ROOTED IN "MOM"

THIS IS ON QUINAULT INDIAN PROPERTY AND IS DIRECTLY ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN...POSSIBLE SUMMER RETREAT

MANY FOREST TREES DEVELOP "BURLS", A CANCEROUS TYPE GROWTH...THIS TREE HAD AT LEAST FOUR BURLS. BURLS ARE DESIRED FOR MANUFACTURING BEAUTIFUL BOWLS AND OTHER WOOD IMPLEMENTS

THESE RAIN FOREST FERNS ARE AT LEAST 6 FEET TALL

KALALOCH SERVICES. A SMALL VILLAGE ON US 101. US FOREST RANGERS OFFICES ARE ACROSS THE STREET. ONE US RANGER VOLUNTEER, ERNEST, GAVE ME A RIDE FOR 2 MILES ON MY EARLY MORNING WALK. LATER MET ERNEST AND WIFE DOLORES DOING HOUSECLEANING CHORES AT THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND WHERE SPIA STAYED. THANKS ERNEST AND DOLORES...YOUR CAMPGROUND IS SPOTLESS AND BEAUTIFUL.

PLEASE "CLICK" TO ENLARGE THIS PIC...AWESOME WHAT A CEDAR TREE MEANS TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST INDIANS...IHELPED THE LA PUSH TRIBE BUILD ONE OF THEIR OCEAN-GOING CEDAR DOUG OUT CANOES WHICH THEY "PADDLED" ALL THE WAY TO SEATTLE FOR THE 1962 SEATTLE WORLD'S FAIR.

JUST SO YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE

THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO SUCH "BIG CEDAR TREES" ALONG THIS STRETCH OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST...THIS IS THE "SOUTHERN" ONE.

THIS IS TH "BIG CEDAR TREE"...ESTIMATE IT TO BE 6 FEET DIAMETER.

WALKING US 101 ALONG THE PACIFIC OCEAN ONE COMES ACROSS MANY STREAMS EMPTYING DIRECTLY INTO THE OCEAN SURF

TSUNAMIES ARE A REAL THREAT ALONG THE WASHINGTON COAST. A "SUBDUCTION" ZONE RUNS NORTH-SOUTH ABOUT 50 MILE OFF SHORE...EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE OFF INDONESIA WHICH CAUSED THE MASSIVE DEATHS A COUPLE YEARS AGO...COUPLED WITH THE "CLAY" SOIL IN THE PACIFIC NORTH WEST, A SUBDUCTION ZONE QUAKE OF 6.5 OR ABOVE COULD BE CATASTROPHIC...EVEN AS FAR AS PORTLAND, SEATTLE, AND VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA. EVERY ROADWAY HAS "TSUNAMI" ESCAPE ROUTES TO HIGH GROUND.

A BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED TREE STANDING ON THE 50 FOOT BLUFF IN FRONT OF SPIA AT THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUND AT KALALOCH, WASHINGTON.

Arriving at Kalaloch, parked SPIA in space 29 D in the Olympic National Forest Campground. There is no charge - at least in Winter season. Heated bathrooms are available together with ample potable (drinkable) water and RV Dump (drain out Black and Grey Waste) facilities.

Ernest and his Wife, Dolores, both in their early 70's, are U.S. Government Park Volunteers. Took a moment to chat with them and thank them for their continued effort. Their Campground is spic and span, beautiful, and maintained to a "T". Besides, Ernest gave me a ride - in a US Government Pickup Truck, no less - during my early morning walk back to SPIA. Thank you, Ernest.

Upon returning to SPIA, continued walking South on US 101 to the Indian Village of Queets, some 5 miles away...two miles short of the Campground, the "Mich's" husband and wife living in La Push, Washington, stopped, taking me all the way to SPIA's parking space in the Campground...thanks, guys

Then drove SPIA to Queets, where we bought gas (used 3.5 gallons), and drove on another 5 miles and parked. Walked back to Queets and return to SPIA....2 miles short of SPIA, another couple stopped and offered me a ride. Antone and Joy Luscier have a wood-cutting business at their home half way between Kalaloch and Queets and offered a "deal" to anyone stopping by next Summer. Antone and Joy drove me 5 miles South on US 101 from SPIA, where I proceeded to "climb" a couple prodigious hills...heading back to SPIA.

Along came a beautiful Deep Blue Racing Machine with the word " P O L I C E" written from front to back...without question, the most beautiful Police Car I have ever seen. A young handsome fellow leaned out the Drivers window..."WHATCHADO'N"...I hesitated...he repeated..."WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?"

Walking Across America...

Walking...where ???

Across America...here comes a car...find a safe pull-off and I'll chat with you.

He sped off, Christmas lights a blazing...did a quick "U" and came back to me

Hi, I'm Bruce Maynard...and I'm walking to Key West...handing him my Card and reached my hand to shake...

I'm Officer Kyle Frank of the Quilliute Indian Tribe...and...takingmyhand...you are WALKING to where

Key West (and I told Officer Kyle my story, handing him our Business Card)

My Motor Home is...

Yes we know where it is

And we will go to Lake Quinault this afternoon...

MORE SMALL TALK...what a handsome young guy !!!

He took off South. A few minutes later he whizzed by going North...I waved...he flicked on his Christmas Tree Lights and disappeared into the foggy mist up US 101...think we made a follower.

Returning to SPIA, drove to Lake Quinault...with every intention of taking a room at the Lodge I have visited many times during my last 60 years or so...one time for dinner with Cri. They offered me a room for $69.00 (station attendant said rates are $150.00 per night). I cannot afford even $69.00.

So, I turned around and returned to US 101 North. I was looking for a Cedar Shake Mill - a place where they turn Cedar Trees into Shakes for Roofs on Homes. Found what I was looking for and turned in. Philip met me, said they were finished for the day, but started again at 6 am and I could park my Motor Home (SPIA) next to his Office til morning...

I did and now look forward to a restful night.

Have included two (2) DAYS of activities in this Blog. It is now 5.26 pm, Wednesday, January 26. I have NOT uploaded today's pics, but will try to do so tomorrow.

Verizon has 3 bars for Lake Quinault...Yippe

A glass of Pinot Grigio in hand...one glass already down...and then a comfy sleep under my 4 duvets. Only thing missing is a warm bod to share them with me.

MOSSY TREES...HOW DID THIS PIC GET HERE ???

NOW THIS IS A GREAT PIC OF OLYMPIC FOREST FERN..not so good as SHAWNNA's pic, but I like it...

UPDATE: JANUARY 25: WALKED 34 MILES...COUNT 22 MILES

JANUARY 26: WALKED 30 MILES...COUNT 23 MILES

SEE YOUR IMPACT: CREDIT 45 DAYS @ $0.02 = $0.90 FOR THE TWO DAYS

DAY 12 - HOH FOREST - KALALOCK, WASHINGTON

PARKED SPIA HERE

HO RAIN FOREST VALLEY. ACTUAL "RAIN" EFFECT IS A FEW MILES OFF US 101, SO DID NOT GO THERE..WILL BE MORE "RAIN FOREST" SOUTH ON US 101.

RIG LIKE THIS SHOVED ME OFF THE ROAD---NOT AT THIS SPOT...PLENTY OF BERM HERE.

HOH RIVER...MUCH OF US 101 HAS, LIKE NEAR THIS BRIDGE, LITTLE BERM WHICH IS INTIMIDATING TO SAY THE LEAST WHEN THESE BIG RIGS ROAR PAST IN BLINDING RAIN

HOH RIVER RESORT OWNERS, ROB & SALI...VISITORIS SHAWNNA, A PHOTOGRAPHER FROM FORKS...SEE MORE @ landsendimage.com...SHAWNNA PIC FOLLOWS BELOW

MY PHOTO DOES NOT DO SHAWNNA'S PIC JUSTICE

HOH RIVER VALLEY...MOSS COVERED TREES

COUNT THE RINGS...EACH RING IS "ONE" YEAR OF GROWTH...TOTAL RINGS (FROM THE CENTER OUT ) IS THE AGE OF THIS TREE WHEN CUT DOWN.

EASIER TO SEE THE RIGS HERE...WIDE GAP BETWEEN RINGS MEANS A "GOOD" GROWING YEAR. CLOSER RINGS MEAN LITTLE GROWTH THAT YEAR...COULD GET AN IDEA OF THE CLIMATE BY RING SPACING.

HOH RIVER

GREY SOIL IS "CLAY". IT IS A SIGN OF UNSTABLE EARTH. WHEN SHAKEN BY A 6.0 + EARTHQUAKE, THIS SOIL - THE CLAY - TURNS TO LIQUID. ANYTHING STANDING ON IT COLLAPSES. MUCH OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST SITS ON CLAY.

MY PIC (AND SHOES) OF THE OLYMPIC FOREST FERN.

HIGHWAY US 101...WHEN WALKING, I TRY TO AVOID BEING IN THE "INSIDE" OF A CURVE - SUCH AS ON THE LEFT OF PIC. THERE IS VERY LITTLE BERM BUILT INTO HIGHWAYS ON THE INSIDE OF CURVES...AND THE LONG TRUCKS USE EVERY INCH OF IT...REMEMBER, THE REAR WHEELS ARE SOME 60 FEET BEHIND THE FRONT WHEELS...IN A TURN THE "TRACK" OF THE REAR WHEELS CAN BE MANY INCHES "INSIDE" THE TRACK OF THE FRONT WHEELS.

OFTEN CROSS THE HIGHWAY TO STAY ON THE "UP SIDE" WHERE THERE IS MORE BERM.

PACIFIC OCEAN AT THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND...THIS IS THE VIEW FROM SPIA. STAYED OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING, WALKED "BACK" TOWARDS FORKS FOR ABOUT 12 MILES AND RETURN. LOTS OF "DOUBLE" WALKING THESE DAYS SOUTH OF FORKS...NOT MUCH TRAFFIC (EXCEPT LOG TRUCKS), AND DRIVERS ARE RELUCTANT TO PICK UP WALKERS OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.

PACIFIC OCEAN - VIEW DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF SPIA, PARKED AT THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUND...A SPOTLESS PLACE...WOULD BE GREAT IN THE WARMER MONTHS TO COME HERE FOR A WEEK OR SO.

Wrote a few words in "Word", so here it comes:

DAY 12 – HOH RAIN FOREST

Walked continuous today from 7:30am until 3:30 pm, with 20 minutes time out to move SPIA.

There is very little traffic South of Forks, Washington on Highway 101. Try as I might, NO ONE stopped to give me a ride…so, today was ALL Double Walking

Drove out of Forks to the Upper HOH Road and parked SPIA.

Dressed for rain. Began walking back North to the BOGOCHIEL RIVER BRIDGE, some 8 miles up and down some serious hills. AND, received my first injury.

There is no berm on many places along Hwy 101. Returning from the Bogochiel, a logging truck ad trailer – empty – came upon me quickly in a curve. His rear trailer wheels came onto the berm…I stepped back and DOWN…there was no guard rail and NO roadway. I tumbled backward halfway down a 10 foot steep bank covered in clumpy grass.

I did NOT actually fall, but trying to keep my feet under me, I twisted my right foot and twisted my left knee. Did not seem to be serious. I climbed back onto the roadway and continued walking back to SPIA…Trailer missed me by a couple inches…

All this time, was a torrential downpour of rain…a veritable river running down the highway.

By the way, I wear BROOKS “EXTREME WALKERS”, purchased next door to Harley Davidson in Bellingham, Washington. I have three (3) pair…all 1.5 sizes too large for my foot – giving me a oversized toe-box so my toes never reach the front of the shoe…very important going down long steep hills. I alternate shoe pairs every three days or so (wish I had a shoe tree to help them keep their shape while not worn).

I used these same 3 pairs walking last Summer to Oklahoma City. I am confident they will see me all the way to Key West this time ‘round.

I prepared my Brooks with MINK OIL (4 – 5 applications), waterproofing on top of that, and ample shoe polish. So far, the INSIDE of my Brooks are dry…even walking in seemingly rivers of rainfall.

I also wear motorcycle rain pants which reach to the bottom sole of my Brooks, so rain does not get in from above.

Back to SPIA…was not hungry…I take 2 SNICKERS Candy Bars and two Bagels, which I munch while walking – along with 2 bottles of POWER-enhanced water …mixture 2 water to 1 power liquid)..so, I kept walking South on Hwy 101 for another 5 miles and RETURN – AGAIN NO RIDE – again down and back up a VERY steep hill.

My foot and knee seem to be not seriously injured…

Arriving back at SPIA, drove out the 5 miles just walked. parked and walked forward another 3 miles and back to SPIA.

By now, my foot and knee were beginning to hurt. So, I decided to quit for the day.
Drove SPIA South on Hwy 101 to the OLYMPIC NATIONAL CAMP GROUND sitting on a 50 foot bluff directly over the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean at the small village of KALALACH, WASHINGTON. This a very well constructed and maintained Camp Ground…with 3 or 4 heated restrooms and fresh water…no showers !

Made up my Bratwurst and Sauerkraut. Ate half and put the second half in the fridge.

Still have ½ the Pizza in the fridge from yesterday.

One problem: Wet clothes are NOT drying fast enough. I do NOT heat SPIA for fear of running out of Propane, so it remains a bit cold and damp…too damp to properly dry clothes. Am trying something new today: have 4 warm duvets’ on my bed…so, am layering the partially dry shirts (thermal shirts), between the blankets to see if they wil wick out the remaining dampness enough for me to wear them.

We shall see.

Not too much to see out here on the Rain Forest bordering the Pacific Ocean…except mossy things and rain rain rain…

Have been warned of Bears about, but nothing so far…I mind my business and expect them to do the same. ! ! !

REPORT UPDATE: Walked 32 miles today…Count 16 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 16 miles @ $0.02 - $0.32 for the Day

Gonna take a while to reach Key West ..if I must walk double too often.

NO SIGNAL

Have two posts ready, but no Verizon signal out here on the Pacific Coast...am borrowing a moment's on-line for this message...expect Verizon service in about 3 - 4 days...near Aberdeen, Washington...

I, SPIA and SAM are all OK...

Later

DAY 11 - HANGING AROUND FORKS, WASHINGTON

Good Morning from La Push, Washington. Was lulled to sleep by the pounding of big waves on the Beach 100 feet in front of SPIA and entertained most of the night by pounding rain on this "Tin Can" (thanks, Suzanne). Another leak opened up...must seal it right away.

LA PUSH HAYSTACK ROCKS - ENTRANCE TO THE INNER HARBOR

VERY MODERN RV CAMPGROUND...YESTERDAY SAID IT WAS "COMMERCIAL"...THIS MORNING IT LOOKS MUCH MORE FITTING FOR BEAUTIFUL LA PUSH...SHOWER WAS "HOT" AND SUPER CLEAN. A NICE PLACE TO SPEND A FEW DAYS...THE CABINS ALONG THE BEACH ARE POPULAR - JUST ASK BOB & PAM.

ARRIVING BACK IN FORKS, TREATED MYSELF TO A "COMMERCIAL" BREAKFAST...ACTUALLY, WAS EXCELLENT AT THE "INN"...AND FREE ALL-TIME PARKING ACROSS THE STREET FOR TRUCKS AND RV'S

WALKING NORTH IN FORKS, CAME ACROSS THIS BIT OF HISTORY

YESTERDAY, TOOK A PIC OF "DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT"...THIS MORNING, STEPPED INSIDE ASKING IF I MAY TAKE SOME INSIDE PICS...OK...HELP YOURSELF I WAS TOLD, SO I DID...HOPE YOU ENJOY WHAT FOLLOWS

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT, FORKS, WASHINGTON

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT, FORKS, WASHINGTON

DaZZLED BY TWILIGHT - FORKS, WASHINGTON

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT - FORKS WASHINGTON (THINK THIS IS "BELLA")

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT - FORKS, WASHINGTON

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT - FORKS WASHINGTON...OH, FORGOT TO REPORT THAT YESTERDAY, I WAS ATTACKED BY TWO (2) BIG DOGS - AT THE SAME TIME -...THEY CAME CLEAR ACROSS US 101 TO GET AT ME...I FENDED ONE OFF, BUT THE SECOND BLIND-SIDED ME AND BIT MY MITTEN...IF IT HAD BEEN A FINGERED GLOVE, MY FINGER WOULD HAVE BEEN BLOODED...I KICKED THE "BITER" AND THEY BOTH BOLTED FOR HOME WHEN AN APPROACHING CAR STOOD ON HIS HORN...I WAVED "THANKS" AS HE SLOWLY DROVE BY SHAKING HIS HEAD...

DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT - FORKS, WASHINGTON

ASHTYN...MY SALES GIRL IN "DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT"...WE WILL HEAR MORE FROM ASHTYN (NICE NAME, HUH ? !!

FORKS TOTEM POLE

SELF EXPLANATORY

MEMORIAL FOR KASSIE AND NAOMI...ASHTYN WILL SEND LINKS TO KASSIE AND NAOMI WHICH I WILL ATTEMPT TO ADD TO OUR BLOG.

A LOCAL HOMESTEAD NEAR FORKS, WASHINGTON

SOME LOCALS HAVE A GREAT CREATIVITY...LOVE THIS

DON CUNNINGHAM...A LOCAL FORKS RESIDENT...SPEND NEARLY HIS ENTIRE LIFE WITH U.S. NAVY - ON ACTIVE DUTY AND LATER AS A "SUPPLIER". TODAY HE WAS HAWKING DRIED BUFFALO, ELK, AND STEER MEAT. DON GRACIOUSLY OFFERED ME TWO PACKS OF BUFFALO...THANK YOU DON...AND GOOD LUCK.

FORKS TIMBER MUSEUM

LOG LOADER...PICKS UP LOGS WITH THOSE PINCHERS AND PLACES THEM ON THE LOGGING TRUCKS...QUITE AN ART

THIS "SNAG" GIVES SOME IDEA OF WHAT THE SIZE OF "OLD GROWTH" TREES WERE STANDING 100 YEARS AGO..WOULD GUESS IT TO BE 8 FEET DIAMETER - MAYBE MORE...THE LARGEST I EVER SAW WAS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA...FIVE LARGE SPRUCE TREES IN A SINGLE GROVE ON A TINY HIDDEN-AWAY ISLAND (ONLY LOCALS KNOW HOW TO FIND THEM) TAKE 15 LARGE MEN WITH OUTSTRETCHED ARMS TO CIRCLE A SINGLE TREE... SOMETHING LIKE 35 FEET CIRCUMFERENCE...

A SMALL STREAM WITH BUILT-IN FISH LADDER CROSSING "UNDER" US 101

US 101 SOUTH OF FORKS, WASHINGTON

US 101 ROADWAY IS CRACKING AND FALLING DOWN THE HILLSIDE...PROBABLY MARKED FOR REPAIR NEXT SPRING

BOGISHAGEL (SPELLING IS WRONG - SORRY) RIVER

DARIN REIDEL...A BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR FROM PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON, JUST RETURNING FROM "STEELHEAD" FISHING ON THE BIOSCHAGEL (SP?)..A WORD ABOUT "STEELHEAD": IS A SALMON REACHING UP TO 20 POUNDS. IT IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT DOES "NOT" DIE AFTER SPAWNING - AS DO OTHER SPECIES OF SALMON SUCH AS KINGS (A.K.A. CHINOOK), SILVER (A.K.A. COHO), HUMPIES (HAS A DISTINCT HUMP BEHIND ITS HEAD - REACHES UP TO 12 POUNDS), AND OTHERS.

Was lazy this morning. Walked North out of Forks, Washington for 6 miles and returned about 3 miles when along came a kind fellow - whom I totally forget his name...so sorry...who gave me a ride the final 3 miles back to Forks.

Strolled through town, chatting with ASHTYN, BOB, and a couple other folks in town.

Since I had two (2) times breakfast - once Oatmeal at La Push and once Eggs & Home Fries at the Inn, did not eat lunch today...plan on a big Pizza shortly down the street.

So, walked South on US 101 out of Forks for about 8 miles - where I met and chatted with Brian about fishing - and then walked back about 4 miles when Martin stopped offering me a ride back to Forks...took Martin up on his offer...Martin's Daughter works at the Restaurant across the street from the Inn...will try to go say "Hi".

DAILY UPDATE: Walked 9 miles this am - count 6 miles; walked 12 miles this pm - count 8.

Total for the Day: 14 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 14 miles @ $0.02 per mile = $0.28 for the Day.

Tomorrow, plan to drive South on US 101 about 15 miles, park, and walk back to today's turnaround point...then we shall see...