Olympic Peninsula

Well I have survived the first week of the Misters’ vacation! We headed over to the coast for our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula.

The drive over went very smooth. We made a stop at Pikes Market; I had heard so much about this place. However I wasn't impressed, it seemed more like a tourist attraction then a real farmers market. I guess all the wonderful markets we have here at home have spoiled me. We then headed out to the Edmonds Ferry crossing. The fare for crossing was a little pricey, but since the kids enjoyed it so much it was well worth it.

After a 45 minute boat ride we were back on the road and heading toward the campground. We camped in the Olympic National Forest at the Klahowya campground, on the Sol Duc River. Rosey is posing in front of the river, seconds later she in naked in the river.

We spent one day at the Hoh Rainforest.

Needless to say this place gets ALOT of rain...

This is in the actual National Park so we had to get a doggie-sitter to watch the mutt for a day. We only did two short trails, but it was great to get to see some of the beauty (and slugs) that Washington has to offer.

We spent a few hours at Rialto Beach. A breathtaking beach with a great view of the Flattery Rock National Wildlife Refuge.

This year the Park is celebrating a historic event. They are REMOVING a dam!! When I heard this there was no way that I could not head over and check it out. I always love when the bureaucracies realize they did something wrong! Over 100 years ago some guy had the bright idea to build a dam or two on the Elwah River (I guess at least it was for power!).Here is the Glines Canyon Dam on the left and the Elwah Dam on the right

Well finally the parks department saw that the amount of power the dams produce is not as important as the ecosystem that is has destroyed. So after 20 years of BS the dam is coming down!! And so it is the ‘Last Dam Summer’! The NPS is handing out these hilarious buttons to all visitors, even the kids! Rosey took advantage of getting to say dam.

I can’t wait to visit over the next several years and see how this beautiful river takes back the valley.

The Elwah River at the soon to be removed Glines Canyon Dam

Good Times!!