What a Day!

Day 3 in Olympic National Park – Today was probably one of our most memorable days so far on our journey.  We started out early because we wanted to get to the Hoh Rainforest which was about a two-hour drive from our launching pad into the Olympic National Park.  The drive takes you past Lake Crescent, which I already talked about in a previous post.  However, this time it was earlier in the morning and the lake was glassed off into an amazing mountain mirror, providing remarkable reflections.  Check out these stunning photographs I took from a couple of the turn-outs off the side of the road.

 

We’re going to get back to Lake Crescent at the end of our day to enjoy a dinner at the Lake Crescent Lodge, but for now, we continue our journey into...

Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rainforest, contributing to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (or 12 to 14 feet!) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.  The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park’s most popular destinations.

After a picnic lunch (we love to pack our own lunch for the day) at the Hoh Rainforest picnic area, we set out on the Spruce Nature Trail.  It is a 1.2 mile trail that rambles through the rainforest.  These towering giants below are creating a canopy that ensures only a limited amount of sunlight peeks through to the forest floor fashioning this moss-covered woodland.

Sitka spruce, western hemlock, large ferns, and dense, lush foliage form the impenetrable forest floor.

 

 

I especially love the “holy” tree on the left in this photo.

Spindly, spiky trees and yellow fungus make for an interesting photo.

 

More of the rainforest displaying the moss and ferns that blanket the floor.

 

 

 

 

 

They must have to do a lot of log cutting every year as deadfalls occur and block the trail.  Check out the moss-laden tree to the right of Gary.

 

Hanging moss everywhere … hope there weren’t any bugs or spiders lurking around.  I still remember the tick that fell from the tree onto my head in Manassas when we did our Civil War tour back east!  Some things you just never forget.

The Hoh River (that originates at the Hoh Glacier on Mount Olympus) flows through the Olympic Mountains, Forest, and Hoh Rainforest, emptying into the Pacific Ocean.  The river is dynamic, in tune with the Olympic glaciers, and seldom runs the same channel.

I set up the camera on a log to take our photo (no one around to sucker into it!).  Didn’t get the best shot—a little too much foreground, but it was the best I could do without a tripod.  We looked for a camera store here in Port Angeles, and none could be found (all went out of business). I need both a skylight lens and an adjustable mini tripod.  Those two items would be so helpful to enhance my photo opportunities.

Can you see why I wanted my photo taken with this tree?  It’s all in the “J” shape (in case you missed it!).  “J” for Judy—me and my tree!  I confess, though, it was Gary’s idea for the photo op—he’s the one who noticed it.

Before heading back to Lake Crescent, we took the dogs for a walk to give them exercise and a potty opportunity.  Sherwood did NOT want to get back into the car.  He is loving the great outdoors and is starting to act a little like “dog gone wild!”  He loves all the varied smells and adventure.  Sadie is enjoying it as well, but not as much as Sherwood.

Because we had some extra time before our dinner reservations, we decided to check out the north shore of the lake which also has a lodge, Log Cabin Resort.  I had to take this picture … I think it represents what vacation is all about!

Look how beautiful and crystal clear the water is at Lake Crescent.

This is the resort dock available for boaters.  The resort rents canoes, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to enhance your vacation enjoyment and adventure.

Now back to Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore for our dinner.  When we made our reservations the day before, we asked for a window seat.  We were so excited when we were granted that request and were seated lakeside.  As the sun swiftly set (there was nothing slow about it), I was able to easily get to the outside lawn and catch some gorgeous photos of the lake.  I wasn't the only diner that evening running in and out to capture the beauty--many others were also camera-ready for the sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t resist this great grouping of Adirondack chairs outside the lodge, lakeside at dusk.

A great ending to a great day, we asked our waitress to take our photo to commemorate this extraordinary day.  We sat next to a couple who chatted it up with us the whole evening.  The food was good (I’d give it a 7 on a 10 scale), but it didn’t make any difference.  We had an unforgettable evening at the lake and were blessed with that superb sunset.

Psalms 65:8 // They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.