On the Way to Forks, Wa.

Where We Were at Forks RV Park (Aug 11)

As we prepared the car for travel behind the motorhome yesterday (leaving Port Townsend), Bob discovered the Brake Buddy (an auxilliary braking system that helps to brake our car in tow) failed to operate.   He found it wasn't getting the power it required from the 12 volt outlet.  While I was shopping at Wal-Mart in Sequim this morning, he diagnosed the problem and determined the outlet was faulty.

We opted to continue our trip without the additional braking assistance.  Our first stop after leaving our overnighter at Wal-Mart in Sequim was Costco in Sequim for gas ($3.719).  I went out to begin the pumping process as usual, but noticed it was taking Bob a long time to join me.  He eventually showed up with a sheepish green on his face and divulged the reason for his tardiness.  He had to lower the satellite TV dish.  We had forgotten to take it down before departure.  Not good, but we got away with it.  You would think after 11 1/2 years of full-time RVing, we would pay better attention to such details.  One of these days, we'll have to look at our check list.

Soon the gas tank was full and we were on our way.  A block or two from Costco, Bob decided to enter the parking lot of O'Reilly Auto Parts in search of what he needed to repair the faulty 12 volt outlet for the Brake Buddy.  The parking area looked fairly adequate for a 55' of motorhome and car.  Sure, the parking was adequate, but we soon found out there was no outlet at the other end.  Thus, we would have to turn the whole 55' of motorhome and car around and exit the way we had come. 

Bob was able to buy what he needed and then we addressed our challenge.  We worked hard to keep our cool, took advantage of our predicament, and did what a reasonable vagabond couple would do:  we had lunch.

Our temperament improved after lunch and we worked together to decide how far to turn the motorhome into the bumpy dirt and weed covered field in order to negoiate a U-turn.  The first attempt fell short, and we had to back up the whole unit.  Not wanting to remove the car from the tow position, I monitored the front wheels on the car so they remained straight.  Alas, we were successful on the 2nd try and were able to exit the parking lot unscathed, with no threats of divorce, and happy to be on our way.


A quick shot of Lake Crescent as we drove by

After 30 miles or so on Hwy 101 we entered  Olympic National Park and came upon beautiful Lake Crescent.  It seemed like we drove forever on the winding and bumpy narrow 2 lane road around this gorgeous lake.  There were few turnouts that would accommodate our size of rig which would allow us to pull off the road, take a break, and take in all this beauty.  Most of those turnouts were occupied by other vehicles, but we eventually came upon one that allowed us to stop for a few minutes and revel in the view.  


Lake Crescent from Turnout

Lake Crescent, as reported on this referenced website, is nestled in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains.  It lies about 18 miles west of Port Angeles (directions). The pristine waters of this deep, glacially carved lake make it an ideal destination for those in search of natural beauty.
A massive landslide isolated Lake Crescent from Lake Sutherland approximately 7,000 years ago. There are two uniquely adapted populations, the Crescenti and Beardslee trout, that resulted from genetic isolation following this event. 
Parking for our size rig is very limited at this lake and thus we were unable to spend any time here.  The nearest campground, Fairholme Campround, will accommodate up to 21' motorhomes.  Unless we elect to downsize, tent camp, or stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge, we are out of luck.



A lone kayaker had the entire lake to himself

At least we had a few minutes at a pull-out to enjoy the view and watch a kayaker paddle by.

We continued on Hwy 101 to milepost 200 - Lake Pleasant Mobile Home and RV Park where we had intended to stay.  We entered the park and soon realized it wasn't for us.  The title "Lake Pleasant Mobile Home Park" should have been a clue.  It wasn't exactly meant for folks on vacation.  And since we consider ourselves on vacation, we decided to continue on towards Forks, Wa. where more of a tourist vibe can be found.

And that is how we ended up at the Forks RV Park located on Hwy 101 in downtown Forks, Wa., made famous by The Twilight Book and Movie series.

We are here for one night and plan to drive the car out to Rialto Beach tomorrow morning.  I don't know anything about the beach other than it's part of Olympic National Park and it's 12 miles away. 

Life is good Being Where We Are.








Sequim, Washington and Washington Inn and Lavender Farm

Where We Were (Aug. 10)

Bob and I left Point Hudson RV Park and Marina in Port Townsend, Washington today where we shared 4 out of the last 5 days with friends Lynda and Howard of stillhowlyn2012. 

We walked and ran and took pictures and had ice cream for dinner one night and had noodles another night before going to a movie at a small-town-type movie theatre (Rose) that was simply wonderful.  Safety Not Guaranteed won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and was quite thought provoking.  That is all behind us now and will always remain a special memory.

We are now parked for tonight at Wal-Mart in Sequim, Washington (as illustrated above).  We had to drive only 30 or so miles today so had plenty of time to explore the area. I had wanted to see a Lavender Farm and selected this one that was one of many highlighted in the Olympic Peninsula's Visitor's Guide.   I think I chose a winner.




All I could say was WOW! when I saw the entrance to the Lavender Farm.




Entrance to George Washington Inn and  Lavender Farm



George Washington Inn and Estate
http://www.georgewashingtoninn.com/



Gorgeous Lavender Field that was in its peak in mid-July is still gorgeous!



The Proprietor of the Inn and Lavender Farm

We were fortunate to talk to the owner of this magnificent property.   10 years ago he and his wife were looking for property in the area where they could relocate from the South and build a future for themselves and their family. 

The couple had a $50,000 budget to buy a piece of property on which to build their dream.   They were riding with their real estate agent researching property in the area when they drove past this acreage that was a hay field at the time.   The agent discarded this prime piece of heaven as being out their price range.   The now owner of this property said "Whoa! Let's talk about this".   It was just the piece they were looking for with a view of the Olympic mountains to the south and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north.  

Well....they got the financing together, designed the Bed and Breakfast in the image of a favorite homestead in the "South", hired a friend to build it, and 10 years later have no regrets.

We had a wonderful day exploring this area and are truly Being Where We Are.