What happened to the sunshine?

Oh yeah, that's right, we're in Washington now.  :-)  We spent the past 4 months in sun EVERY day, very few clouds and only a brief shower.  Now that we're in Washington it's a little different and the clouds and rain/mist are actually a welcome change (for a short period of time, of course).  With the clouds, mist and regular winds comes a little change in temperature as well.  We were used to 90's-100's and now are in the 50's, 60's and once in a while low 70's.  That was a bit of a change to us (especially me, who gets cold easily - I feel like a Floridian!).    

We spent the first two weeks in a little town called Ocean City (right next to Ocean Shores) with our campground right next to the beach.  We enjoyed our morning walks on the beach and an occasional sunset walk as well (b/c there are not that many visible sunsets on the beach here).  We even had the fun of driving our Jeep on the beach the first night we arrived.  They have several miles where vehicles are permitted but with lots of warnings about being careful to not get stuck or get too close to the water when the tide is coming in.  The beaches here are so very different than east coast beaches.  Mid-July and they are practically empty!  

July - and we have on long sleeves and pants!

Olympic National Park - we were a 1-2 hour drive from the park so we got to spend many days hiking in the beauty of the rainforests, stunning mountains and wildflowers in bloom.  

Hike to Wolf Bar...

Elk

the water is quite chilly!

some nap spots are more wonderful than others

Hoh Rainforest hike...

We took a little vacation from the RV so we could get to the western most point in the contiguous 48 states (Capa Alava) and the northwestern most point in the lower 48 (Cape Flattery).  We spent two nights in Forks at the Forks Motel.  I was so excited as I finally got to take a bath!  I know...it's the little things.  When we moved out of our house I said I would miss taking a bath and I surely do (especially in the chillier weather).    

Cape Alava - we hiked the Ozette Triangle - 9 miles round trip.  This hike started with a beautiful 3 mile hike on mostly boardwalk through the rainforest to the beach, then 3 miles down/on the beach and ended with another 3 mile hike back through the rainforest on another mostly boardwalk trail.  What a great hike!  

Western most point

Bald Eagles are regularly seen here - we saw 4 during our 3 mile hike on the beach

Cape Flattery - this was just a short, but gorgeous, hike to the tip of the point. 

Northwestern most point

Cape Flattery Lighthouse

Overnight backpacking trip - We took an awesome trip to Enchanted Valley (accurately named!) - 27 miles round trip.  Let's just say we were a bit tired when we got back but it was so worth it!  

Westport Winery and Lighthouse - my first Washington wine tasting!  What fun and good wine too!

Grays Harbor (Westport) Lighthouse

We are now in Birch Bay - which is at the tip of Washington next to Canada.  We'll be here for almost 2 weeks and plan to do a lot of hiking in Mt. Baker - Snowqualmie National Forest area.  We got a little taste of it today on a drive to check out the area and to get some hiking maps.  We are certainly in for a treat!

they just opened this road on Tuesday!

Til next time...Happy Trails!