We have not ventured far during our first week. Until this morning, I drove 50 miles and now another 70 ish to the Pacific Coast. Grand total: 120-130 miles.
We stayed in Sequim for several days because of a big festival. I wanted to see all the art exhibits and attend a talk about painting composition given by an elderly local artist. I am delighted that I waited around because I learned a great deal. Since I had to vacate the marina, I stayed at the Elks Lodge in an RV space. It was quiet and peaceful there, and Tango had lots of places to walk and play. Then, I stopped by a friend’s house near Joyce, WA. He has a hereditary form of paraplegia and is mostly in a wheelchair. When I told him about my trip, he insisted that I stop by his place out in the boonies and have a “first campfire” of the summer. We roasted hot dogs and enjoyed a beautiful day. I was happy that I stopped and it was a wonderful “send-off”.
Nice views inside Olympic National Park
I love my slow pace. I want to get to know this area and keep my total summer mileage at or below 2000 miles to atone for last year. Of course, the ridiculous gas prices at the moment provide more motivation to go slow. So, I am content and Tango does not have to ride much in the van. The only bummer is that he cannot hike on most National Park trails so we have not been walking as much as we will in a few days when we move to Olympic National Forest campgrounds. Dogs are welcome in the National Forests.
I am completely out of practice with backing up the RV. I look like a total newbie. I am not too worried because I will be much smoother soon. It does not take long to get the back-up mojo again. I am also taking some time to adjust to not having the RV plugged in. Most of the time that is not something I notice. However, I keep putting things in the microwave and pushing the start button. Otherwise, the transition is seamless: gas operation for the refrigerator and water heater, lanterns at night instead of regular lights. I charge the phone in the RV using my 12 V socket and I charge the computer in the van while I am driving during the day. Same set up for the computer that I used in AK last fall.
Speaking of AK, this area is so much like coastal BC and AK. I was there at this time last year and am feeling the same vibe again, especially in the Park. Truthfully, that is one of the reasons I love this area so much.
I finally received clearance to be a camp host in the Washington State Parks. I had sorta given up because it took forever and the camping season was coming quickly. I figured they had all the host they needed. The day before I left, however, I received a call from the volunteer office and was told I was good to go. In less than a week I had gigs set up at three WA State Parks. Here is where I will be:
July – Curlew Lake State Park
August – Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sept – Ike Kinsaw State Park (near Mt. Saint Helens)
Yes, all three are at lakes. This is intentional, and I am looking forward to kayaking in warm waters this summer. The Sequim area waters are too cold (often below 50 degrees).
So, all is well. I will continue to travel at this pace and will be on the Olympic Penisula all of May. I will be in (unreserved) National Forest sites mostly, but I do have reservations in two State Parks as well. I may circle around again in June and hike trails here instead of the other trail I talked about. Just depends. The main reason is because of a beach campground that I will miss this time because it is not open yet.
More soon!
