The Adventure is in the Journey

Dateline: Port Angeles Wa. (Part 1)

Under the category of "better late than never", herein is an account of our trip to Port Angeles.

Our trip started at the bright and early hour of 4am so we could get through security in time for our flight to Abbotsford BC. After a nice short and smooth flight into YXX, we picked up the rented POS. Okay it was supposed to be a small fuel efficient POS but we were pleasantly surprised to be handed the key fob (no key for this one) to a black Dodge Charger. It turned out to be a very comfortable choice for the four hour trip to Port Angeles.

We made a quick stop at the Glass Hive Studio in Abbotsford to catch up with family and pick up a "get out of the Mothers Day dog house" gift. If you're in the Fraser Valley, stop by and check out the fusion glass products and maybe sign up for classes.

How far down?

From there we pressed on into Washington. I must say things have changed along Guide Meridian Road. Several round-a-bouts and stores have sprung up since we left the (s)lower mainland in '97.

After a short detour courtesy of Miss Garmin through downtown Mt. Vernon we were off to Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. A view not to be missed is Deception Pass. Absolutley stunning from 180' above the sea. Why the name? It harkens back to when Captain George Vancouver was exploring the area. He believed that Whidbey Island was a pennisula, however he George Whidbey to map the coastline of what would become Whidbey Island. Whidbey returned to report that his crew had circumnavigated the island. The pass had deceived the good Captain and he christened it Deception Pass. The island that the bridges connect to was named Deception Island. 

Deception Pass

Back from the brink

The road from there contiues on to Coupville. Unfortunately time did not allow a side trip to downtown Coupville as we needed to catch the ferry to Port Townsend. The ferry terminal is adjacent to Fort Casey State Park. Actually, you have to drive into the park and double back to terminal. While it takes you two miles out of your way, it is pretty cool to see the barracks dating from 1897. For camping enthusiasts, there is a really picturesque campground near the terminal. Of course you do get to watch the ferry every half hour.

Port Angeles...a place worthy of a visit on its own. No need to go any farther if you don't want to. A little piece of eclectic Victorian heaven if you please. 

The Victorian architecture survived due to the rapid economic decline the town experienced during the early 1900's. Fortunate for those of us who enjoy the period buildings that it survived. After a quick lunch at the Nifty Fifty's Diner and a little shopping for good measure, we were back on the road for the final stretch to Port Angeles.
I would absolutely recommend a drive around the Olympic Penninsula. One forgets just how lush and large the vegetation is in the PNW (Pacific Northwest).

Water feature outside our room

Busy Bee

Who doesn't love an old 60's VW Bus?

The NW Cup, the reason for the trip. Its always fun to see the different modes of transportation people use to get to the events and perhaps live in while they are on site. Everything from cars and trucks to classic VW's and small motorhomes. Of course whats really impressive is the bikes and the speed that the riders careen down the mountain...honest they're in complete control...

He finished the race unhurt