FORKS & LA PUSH-WA ~ Surprises All Around

August 24th: To complete the planned coastal journey - we went to Forks this morning; Holland has never been there, and he wanted to see it. So, we went … then I drove him to La Push to see the ocean from that point of view; and to see the giant rock "guardians" standing strong and tall against the turbulent ocean surges. We passed on pushing further to Neah Bay.

Today was Holland's Day: he was the passenger, and I was his chauffer.

I didn't get too dolled up because ocean weather is misty, and windy - so, casual wear was the tone of the day. But since we would be out in the public, I did put a little toned-down glitter on my eyes ;-)

Forks wasn't as {back country} as Holland had expected. I had tried to prepare him, but he was still surprised it wasn't more woodsy.

I was surprised when we got to La Push: last time I had been there was in the summer of 2017 … mere weeks before Bob ended up in the hospital fighting for his life. We had taken our little grandson to Sequim-WA to see the animals at the wildlife park, there - and we made a side trip to La Push because Bob had always wanted to go there. At that time, it was a pretty primitive place - the kind of "woodsy" I knew Holland would appreciate.

It has come a long way since that summer of 2017!

La Push was a shock to my senses. I'm still reeling from all the major changes. I'm sure the changes are good for the people that live there, but all those changes seriously affect the raw beauty that was there before the "upscale" renovations took over.

Now, it's just another tourist trap community on the water - all because of an aimless asinine movie :-(

Headed off to Forks …

Forks-WA from Hoquiam-WA; 1 hr. 59 min (103.9 mi) via US-101 N

We had been warned that road works was happening - it 'happened' half the journey. Every half hour - on the hour.

Following #101 - first stop is 'Humptulips', at a small rural store.

Holland has never been in this part of WA State before; I have, so I am driving ;-)

The water here is a beautiful shade of green; Hoh Oxbow Campground.

Hoh Oxbow Campground:

(https://www.last-minute-adventures.com/hoh-oxbow/)

Forks-WA.Forks/La Push-WA:

(https://www.city-data.com/articles/Quileute-Indian-Reservation-Forks.html)

'Burger Lunch.

We turned off onto #110 to La Push-WA

A 'lumber mover'.

La Push-WA from Forks-WA;  21 min (15.4 mi) via WA-110 W, La Push Rd.

Entrance into La Push … this was here last time, too.

WOW! Things have changed!

La Push is virtually unrecognizable - in just 6 short years; I said 5 … but it's actually been 6.

Of course … money changes e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

La Push, 6 years ago, was very primitive. The changes are startling.

And a Marina. The {WOW} factor just keeps keeping on …

A new Tribal School - which was sorely needed; but at what cost … WHERE is the $$$ coming FROM.

The forest is disappearing - the road is now paved; good changes, but HOW.

Big changes required big $$$$$

Holland declared we will be coming up here in the Spring of '24; he really likes the area. Maybe we'll visit Neah Bay then, too.

On our way back home, I pulled over in a couple turn outs along the highway that had ocean views. Holland likes the ocean.

While we were looking through the binoculars at the lighthouse atop a huge rock in the middle of the ocean, a couple in an older RV Coach were also sight-seeing, and the woman struck up a conversation with Holland about a bald eagle sitting on the top of an evergreen, looking out over the ocean.

That convo led to more conversation, and I asked her what her name was. She said, "Val". I said, "I'm Val, too." She said, "No way!" And I said, "Yeah; 'way'." We started laughing and sharing life stories; she was a gas :-)

When we stopped laughing and yacking, we got back in the truck … and Bleu was surprised when he got a spanking from the gentle King because he'd been a bad little dog after Holland had put him in the truck :-(

And I let Holland spank him (he was gentle) because Bleu deserved it. He cannot be allowed to be destructive when he is out of sight, and in a snit.

Wave watching at 'Beach 1' roadside turnout.

Backtracking homeward, we spotted a Light House in the middle of the ocean.

Destruction Island Lighthouse:

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_Island & https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=118)

A Bald-headed Eagle sitting atop a tree.

Val meets Val; LOL! Meeting friendly strangers is always a treat.

Bleu got a spanking from Daddy … these Road Atlases cost $35+

All in all, today was a good day: even with the unexpected surprises :-)

Hoquiam-WA ~ Thank You!

August 23rd: Blue was anxious to get outside this morning - he enjoyed his trail time yesterday afternoon, and wanted to get back at it again, this morning.

But mama needed coffee first.

And daddy added breakfast … which made him wait a little longer ;-)

When he finally got me away from Holland's attentions; and out of the house - he led me on a merry chase up one trail, and down another.

A Queen's Breakfast ;-)

Bleu barked a 'thank you' as he joyfully took me for a walk …

He led me down a path that wound through moss draped trees.

Down a new trail; we didn't have time yesterday to explore this option.

A patch of sword ferns.

Checking out the river.

5-ft. sword ferns! This fern tip is at the top of my head.

Jerking me along, 'com'on Mom!' ;-)

Sniffing around - and bouncing me along, he found a barely visible trail on the opposite side of the main center trail: so he took it.

A loop trail.

Smart Bleu ;-)

He finally wore himself down, and we dragged our tired tails back home - where another surprise awaited us: while we were gone, Holland had been busy :-)

While we were gone, Holland put his love in action!

Exile - Super Love

(Live at Farm Aid 1986):(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5gICfVPIq0)

Super Duper!!

A months ago, the Washer & Dryer had violently been shifted from their place; they still worked though even sitting cock-eyed … but leaning as they did towards my side of the bed, they made me nervous even though Holland said they were "solid".

Holland said he could "fix it": we just needed to sit awhile in order for that to happen ;-)

And he always surprises me with new foodie ideas; BLT with spinach, instead of lettuce. YUM!

I love my super-duper man.

I love my God, Who continually favors me - and gifts me with unexpected blessings.

Holland, is by far, my best and greatest gift in my new life.

HOQUIAM-WA ~ Our Morning Miracle-Bleu's Afternoon Exploration

August 22nd: We had driven the coastal route from calimexarabia straight through oregon with periodic pit stops and short naps, because of the wildfire smoke that has literally chased across the upper States of America.

It was well past midnight when we pulled up and spent the night in the parking lot of Dismal Nitch - this side of Astoria. Thankfully, there was no lingering smokey odor … and the Rest Area was not in a high altitude region; there were other RV's parked there too, as well as cars with motors running and windows opened a bit to ventilate: we parked in one of the 8-hour parking spaces near the highway, and snoozed those 8 hours away. It felt good to get a full night's rest.

We were back in the PNW waaaay ahead of schedule. While drinking our morning coffee, and clearing the cobwebs from our thoughts, we decided to drive to Forks-WA. I personally like the primitive wildness of the ocean area there - and Holland has never been there, so we pulled the bedroom slide in, pulled out, and headed off on that direction.

We were driving along feeling the peacefulness of a crisp early morning; Bleu was happily chirping (his high pitched bark sounds like a bird chirp), Holland was looking for the road sign we needed to make our turn, and I was chattering on about the beautiful wildness he was going to experience when we got to Forks.

And then … our hearts got a serious workout.

A bang-up start to our morning …

A tragedy was avoided, thanks to Elohim's grace and favor.

There's no way she would have survived …

This morning was a high blood pressure morning.

Thank Elohim that disaster was avoided.

My graying head got a few white hairs thrown into the aging mix (I had 10 years of life scared out of me!)

Bleu stayed subdued for a couple hours; it wasn't a fun moment for him, either.

Holland kept a calm attitude, though he too, had had his senses rattled back there at the intersection.

By the time we reached Nemah, laughter was filling Betsy's cab :-)

The rest of the day went much better - thank You, Lord!

Rod Stewart - 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96d6-dMi7A)

When we passed through Artic, we started looking for a place in Aberdeen, to sit Independence for the night. I pulled out my tablet and did an internet search: we settled on the Hoquiam River RV Park (1) I really do not like the Aberdeen vibes, and Hoquiam is on the other side of Aberdeen - kinda like Longview and Kelso (2) Hoquiam is close to Forks.

I have family that lives in Aberdeen and Hoquiam (though we have nothing to do with each other - their choice); and I have lived in Hoquiam for a couple months in 1994: I wasn't expecting much from the RV Park.

I was pleasantly surprised :-)

Elohim sent us to a very welcoming place with a peaceful atmosphere; after our hair-rising morning experience, it is a true blessing.

Artic-WA

Where we will be parked while running up to Forks-WA, to kick around a while.

It's not fancy, but it's tranquil, and has soothing vibes.

After Supper, Bleu and I checked out the main trail.

Bleu is loving the time out of the 4x and RV; he hasn't been able to do this at other RV Parks.

There are benches strategically placed along the trail.

Bleu loves people, but he's too enthusiastic for most; this trail is a good place to teach him People Interaction Etiquette.

Curious George had to check out every nook & cranny ;-)

It smells like Fall is on the breeze …

The trail runs along an old railroad track.

Not impressed by the end of this trail; I don't think we'll do this trail branch again.

A sign Fall is coming.

A very worn-out Bleu.

Bleu loves that he can get out and explore the forest.

I like that I can get out and walk the short trails along the lazy running river.

Holland likes that he can kick back and relax in a soothing atmosphere;  with a worn-out/content puppy, and a happy-minded/content wife ;-)

Holland booked us until the first week of September.