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 Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 10:10 PM
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Vida, Cathy and I set out on Thursday after work, heading towards the Olympic State Park for a weekend of friends and food. 
Our real first food was at the Safeway in Oak Harbor, paninis and subs made by a very inept deli worker who actually believed we came all the way from Canada just for the sandwiches. Golly gee.
Friends and food (and overnight accommodation) were waiting for us in Sequim, coffee at Gary & Marlie’s with Scott & Strider, and breakfast at the 101 Diner.
Under clear skies on Friday morning, we caravanned to the trailhead at Lake Ozette. We pulled into the parking lot, greeted by a rather large tour bus. It turns out it was a school group heading out, not in. We did it! were the cheers we heard when the kids got back to their bus.
Vida got our permits all organized, we got our packs and buckets organized, indulged in trailhead bevies, then we were off to Camp Alava.
Hot and humid. After a half year of cold, wet and rainy it was like hiking through the jungle. Sweat dripped off of everything. Long hot hike in, with our heavy buckets strapped to the front of our packs, finally we were at the ocean. It’s always a glorious site to see your destination, and the beach is always a favourite of mine.
We found our sites, the guys set up their tents around the kitchen, Vida the photo-master had a scenic beach view property, and Cathy and I were protected in the trees. The guys headed to the beach to get the humungous logs for the kick ass fire for cooking and pleasure.
We had a sunset on Friday night. It was the warmest I’ve ever been camping. No need for socks or long pants that night.
Dinner the first night was steak and baked potatoes J
Saturday morning was another beauty. Breakfast was Egg Fats and camp coffee.
We packed up the raft and headed up to the Ozette River. We passed many beaches on the way. Feather Beach. Shell Beach. It’s very odd how one beach can be filled with a certain item. The tide was still going out so we crossed the headlands using the ropes to climb up and down the slippery slopes.
    
We got to the camp at Ozette, and the guys inflated the raft. Now I know why Strider was picking up bits of plywood on the beach, they were his paddles. What a smartie pants. After a few attempts we finally got him to the other side. Back and forth the boat went, ferrying us and the pack.
  
What a beautiful beach we were on! I spent time on the beach combing for treasures. Cathy stretched out on a log in the sun and enjoyed her hot rock spa treatment. I returned to the group in time for O Dogs. Mmmm.
 
I finally found the treasure I have been searching for. A small green Japanese fishing float. Happy happy me! I have spent days worth of hours looking in nooks and crannies on every beach I’ve been on for the past few years.
After more lounging and beach combing it was time to head back. The tide was out now so we were able to fjord across the river. Lucky man Scott had his wenches ferry him across the river. We were able to finish up along the coast instead of going overland.
We got to one point, our only surf zone, we were looking at the anemones and starfish and someone noticed a sea otter in the water right by us. We watched him for quite a while. He was making strange noises at us. It turns out his fish was on the rock beside him and he was staking his territory. He then grabbed the fish and took off to finish his meal in peace.
Back to camp for more walks on the beach, campfires, and then finally a very late dinner of Cornish game hens over the fire. We had pre-dinner dessert of Poop Cake with tequila-infused oranges, and then chocolate cake in orange shells for dessert.
The roof went up this night as we were getting sprinkles.
Sunday morning was gray. Lazy morning. Woke up quite late. Camp coffee, pancakes & sausages.
The day was spent around the fire or walking on the beach. Cathy and I headed up towards Wedding Rocks but found the beach route not very interesting, nothing interesting on the beach, except for the strange guy walking. I did find bear scat and a dead deer. We could add that to our dead stuff tally. I believe it was 2 elk on the other beach. Stinky. Very very stinky.
Lunch was Scott’s beef stew and fry bread.
All Sunday we had deer in and around our camp. They wandered to and fro, not afraid of us. Eating grass and the new buds from the fir trees.
That night Rocky the Raccoon visited us. I still think they are cute, but no one else did  He was very bold, circling around our camp through the high grass.
Dinner was Rubble & Cheese. Mmmmm. Dessert was apple pie in a can. Very sweet and rich, definitely a dessert for sharing. I don’t think anyone could finish their serving.
Monday morning, time to pack up, and sprinkly. Breakfast was biscuits & gravy.
We walked out in warm rain. Through the meadows it poured. Poured! Strider walked with his umbrella up, like a stroll in the park along a very wet boardwalk.
Somewhere along the route someone mentioned something about milkshakes. That is all anyone could think of. We cleaned up at the trailhead in preparation for our long drive home.
Clallam Bay was closed. No milkshake there. We ended up stopping at Granny’s for milkshakes, ice cream, salads, burgers. Neat place with shelves full of salt & pepper containers.
We said our goodbyes and continued on our way. Strider & Scott are great guys to be out with.
We headed to the Keystone Ferry, and had time to stop in Port Townsend for a bit of browsing.
No problems at the border, hardly a wait at all. Back in Canada, and home.
Cathy and Vida, it was a great trip. Bruce and Scott, we are ever-grateful for your outstanding meals. We were truly spoiled. It was a wonderful long weekend away with friends ... and food ... and friends  |
Edited by - trailflower on 05/29/2008 12:15 PM
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 Coffee swillin', wine lovin', Owl fearin' Andie McDowell stunt double, who sports retro gear
Vancouver, BC
5470 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 10:42 PM
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| Fantastic you guys!! One of these days I will get down there. Those pictures look very enticing. |
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 11:26 PM
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what a great trip report Nancy, I felt like I was right there!!
I wish I was, again... What great company! what a great location! What beautiful views - and oooohhhhh the food.
Nancy, Cathy, Scott and Bruce it was a pleasure to be there with you. I laughed until tears were streaming down my cheeks, and I was riveted by the stories that were told over the fire.
And oh my gawd the food.
If it had been just me, I would have been eating mashed potatoes with tuna but we had a plan, we had a menu and we had the most magnificent meals every day. Goodness what a luxury.
I'm still sorting through my pictures and have posted about half. The link to the slideshow is here. Come back in a few days, there will be more pictures in there. |
Edited by - seawallrunner on 05/21/2008 11:27 PM |
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ALBANY, OR
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:09 AM
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| Congrats on finding a Japanese glass ball float. Especially out there where the hoards of people look every year. Its funny though, the ones I have found have all been in Vancouver Is. |
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Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5942 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:32 AM
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Gee talk about suffering! It’s good to see what you can endure in the face of adversity. The only thing I see missing from your report is the inclusion of Tillamook Beef Nuggets.
This winter I picked up an old copy (1971) of Trips & Trails 1. It's an old book and maybe some of the stuff is outdated but it gives me a good idea of what the Olympics & North Cascades has to offer. Years ago I visited Deception Pass State Park and thought it was a very cool place. There are lots of great opportunities down there , it’s just too bad it is such a hassle with the border waits. |
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Chilliwack, BC
755 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:43 AM
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Great TR!
My wife and I have been trying to get Lake O for a while now.
Can you tell me about the ferry? cost, hours . . .
thanks!!
-G |
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4663 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:53 AM
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Oh my gosh I love that racoon! What a nice relaxing trip  . Vida, as usual your shots are amazing |
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 original SteinPaloozer, card-carrying member of Team Cougar, fruit roll-up carrying absentee hiker
Langley, BC
Canada
413 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 08:27 AM
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| Great TR and wonderful pictures, yes I feel like I am right there again - such a serene and amazing area to share with great company. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
718 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 6:23 PM
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5902 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 6:32 PM
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| Looks like fun, good going gals:) |
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Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 7:08 PM
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| Nice! |
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 8:02 PM
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Can you tell me about the ferry? cost, hours . . .
It's small (think bowen island) and as of last Monday it ferries people on a reservation basis. You can go on standby (as we did, on our return) but it's a pins and needles wait.
reserve at
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
or call
1-888-808-7977
or 511
or
206-464-6400
It's $16.50 for a car with three adults in it. The ferry across takes a quick 40 minutes (from Keystone to Pt Townsend).
The drive from downtown Vancouver to the trailhead is a heady 9 hours, which includes a 20 minute wait at the border and a stop at a store to pick up a lunch or dinner along the way AND avoid the deli at the Safeway in Oak Harbor!!
One more thing - the campsites at Cape Alava and at Sand Point are on a reservation basis as well. We were lucky - we were able to drive up and walk in. But starting this weekend (Memorial Day weekend) all the way to Labor Day, you will be taking your chances if you just show up. So sign up by visiting the park site ahead of time:
http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ozette-loop.htm
cheers - CWall |
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original SteinPaloozer, card-carrying member of Team Cougar, fruit roll-up carrying absentee hiker
Langley, BC
Canada
413 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 9:19 PM
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| Russ to answer your comment on the border lineups, we went truck crossing on Thurs at 5:30 pm very few cars, and on the way back on the holiday Monday at 8:30 pm, about 10 min wait. We were very surprised (and/or we are just 3 lucky girls). |
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Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5942 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 9:31 PM
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| Yes that is a good choice and I’ve had the best luck there. It’s also the easiest one to get to from my place. Thanks. |
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Peak scrambling, camera dodgin', knife toting gal who hikes with panties on pack & hangs clothes in trees
Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
417 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 9:34 PM
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| Looks like a wonderful weekend! |
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Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 08:50 AM
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Fantastic! And, all that gourmet food makes gorp look pretty weak.
No wonder Rocky sauntered by....hehe
"...her name was Magill....she lived on a hill..."
lawdy! I miss the sea! Gotta get there soon!
I may take a segway touristy tour in San Francisco.
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Langley, BC
Canada
1699 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 6:50 PM
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| Cool! Looks like an awesome trip.. |
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Seattle, Washington
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 12:08 PM
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| Sounds like a good time, but for the record it's Olympic NATIONAL Park and CAPE Alava. |
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Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 12:16 PM
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So noted, changes made, thank you  |
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Night owl posting,Subie driving, backpacking Dad who is perpetually trying to catch up to his kids on the trail.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
3064 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 11:52 PM
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Wow! This brings back a lot of childhood memories. When I was a kid, the Olympic Coast was a favourite backpacking venue for my family. We made many, many trips down there and the journey to the trail head through a foreign country added to the adventure. Milk shakes at Crazy Eric's in Port Townsend and Mounds Bars on the Port Townsend ferry were much anticipated and enjoyed.
Then the open ocean, tidal pools and beach combing were all adventures in themselves. I still have some of the treasures discovered including a glass fish float complete with its rope netting and several cans of US Coast Guard emergency water (still wonder how those came to be washed up on the beach).
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Cape Alava, Olympic Nat'l Park, May 15-19, 2008
