Sunday, November 4, 2001

Hello from Neah Bay, Washington!

Start time: 0815

Start odometer: 23245

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle, temperature 50 degrees F.

Sorry for the delayed upload. No phone in my room tonight!

Neah Bay, in the Makah Indian Reservation, is known for its tourism, as well as some commercial fishing. The nationally recognized Makah Cultural and Research Center is located here. And, it is the nearest town to Cape Flattery, the location of the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States! A half mile trail from the parking area leads to the Cape and some incredible views.

The day also provided some interesting thought for me. On several occasions, I saw sights that reminded me of other places of this trip. From the coast of Maine, to the shore of Lake Superior, to part of the drive in Alaska, it was intriguing to see these similar sights!

I started the day with steady drizzle, clouds and fog. Eventually the drizzle stopped and I was able to see blue sky above. The drive led me through pretty coastal towns and along the Olympic National Park. Many fishermen were out this morning, and I also saw a group of scuba divers preparing for an ocean dive. As the fog cleared, the mountains of the Olympic Range came into view! Soon, a road sign indicated a four mile drive to the Mt. Walker Overlook, which I decided to see.

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Interesting concrete bridge along Route 101.

A close up of the side rail.

Near the end of the four mile drive.

The overlook had two separate views, this from the south...

...And this from the north view. The town of Quilcene can be seen beyond the trees at the bottom.

Another view from the north overlook.

The gravel road to the overlooks.

Continuing on Route 101, several historical markers were displayed. At a reservation, a totem pole with a sign describing it was exhibited.

The quick lesson of Discovery Bay.

The totem pole displayed along the side of the road.

Information on the previous totem pole.

I continued north and west on Route 101 until I reached the town of Sequim. When I was visiting North Cascades National Park, Ranger Dan suggested a visit to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, accessible from Sequim. The refuge is on a spit that supports many types of wildlife, and also has a lighthouse.

A view of the coast enroute to the refuge. Just to the right of center along the waterline are ships outside of Port Angeles.

Another view of the coast.

A old post beside the cliff.

The spit, location of the refuge.

Another view of the spit. For size reference, people can be seen along the left side. The area along the right side was closed.

I saw this interesting tree trunk as I walked along the coast.

This is a sign posted by the rangers. Note the many birds sighted.

The trail back to the parking area.

My next destination was Port Angeles and the Olympic National Park Visitor Center south of town. The rangers was very helpful in providing information, and after viewing the slide presentation and visiting their exhibits, I continued west on Route 101. The road traveled along the north border of Olympic National Park, and the scenery was impressive.

The Olympic National Park Visitor Center.

A beautiful cloud and fog scene along Route 101

The western portion of Lake Crescent.

The east portion of Lake Crescent.

I finally arrived at Neah Bay in the afternoon, and knowing I did not have too much sunlight left, drove immediately to the trailhead for Cape Flattery. After a few miles of paved, then gravel road, I began my half mile hike. I had no idea what I was about to experience. The trail directed you through an amazing amount of green lush forest. After going through some mud, as well as conveniently constructed wooden paths, you arrive at several overlooks. The last one takes you to the northwestern-most point, on a cliff at least fifty feet above the water which is crashing against the rock below, and the view is incredible!

While at the overlooks, I was again fortunate to meet two more great people! Charlie was from Sekiu, Washington (or was it Sequim, Charlie?) and Justin, from north central Connecticut. Justin had planned on taking two months to tour the country, and now, it is two years later and he is still on the road! Justin has also been meeting people and making friends on the road as I have been, and he had met Charlie recently. Charlie is able to provide much information about the Olympic Peninsula since he had been here his whole life. He is planning a month long trip to Australia at the beginning of next year, then afterwards, finishing his sailboat to tour the world by water! We shared some enjoyable travel stories, and I learned more about the peninsula area. Again, I cannot express enough how this trip is best when meeting the interesting and kind people of the world. More travelers meeting travelers!

The road to Cape Flattery.

Part of the trail to the overlooks.

Descriptive panel at the overlook.

Another panel at one of the overlooks.

The painting on this panel resembles the cliffs at the Cape.

At the northwestern-most point, looking west.

Tatoosh Island, which belongs to the U. S., is home to a lighthouse.

Looking towards the edge of the cliff!

From another viewpoint, looking northeast.

Here I am at the northwestern-most point!

Looking down at the waves crashing against the rocks.

Another view of the water smashing into the shore.

These pictures do not provide the real feeling of power felt by the surf.

The sun setting over Jones Rock.

Charlie and Justin!

Monday I head south towards Oregon. I plan to make stops at the Olympic National Park rain forest for some hiking, then see the Pacific shore. Thanks for stopping by.

Routes traveled today: US 101 - Wa 113 - Wa 112

Lodging: Tyee Motel -

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