Port Angeles – Hurricane Ridge and Ediz Hook

I mentioned the other day we got the only full hookup site in the RV park.  Luck was on our side for sure.  I should have ran down to the corner store and bought a lottery ticket but I didn’t.  However, that evening we didn’t feel so lucky when we saw a truckload of canoes and more vehicles pull into the park …. along with about 40 cub scouts.  Oh oh ….. I began to wonder if we were going to be moving before our timeslot ran out.  Even though they were running everywhere, they actually were fairly quiet and out of the park before we were even up the following morning.  Whee !  We were afraid the troops had moved in.

Friday was another beautiful day.  It just doesn’t get better in this area than it has been.  Temperatures are predicted to continue in the 80’s and plenty of sunshine is going to be around here for a while.  We sure appreciated that sunshine and with such a clear day, we figured that would be the day to be on top of the world.  So, that’s where we headed …. the top of the world.


Port Angeles is just a short distance west from Sequim.  It’s the biggest little town in this part of the Olympic Peninsula.  What Port Angeles doesn’t have Sequim does.  Well, that’s not quite true because neither town has a Fry’s Electronics which just happens to be about my favorite store.  Plus, there is no Winco but there is a Costco!

This deer was curious about Duchess.  Of course, Duchess was used to deer so didn’t  pay attention to her.  Ms. Deer kept coming.  Thus,  we had to move.

We were off to Hurricane Ridge.  The road to Hurricane Ridge lifts you from sea level to just over 5000’ high above it.  It’s about 15 miles from the town … up.  The old-age pass or America the Beautiful pass gets you in for free.   From there it’s up, up and up with many pull-over spots to take in the beauty of the area.  There are three tunnels and lots of bicycles.  I certainly can’t imagine biking up this 7%-ish grade  -- or, even down it.

Walking over to the visitor’s center from the parking lot -

The Visitor’s Center at Hurricane Ridge.

Summer flowers, green trees, beautiful weather, snow and mountains.

View of Port Angeles and even of Vancouver Island.

Then, it was down, down, down.

Since I’m a creature of habit, I always have to stop at the overlook just before we get into the town of Port Angeles --- always.  On a clear day you can see forever.  Well, you can see the town, ferries, Ediz Hook (aka The Spit) and even Victoria.

The ferry to Victoria is big business to Port Angeles.  You can take day trips as plenty of lots allow you to park while you do just that.  We noticed this little camper pulling a big boat.  What ?

Next, was Ediz Hook.   We spent many, many hours and days in this place.  There used to be a big salmon derby here every year with very nice prizes --- boats, cars and money. The following week there was a junior salmon derby for kids.  Of course, that’s when the salmon were plentiful.  Plentiful fish is not the case like it used to be.  That’s not to say there isn’t fish.  There is.  

This is one of the places the big fishermen fish for salmon, ling cod and even have been known to pull a few halibuts out of this water.  Dad used to know where all the holes were.  Of course, he also fished along the Strait at Seiku and Pillar Point.  Maybe we’ll make it there again sometime but not this year.

Looking back towards Port Angeles from Ediz Hook.

What next?   Well, there certainly was a little more this day.

What about the house my folks lived in when I was born?  The little house looks run down for sure.  There was a tall tree on the side my brother and I used to climb up and ride the branches down. 

We visited the house my folks moved to when I was about 9.

And, the garage my dad built.  I wonder if my fingerprints are still in the concrete.

I’m no where near through visiting my past. We might just have a chance to check a couple more places off my list.   My dad used to quote the “grass is always greener on the other side” because one doesn’t always appreciate where they are and what they have.  I’m sure I never appreciated the beauty of this area when I lived here.  I know I didn’t.

I enjoy visiting this area but it also makes me sad.  I miss all the people who have gone on before me.  My family was important to me.  I loved being with cousins, aunts, uncles and my immediate family.  I think I just figured they’d always be a part of my life just like others figure we'll always be part of their life.   Sad but the life cycle goes on.

‘Tis life on the road.

Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.