By happenstance we land in Port Townsend, Washington on just the right weekend to take in the Wooden Boat Festival. Tho we quickly learn that this charming seaside town offers unique experiences for the traveler any time of the year.
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Enchanted Circle / Eagle Nest Lake State Park
The photographer in me finds the charred remains of the burnt forest darkly beautiful. I quickly push that ugly thought from my mind and do not stop to take pictures of the scarred landscape. The sky is hazy. The west is burning. But in New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle we will find blue skies and a surprisingly sweet tourist town.
Wanderings
Gear Review: REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent
With a desire to stay comfortable and somewhat connected, we purchased a bit of new gear for our long 2018 road trip. Our goal was to invest in quality products that we can use for years to come, although it’s worth noting that we didn’t blow the budget on high-end gear. For our first gear review, let’s talk about our REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 tent.
Olympic National Park – Part 4: Hurricane Ridge & Port Angeles
Heart O’ the Hills. Hurricane Ridge. Hidden Bush. And no, that last one is not a natural landmark that you’ve just never heard of.
Olympic National Park – Part 3: Rialto Beach, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Valley
Longing for a quiet walk in the woods, we stop off to hike a bit of the North Fork trail in the Sol Duc Valley. A bear grunts to notify us of his presence. This place belongs to him.
Olympic National Park – Part 2: Pacific Coast Beaches
“Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refuges of a long war.” — Loren Eiseley
Olympic National Park – Part 1: Quinault & Hoh Rainforests
My “perfect day” begins in the mountains and ends on the coast, or vice versa. That dreamy combination awaits us on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. We’ve set aside a week to explore the area, although I imagine that even a lifetime of wandering this region would not allow for seeing all of the amazing natural wonders here.
Coos Bay & Portland, Oregon
“The World’s Largest Lumber Port,
the yellow hulk of Cats winding bayfront chip yards,
betting on high-school football”
–Michael McGriff
Central Oregon Coast
Misty windswept seaside forests. A rocky beach full of mysterious white pods. Giant ancient trees. A myriad of coastal rainforest plants. We’ve many wonders to experience en route to Coos Bay today.
Northern Oregon Coast – Part 2
Fresh local cheese + working fishing village + craft beer + beach + camping under the trees? Yes please!
Northern Oregon Coast – Part 1
Old growth rainforest hugs the shore. Misty, foggy bluffs overlook dramatic sandy, rocky beaches. Today we fall deeply in love with the Oregon Coast.
Astoria, Oregon
The truffle shuffle. Finnish goods. Legendary smoked fish. Water, water everywhere. The still-slightly gritty tourist town of Astoria is right up our ally.
