The RV was stocked with food and gas, the US border crossing went well having passed a secondary inspection, we said hello to Seattle from a distance on the I-5 heading south, continuing our trip towards Olympics National Park.
Stop and also highlight along the way: Costco - slice of cheese for 1.50 USD.
The park itself proved to be even better than the visitor center where we got all the information we needed.
The highlights:
Animals: Deer, marmots, a black bear with 3 cobs, salmon, seals and whales.
Best spots: Hurricane Ridge, Merymere Falls, the Salmon Cascade, Rialto Beach, lots of mossy forests.
The details:
Hurricane Ridge: on the drive up as well as down, we met a mama brown bear with her 3 cubs near the road. What an amazing experience to watch them so closely yet from the safety of the car.
... Rialto Beach: a 2 hr beachcombing walk on round pebbles of all sizes, huge drift wood logs, and a sunset with 2 whales enjoying their dinner approximately 15 meters off shore.
... Quillayute River: while preparing breakfast we heard a sound right outside the RV. End of the story: skin on the warm milk, bagels burnt but seals successfully watched, photographed and taped while they were swimming up and down the river shore.
Last night in the park: Maple Glade rain forest: walk to Kestner homestead, the sound of frogs to fall asleep.
