Seattle to Port Angeles

August 7, 2012,

We got up early (construction wake up call) and I had a shower/dribble and coffee and we quickly packed up and Jeff went to get the car (quite the safari it turned out). Anyway, we followed the great directions of the staffer at the Moore and got to the ferry just in time to load up for Bainbridge Island.  The trip was brief and uneventful, except it is the first time I had ever been on a ferry.  Really cool the way you can drive your car right on, hang out on board and then drive right off.  We drove right off, and down the highway with the ultimate destination of Port Angeles.  

Into the Maw of the ship

Grey Seattle skyline

"Take the picture, I'm freezing my butt off!"

Of course the local Native Americans put a giant casino in our path just to snare us unsuspecting visitors.  We were hungry too, so we stopped, had a great lunch and I sat down to a video poker machine and promptly pulled a straight flush , Ace through 5.  Yay!  $80!!  I was so happy.  Unfortunately, the rest of my stay wasn’t as profitable, but I didn’t give it all back thank goodness.  

Entrapment

Jeff tries out the running board

My big win, drew a 4 of diamonds!

After that stop we headed for Sequim (pronounced skwim).  We wanted to have a little beach time near the Dungenous spit.  After wandering around a bit, we found a nice county park that was nearly deserted and had a snack, walk and sun break.  Then it was on to Port Angeles and the Days Inn.  Port Angeles is the port where we planned on catching the ferry to Victoria, and it’s also the entry to the Olympic National Park.  We could see the Olympics Mts. rising sharply to the south.  They reminded me of the Wallowas the way they rise out of nowhere.  We will have to save that trip for another time, but they sure are beautiful.  

Guardian Quail

Photographer

Snack Break by the sea

Lighthouse at the end of Dungenous spit

Down the Beach

We took a nap (sleep was scarce at the Moore) and then went out to seek dinner.  Jeff and I always like to eat at out of the way local joints.  This time, with recommendation of local folks, we walked a few blocks to find a Chinese restaurant.  On the way we enjoyed the sculpture, murals and landscaping of downtown Port Angeles.  It was a great place to walk around.  The evening had brought thunderstorms and showers, but when we were walking the air felt cool and washed clean…….lovely! 

Grasping street art

Being supported by street art

Amazing hanging baskets--and the scent was amazing too

Dwarfed by the nasturtium

We found the restaurant and it was as they said…..the best on the peninsula.  We left there full and groaning and walked over to a bar that advertised free pool.  Jeff showed his prowess and all the skills that he has been learning from Morris and his pals at the Time-Out Tavern, and I limped along making maybe 3 shots a game.  I really have to practice more.  Anyway, it was fun and the beer was good.  And we kept our tradition of kissing anytime either of us scratched.  That made for a lot of kisses.  Then it was home to the Days Inn for early bedtime.  We had reservations on the ferry for 7:15 check in.  More tomorrow....