Today we are crossing from Victoria to Port Angeles in the USA by ferry. During the journey, we were hoping to see orcas, but instead we saw a gray whale. The trip was very enjoyable and the weather was perfect. We had clear visibility on both shores.
After getting off the ferry, we went straight through customs. Of course, we were searched again for prohibited food items such as eggs, chicken meat, bell peppers, rice, etc. However, this time we had nothing to declare. We have completely used up our supplies. For this reason, our first stop is Walmart to go shopping. An hour later and $200 less, the car is fully packed again and we are ready for the next two weeks.
18.08.2022 Thursday
Today we are going up high. We are in Olympic National Park and want to see the mountain named 'Mount Olympus'.
In the most beautiful mountain panorama, we enjoy our breakfast. Well fortified, we go hiking along the Hurricane Ridge.
We are amazed by the hot temperatures in the mountains. We start sweating quickly and carefully consider which path to take. After not walking as far as planned, we head back down to the valley.
We cool off in Lake Crescent. This lake is known for its clear water. While swimming, we have to watch out for the many motorboats racing across the lake.
19.08.2022 Friday
It started raining at night. The clouds are still low and we don't feel fully awake.
Nevertheless, we have planned a nice hike on the beach. In Dungeness, there is a 20 km long spit of land that is perfect for hiking.
At the end, there is a lighthouse. Even though we are good walkers, the distance through the sand is too far for us. We only do part of it and observe the birds in their flights, the crabs in the sand, and the seals in the water. There is so much to discover here.
We spend the afternoon in Port Townsend. We test the playground at a newly built school. The climbing course passes the test.
In the evening, deer come up to the sports field. Due to the dryness, they search for grass to eat in the cities.
20.08.2022 Saturday
We drive directly to the coast for breakfast and pass through the Historic District. Our plan was to observe whales from here. But apart from fog, we see nothing.
We continue on to Seattle and drive along the fjords of the Puget Sound.
Unlike in Canada, every spot here is well inhabited. Along the way, we can refuel for less money.
Upon arrival in Seattle, we join the city traffic again. Located slightly outside, we look for a parking spot in the shade with a playground.
21.08.2022 Sunday
Thanks to Park and Ride, we take a leisurely bus ride to the center of Seattle.
We walk along the waterfront, where there are many souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. With a view of the water, we can already see the big Ferris wheel from a distance. There is a lot going on in the harbor, cruise ships arrive, and ferries come and go.
We make a detour to Pike Place Market. A large market for clothing, knick-knacks, flowers, fish, and many delicacies extends over 4 floors. It's busy here, fish fly through the air, flower bouquets go over the counter every minute, and there are long queues at the snack bars.
We walk along 4th and 5th Avenue, designated as shopping streets, towards the Space Needle. It is a 184-meter-high tower with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
At the base of the tower is a large park where we take a walk. By chance, there is a Brazil Festival here today. Many colorful colors, loud music, dances, and traditional food stalls are spread throughout the park.
We take a break at the fountain.
Afterwards, we continue to the Museum of Pop Culture. This quirky architecture was designed by Frank Gehry. The monorail runs directly through the building and has been in operation since the 1962 World's Fair.
The city is young, colorful, and also has many homeless people. Unfortunately, we have already experienced this in other larger cities.
22.08.2022 Monday
Since we are in a big city, we naturally dedicate ourselves to the cultural program. We visit the Flight Museum of Seattle. Over 150 aircraft are exhibited on the former Boeing site. The first step into the museum hall already leaves us in awe. Wherever you look, there are aircraft hanging and standing on multiple levels. Especially the beginnings of aviation history are portrayed here.
There are interactive exhibits where we can become pilots ourselves and sit at the controls. The men clearly have fun with it.
In addition to two large indoor areas, there is also an outdoor area.
Here, there are large passenger planes from Boeing that we can explore inside. Particularly interesting is the aircraft of the President of the United States. Equipped with several conference rooms, a personal suite with a spacious bathroom, and separate seats for the secretary.
After three hours, we decide to take a break. Since the cafeteria charges high prices for sandwiches and the like, we go to our camper and have lunch.
Then we go for the second round. The further indoor area extends over two floors and tells the story of World War II. It is fascinating how much attention to detail has been put into everything. Even with the sound coming from the speakers, you feel like airplanes are flying overhead.
After another two hours, we still haven't seen everything. It's incredible how much we are offered here.
23.08.2022 Tuesday
We continue on to Olympia, the capital of the US state of Washington. It is therefore the city of authorities. Above all, the Washington State Capitol impresses with its magnificent building.
There is not much more to see. We walk along the waterfront and discover various artworks on the walls of the historic district.
