Washington to Utah

From Washington, our next destination was the Bonneville Salt Flats to see our friend Brad Richards race his "Bonnepan".  Of course, as in all our travels, we did not choose the most direct route.  We would first wind through the Yakima River Canyon in Washington to be awed by the massive canyon and then detour down the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway in Idaho.

Yakima River

Yakima Canyon 

Yakima Canyon Walls 

Wow, what more can we say?

After winding our way through Yakima River Canyon, we were treated to a beautiful Oregon Sunset.

At the visitors center in Idaho, we were told one of the best roads in Idaho was the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.  According to the what we were told, due to the underwater aquifer, more water pours into the Snake River through the springs in this area than from the headwaters of Snake River.  We decided to take another side trip through the springs to check it out for ourselves.

The Snake River winds through the landscape

Just a few of the Springs that feed the Snake River

On to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula

Our next foray was into Seattle to see the sights.   We had seen pictures of Pike's Market and took this opportunity to experience it in person.  Pike Place Fish Market was our first stop and we got to see first hand the throwing of the fish - it was crazy!  We then strolled the Market to see what the vendors had to offer and stopped at the Italian Deli to have a quick expresso and  pick up cheese and salami to snack on later.

Throwing of the fish at Pike Place Fish Market

Next we headed to another famous Seattle attraction - the Space Needle.  We decided to have lunch at the restaurant  at the top of the needle so we could enjoy the skyline while we ate.  We had a wonderful meal and were treated to a fantastic view.

Space Needle

  

Lunch at the Space Needle

Seattle Skyline

At the top of the Space Needle

Our final destination for the day was the Tides Inn at Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.  To reach it, we had to take the ferry from Edmunds to Kingston.  Once there we learned that their claim to fame was that the love scene from "Officer and a Gentleman" was filmed there.  It was a very quaint hotel and we enjoyed a good nights rest.

Edmunds Ferry

Enjoying the Ferry ride

Tides Inn where the love scene from "Officer and a Gentleman" was filmed

The next morning, with fog covering the area, we began our day with a trip to the Point Wilson Lighthouse which was first activated in 1879.

Point Wilson Lighthouse

Our main destination was Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park where we planned to take the 1.6 mile hike to the top of the ridge. Once reaching the top we would have a 360 degree view of the area.  For those of us used to living at close to sea level, the hike took a bit more time!  We thought we'd never make it to the top but we persevered and were treated to unbelievable views and a variety of wildlife.

We're on the right track to Hurricane Ridge

The roads we gorgeous and twisty - we just wished we had the bike!

One of the views from the Park Visitor Center - Awesome!

Our first wildlife encounter was in the parking lot before we even started on the trail!

This little doe came out of the woods and took a stroll through the parked cars!

Our next encounter on the trail was this little chipmunk. 

He had no fear and to prove it he ran over Tim's shoe!

I can't believe we're not even half way yet!

The scenery was unbelievable!

We finally made it to the top of Hurricane Ridge - it was definitely time for a rest!

Tim surveying the mountains from the top of Hurricane Ridge

When we finally made it to the top, we were pleased & surprised to find a young doe and buck who gladly let us spend some time watching and photographing them.

Our gentle doe

And friendly buck

Our trip down the ridge not only brought us more gorgeous views but also close encounters with Marmots and more deer.

This Marmot put on a great show for us just a few feet from the trail.

A view of the trail and mountains beyond

Mount Olympus

Great Friends & Great Times in beautiful Washington State

Thanks to all of you for hanging in with us after our "bump in the road".  We're doing better and are finally getting back to blogging.  Check back frequently as we will be trying to catch you up on our travels (North Bend, Seattle, Olympic Peninsula, Bonneville Salt Flats,  Wyoming, Colorado, Davenport and much more).

On August 1, we started our trip north to visit with our friends, Yondi and Daniel in North Bend, WA.  We took the costal route through California and into Oregon and the views continue to amaze us.

Pacific Coast Hwy - CA views

Pacific Coast Hwy - this is what makes it a scenic highway

 Oregon Dunes Natl Recreation Area

 Dunes in Oregon...who knew?

Elk Viewing Area in Oregon

Wonder how the elk know to stop there for us to watch them?

We arrived at Yondi & Daniel Hall's on the afternoon of August 2 and proceeded to set up at the base of their driveway.  How many friends can provide you with hook ups for your trailer?  This would be our base camp for the next few days and we were once again "neighbors" with them.  We had promised to visit them for years and now had finally made good on the promise!  And just like when we were neighbors in Virginia, we were constantly together eating, drinking or riding!  It was wonderful!!

Good neighbors working together - success on putting together a new grill!
And we definitely put it to good use!!!!

While we were in North Bend, Yondi and Daniel took us on a ride to La Conner, WA.  It started with a stop at Snoqualmie Falls and then a gorgeous ride through the back roads to La Conner.

Snoqualmie Falls

On the way to La Conner

Daniel, Yondi, Barb and Tim in La Conner

Yondi and Barb in La Conner

Our next trip with Yondi and Daniel was via car to Leavenworth, WA, a Bavarian style town in the mountains.  Again the ride was beautiful and the town was unique!

Leavenworth

Enjoying the Leavenworth sights

One rainy afternoon, we decided to take a drive from Yondi and Daniel's house to Snoqualmie Falls to spend a little more time and take additional pictures.

Snoqualmie Falls

The Falls were dramatic

The Lodge at the top of the Falls

At Snoqualmie Falls