Van Travels, Cronicle # 1: The Pacific Northwest

Two weeks into my nomadic adventure via the Sprinter Van, otherwise known as the"ARRRGH", and words can't really capture the wonder and whimsy of the passage.  Hopefully these pictures will.  Tiffany, Josh, Stella, myself and our three dogs have been on the road now for two weeks, encountering ourselves and our natures in the midst of the pacific northwest's incredible loveliness. Thank goodness for good snacks, great companionship and the opportunity to soak along the way.

Our departure! Onward to Mary's Peak to say farewell to Corvallis. 

Sunset on Mary's Peak

Stella and Tiff, trying to keep warm.  Our first evening was our coldest yet.

Good-bye Corvallis!

Hello Olympic Peninsula! 

HOH!  Snag balancing at Olympic National Park, Hoh park.

Whidbey Island, WA

Cascade Lake, Moran State Park, Orcas Island, WA.  A lake for lovers.   

View from Mt. Constitution,  of Mt. Adams at Moran State Park, Orcas Island.  Image stolen from Josh.  Tiff and I hiked up here too.  I forgot my camera.  On our hike the fog burned off and we were able to see panoramic views of the sound, Orcas and surrounding Islands.  Apparently on really clear days you can see a great deal of the Cascade range down into Oregon. 

Foggy Morning at Doe Bay Resort, Orcas Island, WA.  So far it has been my favorite camping locale.  The resort has a sauna, hot tubs and showers that overlook the bay. Rustic and beautiful.

Stella and I found red jellyfish on the shore at Doe Bay!

Doe Bay Resort also serves amazing farm to table food! What a treat! 

Onward to San Juan Island, WA.  Luna and I hiked out to Lime Kiln State Park. 

Lime Kiln, home to the largest collection of old and enormous madrone groves
I have ever seen on my pacific northwest wanderings.

And Orca! On my way meandering back to the trail a pod of Killer Whales swiftly cruised the waters just off the cliffs.   What a moving experience to see these large, fierce, graceful and endangered creatures so closely.  Magical! 

And then they were gone! Amazing!  The sunset on my arrival back at camp"!" . . . Now on to Canada!