DORR POSTS

When we left The Tudor Inn that morning, it was overcast and somewhat drizzly. We knew that Hurricane Ridge would offer the best view of the lofty peaks of the Olympic Mountains, but it looked doubtful that we would be able to see anything that day due to the heavy layer of clouds. But, ever the optimists, we nonetheless began our 17-mile ascent to Hurricane Ridge. A few miles before the lodge, we broke out of the clouds, and found the view to be absolutely spectacular. High peaks from left to right, and the clouds we had just driven through were lying in the valley below. AWESOME!

This deer was walking through the parking lot as we drove through. Not a bit afraid of the tourists.

We drove around to the west of the Olympic Peninsula, past Lake Crescent, and on to the Hoh Rain Forest, where we took a hike in the forest.

This split-log bridge was plenty sturdy enough.

The moss just hangs from the trees in the rain forest. Kind of eerie.

This adirondack chair was fashioned from skis. Very cool.

The fireplace at the lodge at Lake Crescent.

I want one of these madrone trees in our yard!

More hanging moss in the rain forest.

You've heard of the Hard Rock Cafe. Well, what about the Hard RAIN Cafe? It's right there in the rain forest!

The road on the west side of the Olympic National Forest goes right along the Pacific Ocean. Very lovely and wild.

Of course we had to stop and see the world's largest spruce tree.

This is Lake Quinalt Lodge, where we spent the last night. Staying in lodges at national parks is one of our favorite things to do. We love them!

On one of our hikes, we spied this little sluggard bravely making his way across the path. And below is a short video clip from Hurricane Ridge. The next morning we headed back home. A very wonderful trip! This coming Saturday we are heading to Colorado to see family there, and then on to California.

After leaving those lovely Butchart Gardens, we drove across Vancouver Island to the western side, where we visited the quaint town of Sooke. We explored Potholes Provincial Park (amazing), and finished the day at Mom's Cafe, where the pies are apparently legendary. Yes, we indulged, and are glad we did! The picture below is from Potholes.

The following morning, our last in Vancouver, we visited the Royal British Columbia Museum. And here is where God really showed His amazing kindness. This is the story: many years ago (maybe ten), Mark took a group of middle school students to England, Ireland, and Wales. The day the group was in London, they were scheduled to visit the British Museum of History, where original artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome are displayed. At the time, Mark taught ancient history, and he was VERY, VERY excited to see this exhibit. But, that same morning, three students in the group disobeyed instructions and became separated from the group. Mark spent most of the day finding those girls, and in the process he missed the visit to the museum entirely. It broke his heart, and that missed opportunity has remained a disappointment to him to this day. Now, fast forward to last week when we went to the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. We paid our entrance fee, walked into the exhibit hall, and found, to our utter amazement, that the special exhibit on display was called TREASURES, and was a collection of more than 300 ancient artifacts on loan from... yes... the BRITISH MUSEUM in London. From May 1 to September 30, these priceless treasures are on loan, and once they are returned to their home in London, they will never again return. And once Mark grasped the fact that here, right in front of our eyes, were the very treasures he had been forced to miss in London, he turned to me and said, "Honey, I think I'm going to cry." We thoroughly enjoyed our exploration of the extensive exhibit, and although we weren't allowed to take pictures in that portion of the museum, we will carry in our hearts forever the memories we made. Isn't God good to give back to Mark what he'd missed so long ago? We think so!

Above is one picture we took in the museum. Apart from the special exhibit from London, the regular exhibits include many of the various life forms found on the island, including these sea lions. After leaving the museum we took one last walk around Victoria's harbor before boarding the ferry to Port Angeles, Washington.

Upon arriving in Port Angeles, we learned that we were in the area where the popular Twilight series of books are set. Neither of us have read the books or seen the movie(s), but after we checked into our bed and breakfast, the innkeeper filled us in. The city of Port Angeles is doing all it can to maximize its connection to the fictional series. There are even Twilight gift shops. We decided to eat dinner at Bella Italia, the very restaurant where two of the books main characters, Bella and Edward, had their first date. There were several sets of teen girls and their moms eating there as well, taking pictures and soaking up all the Twilight aura that they could. It was pretty funny, especially considering that this is a fictional book we are talking about, for Pete's sake.

Above is a sign on the window of the restaurant where we ate, and in the picture below, Mark sits in front of the place. He thinks he'll be showing these pictures to his middle school students - maybe make them jealous or something!

As I mentioned, we stayed the night at The Tudor Inn, a lovely place. The rooms were all booked by a large family, plus Mark and me, but the family had to cancel at the last minute due to illness among some of the family members. So, Mark and I had the place to ourselves!

Below I am standing on the front porch of the inn.

This is the front parlor. The innkeeper usually serves breakfast in the large dining room, but when it turned out that it was just Mark and me for breakfast, she set up this cozy table for two in the parlor. We were spoiled!

This is the lovely front porch area. This innkeeper is very patriotic, and she has a son in the Green Beret. We had some wonderful conversations with her.

Below are some shots from the breakfast. It was my birthday, and Betsy (the charming innkeeper) really did it up right. You will see the candle on the table, and if you look carefully, you will also see the small birthday candle in my scone. Fun!