OK...now we've eaten and I'm ready to catch up. Like I said earlier, we spent the day in Victoria. The ferry ride was and hour and a half but we couldn't see much. It was so foggy on the way over and it was dark on the way back. The fog lifted just before we got to Victoria and then it was a bright, sunny day. We started by walking about 2.5 miles to Craigdarroch Castle for a tour.
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch Castle was built as home for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. The wealth he had amassed is reflected in the Castle's four floors of exquisite stained glass, intricate woodwork and lavish Victorian-era furnishings. Tragically, Robert passed away before its compeltion so only his wife, three of the daughters and two orphaned grandchildren ever lived on the original 28 acre site.
Next stop was the Empress Hotel. We walked through it and took a few pictures but didn't stay for High Tea. I overheard the woman there tell somebody that it was $59.95 per person. Nope.....we'll pass on that! It was a gorgeous, old building, covered with English Ivy.
We also walked through the Parliament Building. We were able to walk in, with backpack, and no security check. It was also an amazing building.
We spent a lot of time at the waterfront area. We watched the tour seaplanes come and go. Victoria is such a clean town and all the people are so friendly. We've noticed that about everyone up here. Can't say we've been in a friendlier place.
Our first stop this morning was at Salt Creek County Park on the north side of the Peninsula. It was recommended for the tide pools. The tide was on its way out but we were able to walk out there and explore. It was still foggy but beautiful. We heard the loons but never did see them.
Then we were off to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. Neah Bay is home of the Makah Indians. We toured their museum but no pictures were allowed. Most all of their exhibits were in such good condition. They were from the Ozette site, south of Neah Bay. The whole town of Ozette was buried in a mudslide in the late 1800s (I think). About 1970 the water started uncovering the town and the archeologists helped the Indians salvage what they could. After touring the museum, we headed out to Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point in the continental US. The hike was described as a 3/4 mile boardwalk. Well, not exactly.....it was down a long hill then lots of steps made from tree roots, some wood bridges....and hard on my knees! It was well worth the view though. It was one of the most beautiful places I've been. It was kind of foggy out there but it just added to the mystery of it. A Makah lady was out there and answered questions. She pointed out some harbor seals and it was fun watching them play around. She hadn't spotted any whales in a couple days but says there is one that comes often and hangs out there for about a half hour or so.
Before heading to Forks, we took a detour to Sol Duc Park. We had hoped to walk to the falls but by the time we got there, we wouldn't have the time to make it there and back before dark. We did get to stop at the Salmon Cascades and saw a couple salmon swimming upstream. Another beautiful spot.
We are headed to the Hoh Rain Forest tomorrow and will also explore a little of Forks (won't take long) and go to a couple of the beaches here. Have to check the tide tables first!
Traffic here is not bad at all - a perfect time to be here. What is scary though are the logging trucks. They fly down the road and take the turns like they were a little car! The temperature this morning was 48 when we left the motel. Out around Neah Bay it didn't get above 57 degrees but once we came inland and the sun was out it got up to 67 degrees.
Another thing we've noticed is that people will leave their stuff, go look at something and come back to get it. Yesterday we saw a lady pushing a double stroller and she took one of the kids out (looked to be about a year old) and went in to the Empress Hotel and left the other little boy in the stroller out front! He was probably 3 years old. He just waved at everyone and said hi. A lady stopped and talked to him and patted his hand and went on. Also, there isn't trash around. The harbor at Port Angeles and Victoria was so clean and clear. It was a nice change.
Until tomorrow.......
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