We left Port Townsend headed for Sekiu (SEE q) via Lake Crescent.
It was a day of beauty and wonder, yet there were several disappointments. Our first big stop was a ninety-foot waterfall. However, the road to the area was closed because the bridge was out, and we weren’t allowed to park and walk to the trail.
Mossy tree on the way to the waterfall we didn’t see.
Elwha River, on the way to the same elusive waterfall.
Our second big stop was another waterfall near Lake Crescent but the lady ranger said it was pretty much just a trickle this year. Not enough rain.
So we enjoyed one of the lake’s beaches and loved the beautiful drive.
We saw a lot of these signs along the way.
We stopped, too, in the campground at the west end of the lake and saw huge maple trees. Some towered above their conifer friends. I’d never seen such large maples.
On, then, to Sekiu with a few pauses for wandering and photos.
Cinda loves to skip stones, especially in the ocean. Gotta brag for her here: last year she was in Scotland and won the International Stone Skimming contest! I travel with winners.
When we got to our friends’ cabin in Sekiu, they whisked us away to Cape Flattery. It is the westernmost point in the continental US.
It was a brisk fifteen-minute walk through rainforest to the Cape. Down, down, down. And down.
At the Cape we were treated to the views and also to a special view: a gray (we think) whale was right near water’s edge feeding on some wonderful whale dinner treat.
The place was magical.
But there was another disappointment: my camera battery died. I got one shot and then had to use my phone camera which has a crappy zoom, hence the distant shots of the whale.
Then it was time to head up, up, up. And up.
Cinda found a slug.
And tried to hide.
Soon we were heading back to the cabin.
One of the many totem poles and paintings we saw
But on the way, another treat – a herd of elk!
Then a delicious dinner, lively conversation, and a great night’s sleep.
The next morning, beach time and a wonderful sunrise. More great conversation and it was time to head south.
What a lovely sunrise to send us on our way!
Emilie Vardaman 
Amazing pictures. It does look magical!
Thanks, Gina. I recommend this trip. Just plan on EIGHT WEEKS instead of eighteen days.
Your camera is worth whatever you paid for it, since, in the hands of an artist and planet-lover, it WORKS! Love, Marybeth
Thanks, Marybeth!!!!
Wonderful! I saw a gray whale, too, could it possibly be the same one? Sounds like you¹re having a fabulous time, and I love the fact that Cinda is a pro stone skipper. Enjoy.
Deonne
Have to add this to my list of places to see.
Yep! Do visit.
Likely the same whale, Deonne!
Love seeing these, thanks!!!
You are so welcome! I travel for you, Pat.
Love the picture of mom skipping rocks – a very familiar and happy sight for me. Many of your pictures remind me of Brian’s and my trip to Oregon a few years ago. So happy for you both… and looking forward to heading to Spain with mom next month! Hugs – Marianne
Marianne, the only thing wrong with your trip to Spain is I’m not going.
Glad you’re enjoying.
What a wonderful blog! I wish I could be there, it looks marvelous! Thanks for sharing your trip and your pictures. Several of them are now wallpapers in my computer! I loved Port Townsend! And I will have to ask Cinda to teach me to skip stones, mine always sink!
It is wonderful, Tere. And my stones sink. too.
Wow, Emilie, what gorgeousness! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures, and in such a colorful, relatable voice. And a stone skimming pro as your pal?! Never even knew about this competition. I learn new things every time I visit here. Thank you for the gifts and happy trails….
Thanks, Chloe. It is spectacular up here!
Next year I plan on a sailing visit along the coast of Maine. All my girlfriends (including you!) are invited to join me. Six days on a fall colors cruise. It is affordable and looks fabulous.
Ooooo, that sounds heavenly. I am honored to be invited–thank you so much. A lot of things are possible…..
Beautiful. So glad that you can see such beautiful scenery. Thanks again for sharing. Hope to see you again soon.
You must get up this way!
Beeeooooootiful, Emilie!!
Ann, this has been on my bucket list for a long time. SO GLAD I made it!
Beautiful! Glad you got to see all of that—and share it with us!
Glad yu enjoyed it Sarrah. More to come!