Up hill, Down hill, Up hill... LAKE!

What a better way to explore Washington, than to take a hike through one of its most amazing national parks?!

This past Saturday, we did just that. With the help of a few new friends, Chad and I were able to hike up to Silver Lake. Unfortunately, the location details of this hike are a sworn secret, as it is not in any guide book seen so far, but I can tell you we were in Olympic National forest, near Sequim, about 10 miles down a dirt road... past that I was pretty much lost... which I think was the point...

Anyway - we went at the perfect time of year, not too hot, not too cold, and other than once we got to the lake, and being stuck in a cloud... not too wet. Though, at more than one point in the trip we definitely felt a little like Californians... Almost as soon as we got to the lake, a little damp rain cloud decided to sit right on top of us. Chad and I were in typical CA hiking gear - jeans/khakis and long sleeve shirts. At this point though, the point of misty rain, everyone else pulls out -OF NOWHERE- full rain gear, pants, gloves, jackets.... needless to say we were cold... and wet.... but luckily not for long. As soon as we started the journey back, Chad and I were better off than the rest - who had to stop again and de-gear.

The lake was amazing - crystal clear, not too big, surrounded by sitting rocks. We could see fish jumping and misquotes flying... The highlight for me was we went during prime picking season! Along the trail we found ripe currants and blue huckleberries! Just right there! Within arms reach! A dream. Come. True.



The hike was a perfect 4 hours. But I was not about to accept driving 2 hours each way, for only a 4 hour hike! So after a quick cup of coffee in Sequim with the group, Chad and I headed for Port Angeles.

Port Angeles... weird little city/town. Not much to offer, but a bit of shopping and food. There might be more to the place off the beaten path... but the beaten one looks just that... kind of old and a little tired. Luckily, with the help of our GPS, we found a GREAT little, odd, restaurant: Bushwacker Seafood Restaurant. It was good. The help was interesting... and very honest about the shortcomings of certain foods... but all in all good. I would recommend it if you are looking for a simple, decent, great priced, meal.


And that was that, great people, amazing scenery, and good food. Could you ask for a better day? I think not.