Starting the trip

It is the end of day two as I am writing this post, comfy in my quiet campsite at Heart O’ The Hills campground in Olympic National park. I stare up at the trees above me from the comfort of my tent and bed. Belly full. Body worked and tired. The smell of campfire in the air. If only my last two nights were like this! The Border Crossing Lets start back 48 hours ago. My Friday evening goal was to get out of Canada and set myself up at the Bellingham Walmart overnight where I could finish preparing myself with the necessities for my week in Olympic National park. Reaching the border, I was prepared for the questions to come. I knew I seemed like a strange person. I pull up to the customs officer, where the first question he asked was “Are you aware that there is a piece of plywood behind your head?” Okay, big smile, explain endeavor. He was a little skeptical at first. I was asked to open the doors, the trunk, and I proudly showed off my creation. “Ah, so this is your … hotel.” He seemed less than impressed. In fact he seemed somewhat confused and concerned by what I was doing. I was informed that I was going in the wrong direction for Ottawa. Yes, I know. I was questioned three times about being a dentist. (I suppose I am not acting very “dentisty”.) But in the end, after a little more probing, I got through.

America the great

Continuing my treck, I made it to my lovely destination of the Bellingham Walmart. I thought this would be a bit of a fun and American experience. However, as I parked, I couldn’t help but begin to feel apprehensive about my trip. Perhaps it all the concern and questioning by the border guard. Was I actually out of my mind? I went to buy groceries and supplies. On my way back to the car, I noticed more campers had pulled in around me. My people! I peered into windows expectantly, hoping to wave to my kindred spirits. I didn’t get much of a response. As I made myself a dinner out of the back of my vehicle, I continued to try to learn about my neighbours as they set up for the night. Hmmm, I seem to be the only woman. I also seem to be much younger than any of these people. And my camper is significantly crappier. Apprehension grew. My Walmart dream was becoming less pleasant.

Time for bed! Tomorrow I will be on my way. I vowed no more Walmarts for a little while, locked myself into my car, and did my best to sleep peacefully. Around midnight I was awoken by my not so lovely neighbours, hanging around their car drinking and swearing about the world. I resigned to closing my windows and hoping I wouldn’t swelter in the sun by morning.

Saturday

Tired, sweaty, washing my face in a Walmart bathroom. This will improve. This must improve. I ditched the parking lot as soon as I could and headed down to go for a run by the water and have my breakfast in Boulevard park. This park was beautiful and a great way to start my morning. Long stretches of boardwalk and gravel paths flank the water, and there are beautiful spots to sit and watch the sailboats as you enjoy your morning coffee (or entire breakfast, if you are me). This was a good start.

The rest of the day was a slow and crowded commute through Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, a ferry ride to Port Townsend, and a further couple hours drive on to Port Angeles, the hub to Olympic National Park. I did some quick sightseeing along the way, stopping at Deception Pass and Port Williams Park.

By the time I made it to my destination, it was past 7pm, late to find accommodation. Nearly all the campgrounds in Olympic National Park are operated on a first come first serve basis, which did not work to my favor as I was certainly not first come. Coupled with it being a Saturday, there was simply nothing available. After spending an hour or two searching around for somewhere peaceful to rest my head (or at least to take a shower), I had no luck and (with head down) surrendered to the Walmart for rest. Sigh. Tomorrow will be better?

Sunday An early start to my day again, and I was off on a hunt for a campsite. I found a beautiful spot at Heart O The Hills campground, lifting a huge weight off my chest (no more Walmart!), and could finally get to exploring the park. Today I would venture to Hurricane Ridge and attempt Klahhane Ridge Trail, a 13km hike with panoramic views of the mountain range. This trail was arduous, hot, and in many places still snowy, but oh those views! I teamed up with a trio of girls from Oregon for most of the hike, and we had a great time figuring out how to hike this snowy terrain. Add to that some visits from wildlife, and this made for a great day.

Tired from this hike, I finished my day with a hop in the lake, and spent some time at both the Olympic National Park visitor center and the Hurricane Ridge Information center. Now relaxing at my campsite, it feels as though things are now a little more on track again. Tomorrow, I will be heading up to Deer Park Campground, a campsite up in the mountains with beautiful views and basically nothing else.

Thanks for reading! Amanda

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