Day 11, Now it Gets Real

Today feels like the real start of the trip. Up to now, we've visited friends and family in places we've been before. Also, up to now, our longest trip was 10 days. So here we are, in uncharted territory.

One of the reasons the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a lovely place is its geology. The Puget Sound is surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Looking at a map of the area, you'll see islands and peninsulas. To make it easier to get from point A to point B, there is a system of ferries and a number of bridges. Driving can take you through wooded areas, towns, and past views of the water. This is great, as long as you are not in a hurry or factor in possible delays, especially during tourist season.

Yesterday, we found that you can't always count on timely travels when ferries are involved. Today, we found the same is true with bridges as our trip was delayed by a drawbridge on the Hood Canal Bridge.

We went over the Snoqualmie Pass, up and over the Cascades to Eastern Washington. The difference in the two sides is remarkable. From the lush, PNW rainforest on the west, to the arid, scrubby plateau of the east.


The temperatures also changed dramatically from temperate 70s to over 100°. The skies on this side are smokey. Hopefully, we will drive away from it tomorrow.


Tonight, we are at Ginkgo Petrified Forest. It is a National Natural Landmark. I hadn't even realized there were such things🙂 We did see some petrified trees. There is a three mile interpretive loop I'd hoped to walk but at 10 pm, it's still 87. Maybe another time.

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