August 7 Seattle - Toronto

Packing was a challenge. Not willing to throw away the camp chairs we purchased, we had to buy another suitcase to fit all of our things. We were prepared to pay the extra $35 per bag for the two extra bags we had over the two free we were allowed by Air Canada Jazz. The lady at the airport counter was very nice. Only one of our bags was under weight, so she let us re-pack things and re-weigh. She only weighed one of the bags, took the rest, but then didn't charge us for any of them. Nice. She didn't however, put us in the bulkhead seats that we paid for, but the $70 we saved in bags was worth it. 

We were also a little worried to drop off the Sentra at Hertz. It was filthy, and had a little hidden scratch where the tree knocked off the mirror casing, but a quick once over was all they did. They told me we owed $131 in taxes, but our credit card was never charged. 

We watched some movies on the plane and enjoyed the spectacular views on the gorgeous, clear summer day!

Mt. Rainier at 10 000 feet

August 6 Seattle

We were very surprised when we checked into our room the night before. We booked it on hotwire. We chose Kent, an area near the airport, 3 stars for $107 per night. We were very surprised when we opened the door to our second floor room, and found that it opened to a full kitchen and boardroom, with main floor bathroom. Our bedroom was upstairs next to the upstairs washroom. There was also a pool and a hot tub. Breakfast was included, and consisted of eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, cereal, pastries, quesadillas, and more. I think dinner was included during the week as well.

Note the boardroom to the right. For our spontaneous breakout meetings.

We drove to Lake Washington for SeaFair and got to watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels put on a spectacular show from beneath the I90 floating bridge. They actually close the bridge and let people stand along a portion of it, for fly bys, but it was too crowded so we went for the view from beneath.

After the show, we made our way to Pike Place Market, a public market of many floors, filled with boutiques and delicious foods. We bought several trinkets, and ate yummy meat on a stick. Shay took video of the seafood guys tossing fish around.

Shay paid 50 cents to see the shoes behind the curtain.

We were hungry when we got home, and near our hotel was a mall and many restaurants. We ate at the Olive Garden. We both hadn't been in years since they made their mass exodus from Canada. We were very sad to be leaving Seattle, and to be ending our adventure.

August 5 La Push - Hurricane Ridge - Seattle

It was very fitting that the only rain we encountered was overnight while camping in La Push. we woke up and did our best to dry off our tent as we packed it up for the last time. We headed out to the beach to take some pictures. It was absolutely stunning, even while covered in fog.

 

We couldn't find anywhere good to eat in La Push so we headed toward Hurricane Ridge, hoping to find somewhere on the way. We ended up stopping at The Hungry Bear Cafe. It was alright. Offered wifi that didn't really work, but not bad overall.

 

It was everywhere!

The department store where Bella and the girls tried on dresses

 

The Italian restaurant where Edward and Bella have their first date.

Up in the clouds en route to Hurricane Ridge.

 Deer roaming freely.

 

Beautiful

Above the clouds

We had some fun jumping.

 We met a really nice guy while hiking here, and he gave us a bunch of tips for things to do in Seattle. We made our way down, and over to Bainbridge where we caught a car ferry to Seattle, and drove to our hotel, The Hawthorne Suites, in Kent.

August 4 Portland - Forks - Hoh Rainforest - La Push

We had another big day ahead, so it was an early start and check out. We had one last camping reservation in La Push at the Lonesome Creek Resort on First Beach. We had many stops along the way!

The first was to see the biggest Spruce Tree!

 

While continuing our drive in and out of the Olympic National Forest we stumbled upon the Largest Cedar tree!

So much greenery....

 ...and wild life...

 

I am not a crazy Twilight Fan, but I did enjoy the books, and when in Rome...

A very embarrassed closet-fan...

Bella's Truck from the film.

 So at the Chamber of Commerce, they will give you a map of the town with all of the interest points mentioned in the book. Nothing was filmed in Forks, so all of the points of interest on the map are from the book and not necessarily the films. Shay played it up like a scavenger hunt in order to keep his sanity. We had to keep ahead of the tour bus that I can't believe people actually pay for.

The Swan House

Dr. Cullen's Parking Spot at the Hospital

We almost hit this dog three times. He was just roaming around. Stopped for a belly rub.

City Hall which also doubles as the Police Dept.

Ridiculous. It was amazing how many people were trying to get a piece. Even the pharmacy.

The Cullen house based on the book.

After Forks we got another map to the Hoh Rainforest. It went from cloudy overcast skies in Forks to sunshine and warmth a few kilometers away in the rainforest. So weird.

 

The Rainforest was beautiful. Our only beef was that there were so many people, as the paths are all gravel covered and more like parade routes then hiking trails. Onwards to find our campsite in La Push!

Our campsite at Lonesome Creek. First Beach in the background.

Jacob's Den complete with motorcycle

Jacob's garage

Even La Push wanted a piece.