Last chance to see...

[LOLGEOFF]

Holy Guacamole! Old cars, old planes, Mom and Pop and plenty of grub, this trip has just gone up a notch.

 

[Arsey]

We need a GoFundMe and get Mike a CT125 to keep at Jorge’s.
The pace will be slower but perfect for the trip report maestro


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk

 

[Hairnet600]

mike on a trail (sorry mike)

and mr O looks fondly at cruisers

hand the 4 wheeler back now !!!!

thanks mike

 

[oblertone]

A cruiser parked at Jorge's might tick a few boxes

 

[Arsey]

mike on a trail (sorry mike)

and mr O looks fondly at cruisers

hand the 4 wheeler back now !!!!

thanks mike

I forgot he’s 6ft eleventy nine


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk

 

[Hairnet600]

I forgot he’s 6ft eleventy nine


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk

yes.

 

[MikeO]

30th September 2023

I sleep restlessly, and eventually get on the road, suited and booted at about 0930...

...and follow the old highway out of town, towards Port Angeles for a while...

I bet the local kids dare each other to go inside this old place...

I'm not hungry, after last night's nacho-fest, but I'm looking out for coffee...

...which is supplied, in the form of a large Americano, by the delightful Chloe and Stephanie, at Rebel Heart Coffee...


I make my way up Hurricane Ridge Road, towards the entrance to Olympic National Park...

It's a gloriously sunny day and a perfect opportunity to visit the park, because, as Chlöe says "The mountains are out"...

Ranger Lisa, from LA, checks my Parks Pass and gives me a map. "Are you British?" - I said I am - "The last car that went in was driven by Brits - from Norfolk". Good grief - that's where I live. What are the chances?

Lisa also tells me, that if I'm around for a couple of days and the US Government closes down operations, as seems likely, all National Parks will be closed. Lisa will be unpaid if it happens and - although she'll receive back pay eventually - she'll have to survive in the meantime...

I set the Duckling the task of getting me to the top of the ridge - several miles and a few thousand feet away...

How nice to be able to see deer and not worry about whether they are going to do something psychotic and skittle you off your bike...

It's a simple drive - and a dead end, so I'll be covering the same ground on the way down. I open the window and the air is thick with the smell of pine resin...

I feel like I'm on the set of The Last of the Mohicans...

...although a version where Daniel Day-Lewis has put on a lot of weight and decided to rent a car...

The view back down to Port Angeles, where I turned off to enter the Park, shows how much I've climbed already - and I'm barely halfway to the Ridge...

Trees are starting to thin a little as I approach the summit...

When I reach Hurricane Ridge, the view is just breathtaking...

The distance-blued hills hold mist that looks like smoke in their valleys...

It's a weekend, so the Park is busy, despite this being out of season...

Part of the area is fenced off. This was a Visitor Centre, but it burned down in May this year - the reason is still under investigation...

A short walk over to the other side of the ridge...

...gives you a view of the Juan de Fuca Straits, and Vancouver Island on the horizon...

I'm really lucky to be here in such clear weather...

More later (too many pics)...

 

[MikeO]

I take a last look, then set the Duckling back down the hill. I press a button trying to switch an interior light on - and find I have a sunroof...

I stop at a couple of overlooks that I bypassed on the way up, knowing I'd be returning the same way...

At this one...

I'm introduced to Blue...

...presumably named for the colour of his eyes. He's very well-behaved, but his owner says that he has a habit of getting into any car that has a door open...

I eventually get back down from Hurricane Ridge and turn onto Highway 101 West...

Now I am on the lookout for somewhere to eat. Coffee can only sustain a chap so long...

The Fairmount Diner - perfect...

It's built in 1950's pop art style, and has a good crop of cars in the car park...

Hmmm, let's see...

The Fairmount Mess, I think...

Kaya, my waitress, asks if I'd like some hot sauce to go with it. Not wishing to be too British about things I said "Sure - surprise me"...

She tells me this is her favourite, and that it's in short supply at the moment. I put a little puddle of it at the side of my eggs...

I try the smallest amount and - immediately - my eyes start watering; my sinuses have never been so clear; I think I can hear colours...

I can still taste it seven hours later...

The meal was delicious, and the coffee and banter with the wait staff (Kaya is on the left) was excellent...

I get the Duckling back on the road, noticing this sign on an SUV in the car park...

The 101 follows the southern shore of Crescent Lake for several miles...

...once again, I'm reminded of the A82 that follows the western shore of Loch Lomond - if it wasn't for the blue sky and dry roads...

The water is amazingly clear...

Any idea what type of trees these are? They reminded me a little of Plane Trees, in that their bark is odd - but colored reddish brown and seems to peel off naturally...

This is a beautiful place...

Although most of the trees here are evergreens, the few deciduous trees and bushes are in full autumn colours and provide a beautiful backdrop to the scenery...

The colours look almost artificial. These trees were - appropriately - at a tree farm, on the splendidly named Pysht River Road...

This road hugs the shoreline - and at times is fairly rough...

I stop for a few minutes, just listening to the waves breaking onto the shore...

I pass a "Road Narrows" sign. For the Duckling, it's already pretty narrow...

A house there would do nicely, wouldn't it?

Eventually, I'm back on the 101 and heading through Port Angeles...

I get back to the hotel at about 1800, then pop back out to buy some stuff at Walgreens Pharmacy (not what you think

) - and fill the Duckling up with $103 worth of Premium.

The computer tells me I have a range of 635 miles...

At about 1930 I weaken and pop next door to the 101 Diner for a cheeseburger...

Where to tomorrow?

 

[LOLGEOFF]

No need for deer whistles now then, did we ever find the definitive answer as to whether they worked or not?

Did you ask why on the menu they spelt omelette as omelet yet on the specials board it's spelt correctly? Not important but when I saw it on the menu first I presumed it was the American spelling like color and humor.

Does the National Park permit you bought at Yosemite get you into the other National parks a bit like a National Trust one does over here?

PS Don't bother answering if it slows down the production of the next installment of 'our' trip...

 

[tjmouse]

Loving this. Thanks Mike

 

[Hairnet600]

Does the National Park permit you bought at Yosemite get you into the other National parks a bit like a National Trust one does over here?

yes

Entrance Passes (U.S. National Park Service)

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, covering entrance, standard amenity, and day-use fees.

www.nps.gov

theyre a barg if you have a car full

@MikeO do you qualify for a senior pass or is that for residents?

 

[MikeO]

No need for deer whistles now then, did we ever find the definitive answer as to whether they worked or not?

Did you ask why on the menu they spelt omelette as omelet yet on the specials board it's spelt correctly? Not important but when I saw it on the menu first I presumed it was the American spelling like color and humor.

Does the National Park permit you bought at Yosemite get you into the other National parks a bit like a National Trust one does over here?

PS Don't bother answering if it slows down the production of the next installment of 'our' trip...

As Hairnet said, it gives you access to all National Parks (but not State Parks). I got a cheaper rate for being over 65, but if I'd been a US citizen, I would have a lifetime pass for the $80 I paid for an annual one.

The standard spelling seems to be omelet - I hadn't noticed the specials board (nothing distracts me when I'm ready for breakfast )

One of the guys on ADVrider ran a huge transport fleet and fitted 50% of them with deer whistles, and over a three-month period - during which they collectively covered millions of miles - he found no correlation between having whistles fitted and hitting deer. Unfortunately, they're just a 'normal operating hazard', as we used to call it in the RAF.
You can minimise the chances of encounters, by avoiding travelling at twilight (when they move from their sleep area to feeding areas and return), but mostly you're just trusting to luck...

 

[Tinytim]

As Hairnet said, it gives you access to all National Parks (but not State Parks). I got a cheaper rate for being over 65, but if I'd been a US citizen, I would have a lifetime pass for the $80 I paid for an annual one.

The standard spelling seems to be omelet - I hadn't noticed the specials board (nothing distracts me when I'm ready for breakfast )

One of the guys on ADVrider ran a huge transport fleet and fitted 50% of them with deer whistles, and over a three-month period - during which they collectively covered millions of miles - he found no correlation between having whistles fitted and hitting deer. Unfortunately, they're just a 'normal operating hazard', as we used to call it in the RAF.
You can minimise the chances of encounters, by avoiding travelling at twilight (when they move from their sleep area to feeding areas and return), but mostly you're just trusting to luck...

You hit deer in the RAF ?

 

[EVskiy]

Any idea what type of trees these are? They reminded me a little of Plane Trees, in that their bark is odd - but colored reddish brown and seems to peel off naturally...

Good stuff Mike!

The tree in question is a Pacific Madrone. I haven’t seen one in person, in a photograph, nor have I even heard of it before. However, as You are an iPhone user, the power is in your hands, (pun intended). I have managed to find the information about your tree, by simply following these steps in the photos app of an iPhone/iPad or even on a Mac.

These are screenshots from my iPhone of a photograph I took yesterday, after having a debate with my wife about this tree (in a photograph)and what it is called.

• Open Photos app on your iPhoine
• Tap on the photo of a tree, (even pet, an animal, food, etc)
• Locate an ”i” information button/tab at the bottom of the screen
• 

• Tap on it

• 

• This will give you the name of the plant and associated metadata*, including geolocation where the photo was taken, type of lens used, etc.
• By taping on the name of a plant, this will open a submenu with the relevant webpages, for further information about the subject in question.
• 

I hope that this little contribution, does help you with identifying various subjects in the future.


* A number of year ago, I have watched a “24h in Police Custody” program about a burglary here’s in the UK.

 

[MikeO]

You hit deer in the RAF ?

We flew low..

 

[MikeO]

1st October 2023

Rabbits.

I sleep pretty well and set about packing up to leave. I have a great shower and, after getting dressed and checking I haven't left anything behind, load the Duckling up and head out at about 0920.

Jimmy is busy with a cleaning cart and gives me a wave. This is a nice little motel and I'll stay here if I'm ever in this area again...

Like yesterday, I don't feel the need for breakfast, but I definitely need a coffee...

As the driver ahead of me at the drive-through places their order, I have time to read the (extensive) menu. It seems more like a sweet shop (candy store) than a coffee house. I shuffle my way to the front, where the lovely Sarah...

...provides me with a large bucket of Americano, made with hot milk - excellent...

I set off on what I expect to be a fairly routine reciprocal of the trip I did to get here. To be honest, I put the destination into Waze, then looked at the mileage and time and thought, "That'll do" and paid no more attention.

So it's a mild surprise when I'm soon turned off the route...

...and spot some old Detroit iron lurking just off the road...

Any guesses as to make/model/year?

This one is unusual enough to be fairly easy...

How about this chap then?

I rejoin the road and have barely got up to speed when I come across this display...

There are a few years covered by these, aren't there?

The duck-egg green one looks like it is being used as a daily driver. The others - less so...

At a filling station just up the road, this giant is being offered for sale - $8500, if you're in the market...

Waze steers me into Port Townsend - a busy seaport with a large marina...

...as well as an old car...

...which has had a ludicrous nose job.

Following Waze's directions, I turn right into...

...a ferry terminal. Apparently, I'm catching a ferry today... :rofl

The guy at the kiosk asked if I had a reservation - obviously, I didn't. He says, "You might be lucky and get on this one" pointing to the ferry just manoeuvering to dock. I park the Duckling in the 'Standby' lane and wait...

All the booked traffic files on board, then they start with the Standby lane.

They stop me and say it's full... :bluduh

Suddenly the lady's radio squawks "One more car!" - Huzzah!

...the Duckling is shoe-horned aboard and the ferry was underway before I'd got out of the car.

I am an old hand at ferry crossings, having done a tour of duty in the Outer Hebrides when in the RAF - this is very familiar...

Bit of Titanic action going on there...

The crossing, I learn, takes about 35 minutes. The fare (discounted because I'm "senior") was $11.95.

This is Jim, who used to be a teacher, then went to work for Hewlett Packard making microchips. He used to teach Physics and Chemistry. "Never fancied becoming a meth producer like Walter White, then?" I ask him. "I'm pretty sure some of my students did" is his reply...

The ferry is approaching the terminal, so I return to the Duckling, to meet Loofy (named by the kids - lovable and goofy). He's a Retriever/Labrador cross and fully deserves his name...

Very soon, we are directed off onto dry land...

Waze takes me down some pleasant, tree-lined roads, generally with a 50mph limit...

It really is a beautiful day - about 65F but without a breath of wind...

Good to know.

There's a lot of traffic - almost certainly because it's Sunday.

You'll find two places with full car parks in the USA on a Sunday - churches and good restaurants. Sunday breakfast out is an institution here...

It's just gone midday when I pull into the parking lot of the Island Café...

There's a queue for tables, but the chap says I can be seated now if I'm happy at the counter. I am...

It's a busy, bustling place, all tables full and staff at full tilt...

I get a jar of lemonade and then order a taco salad...

...which was great... :dukegirl

I get back on the road, heading north towards Interstate 5 again...

Two Prowlers guard the gate of NAS Whidbey Island...

How about that for a bridge?

This is Deception Pass - there's a State Park here (which I didn't visit), but the scenery is beautiful...

Onward!

There are mountains on the horizon...

There must have been a hot-rod meeting near here - I passed this Cobra...

...as well as whatever this is...

I'm approaching the Canadian border...

Where they have a great Totem-pole...

I slowly creep forward as cars ahead of me are cleared through the control post. When it's my turn, the female agent is very polite - but searching with her questions. How long was I going to be in Canada; where was I going; is this a rental car; any tobacco alcohol or firearms aboard; when are you flying back; where from etc

I clearly passed and she wished me a fun time in Canada...

I drive the Duckling over a lot of road humps and rejoin the highway north towards Vancouver, my target for tonight.

As I enter the city, I notice it has overhead wires strung everywhere - the 'bendy-buses' are clearly electrically propelled...

I enter the downtown part of the city - where I have been unwise enough to book my room...

It's chaos - like trying to drive around a pedestrian precinct.

The realisation dawns on me that I don't have cell phone cover in Canada - only in the USA, so I can't get Waze to find places. I think outside the box and use the BMW system to do it - no problem - it even puts the turn-by-turn and map onto the head-up display...

I eventually find the English Bay hotel and Phil books me in. Car parking here looks like a nightmare - no problem, for $15 (Canadian) per night I can use the underground car park. He shows me, using photographs, where to go. Past the second dumpster, turn left. He gives me a key to operate the door.

I follow his directions - the ramp is bloody terrifying

The ceiling is very low - and I wince as I slowly drive the Duckling in - but apparently, it's high enough. It's not high enough to use the auto-tailgate opening gizmo, so I do this manually.

I climb the stairs back to the lobby and tell Phil that the ramp is terrifying - he just laughs, "Wait until you have to drive up it"

I get the elevator to the fourth floor, to my simple, but clean and functional room.

It has a view...

...and a choice of beds. To begin with, I didn't think it had an air conditioner, then I opened the curtains...

It works really well, too.

Good day.

 

[wilbjr21]

Ahhh - just fabulous xxx

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Great write up Mike

 

[Doc]

Very nice.

 

[Arsey]

Nice one .
It’ll take a tad longer getting back in to the US and A !!


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk