When I left Seattle, I was able to take a ferry ride on the "Walla Walla" that made my trip to the Olympic Peninsula both brief and totally scenic. My destination was the town of Port Angeles for a number of reasons --- the Olympic Discovery Trail, proximity to the Olympic National Park, ferry departure to Victoria BC, and access to the San Juan Islands. I somehow envisioned doing all of this in just one week though I now know that a summer here might allow me to fit it all in! 

Founded in 1862, Port Angeles is a town of timber, fishing and tourism along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On clear days,you can see snow-covered Mount Baker from the waterfront with the Olympic Mountain range to the north. While I didn't complete my unrealistic itinerary, I did cycle the Trail a few days, hike a number of areas of the NP, and enjoy a lot of social time at my adorable little hostel. I believe I met about 25 people in a week, and nearly every night there was a social event -- a birthday party, movie night, music on the pier, and more -- a real communal setting. 

The photos will tell the story, I hope. I've now arrived in Portland after spending a few days at the base of Mt. St. Helens but that tale will come in a day or two!