Thanksgiving Olympic Peninsula Trip

Washington's Olympic Peninsula is one of my favorite places in the world. The remnants of the Pacific Coastal Rainforest protected in Olympic National Park are recognized as a UN World Heritage Site. For nearly a decade we have joined our friends on a trip out to the Pacific Ocean at La Push where we celebrate dinner and enjoy the weather–and that would be the rain which comes every winter and averages over 12' of precipitation. This year featured pounding rain and an ideal level for Perfection Falls which we hit on the way out. Our friends Web and Cyn passed their baby Alder around as they took turns on the falls–Alder will probably be ready to run it next year.

Web lining up for a run off Perfection Falls.

Aki had fun watching the show at the falls. Within about 30 seconds of mom putting dad in charge of watching Aki, he of course crawled into the river and overtopped his boots–good thing mom brought too many clothes as usual.

It's been fun watching the transition as all our friends become parents. Where there were no kids 3 years ago, we now have a full house of toddlers that just keeps growing.

Aki and Alder playing on the couch.

Aki, Alder, and Cassia on the couch.

Aki seems to be on his way to becoming the adventure athlete of the bunch–though Alder may not be far behind. Aki did several laps jumping off the back of the couch into Jan's arms trying to catch as much air as possible.

Jumping off the back of the couch.

A big part of Thanksgiving is getting out and enjoying the Olympic Peninsula. Weather was just a little cold to take Aki out on the river but we hiked in with the group to the Bogachiel River. Aki soon convinced his good friend Omar to give him a ride in his kayak.

Aki gets a ride with Omar.

Aki whisked along through the rainforest and on his way to the river.

Following the line of kayakers in to the Bogachiel.

Aki had no problem crossing the streams.

After about a 15 hike in we finally arrived at the river. Aki watched as the group got into their kayaks and prepared for their trip down the river.

What are all those silly people doing?

Aki watches the show.

The kayakers begin their journey downstream as Aki explores the gravel bar.

Of course Bikkei has more sense than to go out into the snow and enjoyed the warmth of the wood stove back at the cabin.

We had a great trip but getting back home proved to be a challenge. It took us over 3 hours just to drive along Lake Crescent which is only about 15 miles. Unexpected low elevation snow hit the Peninsula and our progress was slowed both by the snow and dozens of trees that kept falling across the road. The Prius is not a snow car and we had to dig ourselves out a couple times and accept help from others who were kind enough to give us a push start.

Waiting with the other travelers on Highway 101 as volunteers clear the road with their chainsaws.

We did make it back home safe and sound and Aki is already thinking about his next adventure.