Tuesday, September 24
Rain all morning. As soon as it stops, the crew and I hop in the Perfect Tow Vehicle and head to the beach!
The Sol Duc River meets the sea . . .
We pause for this tourist photo . . .
Bridget, Spike and I work our way past the logs.
“Wait a minute, guys. I want to take a picture of this bird.”
The bird flies to another perch. He’s a willing subject, so I zoom in for a close-up.
He’s riding the crest of a wooden wave!
We can hear the pounding of the surf. Then we get our first glimpse of it beyond the driftwood.
The rain is gone momentarily, but the fog remains.
We walk to the north along the huge logs.
We pause to watch the thundering waves.
The frothy breakers look like layers of petticoats.
We come to the perfect log for a canine crew photo shoot. I lift Bridget and Spike into position.
“Okay, now. Stay there. Good! Hold it . . . ”
“That was great! Now wait . . . profiles! Perfect! Don’t move . . . ”
“Okay, time out.” Spike needs a drink after all that hard work.
“Whoa! Watch out! Those waves are close!”
We continue further along the beach. I meet a young couple sitting on a log watching the waves. I ask them to take a picture of me and the crew.
The mysterious RVSue keeps her back turned. Actually the face-on photo broke the camera. Noooooo . . . .
I put the crew back in the PTV and return to the beach. The sky darkens. A rain cloud approaches from the west.
I love this! Everywhere I look is a photo . . . . Ooh, moody . . .
I have to stop here, even though I have many more photos I’d like to share with you. My laptop is low on charge. Maybe tomorrow will be sunnier!
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS,
FOR SHOPPING AMAZON THROUGH MY LINKS!
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Camco Reversible Outdoor Mat (9′ x 12′, Blue Oriental)
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awesome awesome awesome!!!
If you’re not hightailing it south, you might also want to check out Ruby Beach, near Kalaloch. It has a similar feel.
Hi, Alison,
I’ll be taking 101 south and plan to stop at Kalaloch.
Great composition on the photo above the caption, “we pause to watch the thundering waves.” Thanks for sharing these.
Eileen in Phoenix (where it is finally below 100…yipee)
Hi, Eileen,
Thank you. I get a kick out of learning which photos garner attention from readers.
Glad summer is finally leaving Phoenix . . .
Just noticed that I misspelled “yippee” in my post. Next summer, I will strive to learn to spell those basic end-of-summer emotive words correctly. Geesh.
🙂
Love the storm pictures. I see you are North of LaPush across the river where I haven’t been. I’ve been around Forks, LaPush, Neay Bay and south of LaPush in dense forest and beautiful beaches. Also love the canine pics and of course RVSue w/Spike and Bridget. I see other comments w/other points of interest. My daughter works for a wine distributer so we usually make arrangements to stop here and there to visit and taste wine up and down coast of CA, OR, WA when in the area. Can’t wait to see more pics!
Hi, Rita,
I think I’ll take a drive over to LaPush tomorrow. Glad you like my photos!
I vote for the bird on the wooden wave … it continues the theme of amazing duck on Crescent Lake. (There’s a book in here somewhere.) When I look at your cover photo on the desert and then one down to “the Sol du Lac River meets the sea,” I am stunned at the diversity and beauty of our USA. It’s everyone’s birthright to see these things, I believe, and the guaranteed enrichment of one’s soul. But you already know that!!
Powerful words, “It’s everyone’s birthright to see these things, I believe, and the guaranteed enrichment of one’s soul.” Motivating to get out of the rat race.
What you say is so true, Gayle. I appreciate my country more each day and I urge people to get out and see it.
My favorite of today’s photos . . . the Sol Duc River meets the sea … even though I love any pic with the crew in it. (I wish I could get Spike to smile for the camera. He looks so glum.)
You’re having so much fun with that camera!!!!
Don’t you know it! I love it!
Wow Sue, those are nice photos of the PNW Waves, they’d make great paintings ,,,,,,,
Thanks, Rusty! Hug Timber for me!
ok and the same to your pups
Hey Rusty and Timber!!!!!
Hey, Whats up, Geri Moore-Hajek
We’ve been watching ” ion” on DISH, Timber
AHHHH! Living the good life! All we have here is an antenna, but we get 4 channels!
I absolutely love all the photos in this post, Sue, they evoke different emotions and feelings. The ones with the logs make me think of the end of the world, or at least the aftermath of a great storm. I see that the beach is rocky as opposed to sandy – most of the beaches at Key West, Florida, are the same way. Makes for difficult walking but beautiful pictures. And the ones of the crew posing on the rock are priceless; so often they wouldn’t pose for you in the past. I think my favorites are the last two, with the storm clouds coming in and the dark rocks being pounded by the waves.
Hi, Cari,
I can tell that you took the time to really look at the photos. Thank you. I enjoyed your interpretations.
Yes, the beach is covered with smooth, oval stones. Closer to the water it is sandy… a black sand. Both times we visited the beach it was high tide. Maybe you can walk on the sand at low tide.
There are strong warnings about the logs. The ones on the beach can shift (hard to imagine that) and sometimes they can be hidden behind the big waves as they are brought in to shore. People have been hurt and killed by the logs.
Another danger is getting caught between the waves of the incoming tide and the logs that have such a huge girth you can’t climb over them.
Nice weather for late September!
Crossing my fingers, Rob, that we aren’t hit with a monster storm before we leave . . .
Your first photo in this blog is fantastic! The other photos aren’t too shabby either.
Thank you, Susan. That first photo almost makes me want to get out my paints. (No, having too much fun with the camera!)
Love Love Love these shots Sue! I have seen photos of this beach before…………..it is so spectacular and the moods created by the weather make it a photographers dream. Love the drift wood which just adds to the mystique! So loved the two “kids” posing just right and wish that you had not turned your back to the camera. Photos of you are few and far between!!
Hi, Glenda of Australia (I checked to make sure)…
Thank you for the very nice compliments on my photos. I, too, had seen pics of this place before we arrived. It’s fun seeing a place “become real.” You need to get over here, girl!
I SURE DO !!
Yes, Glenda, you need to get over here. One can only hang upside down for just so long!
Got yourself some nice photos there:))
Thank you, Al. I’m honored that you think so!
Wow. Just wow. Oh and I like where the river meets the sea too…then the crashing waves made me catch my breath. How did Spike and Bridgett take to all that noise? Very great moody shots!!
Hi, Dawn,
You wouldn’t believe how many photos I took of the crashing waves. I couldn’t help it! And then I had to pick only a few to post . . . Good to know they’re appreciated. Thank you!
One has to meander through the logs to get to the surf so the sound comes on you gradually. Neither Bridget or Spike seemed the least bit unsettled by it. It’s a soothing “white” noise, even though deep.
Oh I’d believe how many you took. I’m the same way…you’re trying to catch the best moment and you keep trying. We were in San Fran a few years ago, and out on the beach watching the sun set. I have about 500 shots of that sun setting…lol.
I actually prefer the misty, dark photos of a seashore. They have more drama and pull the eye in as you have to look close to discern the details. Great pix of the crew as well. Looks like you are loving the new camera.
Rosemary
Hi, Rosemary,
I am loving this camera and I’m probably not utilizing most of its features. I wasn’t sure if the misty, dark photos would come across well on a computer monitor. Thanks for the compliments.
Love the photos!! Great work with the camera! The crew was very cooperative today.
Hi, John and Pam,
Thank you. The crew was cooperative because Bridget is cooperative by nature (and she doesn’t pull the camera-shy act much any more) and because Spike was stunned that he was up on that log. I had to work fast! Haha!
We can tell you are having a great time with the new camera! And what a place for pictures. I wonder if it’s ever a sunny day on those beaches?
Hi, Mary…
I guess the sun does shine on this beach at some point during the year, but certainly not now!
Hey Sue,
Wanted to let you know of the following alerts:
http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Road delays and such.
Your photos are awesome! I love camping in the rain (but not in a tent, thanks all the same! LOL)
Hugs from a foggy but pleasant Hoquiam,
Barb
Thanks, Barb, for the compliment on the photos and for the link. We should be okay. I may have been tempted to go to South Beach but now I know it’s closed.
This is probably a dumb question… but why are there so many downed trees on this beach? A major storm or shoreline change?
In 2007 there was a huge storm that wiped out much of the forests in the PACNW Coastal region. That may be why there are so many… Our area was off the grid for 15 days. The way of the forest is to leave much of what is lost, for animal use. We lived adjacent to DNR land and they left animal habitats even when logged. Not a dumb question… inquiring minds!
Sue take Care!!!
Barb in Hoquiam
I’m glad you answered, Barb, because I didn’t have any idea how to respond to Connie’s great question.
Thanks Barb… my first guess was that it was some big storm. I don’t recall ever seeing so many downed trees on a beach. In some ways it reminded me of when I was driving the Natchez Trace last year and I hit the area where a huge tornado followed the park road for miles just obliterating all the trees. You have to see it to believe it. There are videos on youtube. Thankfully there was a sign that explained that there had been a tornado. Mother Nature can scare us when she wants to…
Those seas are angry!
Hi, Mark… They certainly are worked up about something!
Your joy is shining through those gorgeous photos.!! (It even shows in the Mysterious RVSue photos!!!!!) Love those pups :).
Your comment about my joy shining through the photos made me go back and look at them in a new way. Thank you for that great compliment!
Great, moody pix Sue. I found a super website you and the rest may find fun. It is a site called Archive.org. If you take a website (even those that no longer exist) and put it’s address in the “wayback machine” on this site. It will offer up a calendar of that site on the date you ask for. It won’t work 100% of the time but it covers almost ALL websites. It doesn’t cover blogs but I tried several sites including newspapers and they all were there. They take a pic of the site on various days, show you the calendar and you pick one of the dates and there you go. It has been the savior for many webmasters who lost there website due to a crash. The are able to re-create from Archive.org. Have fun.
Thanks, Jim. I’ll take a look at it. I hope by the time I quit blogging there is a way to keep an entire blog “alive.” My blog is my baby, my creation!
There’s a place on there to have them add your site. They will schedule dates they hit it and store it. When you visit the site look at the storage equipment. Millions of bucks in gear.
PS The beauty is you can re-create from the archive if ever necessary. When you get there think of a website you know, put it in and take a look. There’s no signup and it’s free.
Sue, the picture of the river meeting the sea(#1) is beautiful. My new favorite of all your MANY beautiful pictures!
The dogs are posing very nicely, training or getting more photogenic?
The northwest coast is beautiful this time of year but watch the weather very carefully. When the storm track opens up, there can be a new one EVERYDAY for an easy week or more.
I try to watch the weather, but when the forecasters get it sooooo wrong, it’s difficult. We won’t stay long in any one place until we get some miles behind us.
Thanks for the compliment on the photos. I like the river pic, too.
Wow! I am almost speechless! Your images are so vivid I can almost hear that surf all the way in NM! The crew portraits are so good…. as are the ones with you hiding in plain sight! Your camera “eye” is spot on! All amazing captures!
Thanks, Geri! You would love it here . . . and so would your camera.
I had to run into Seattle today for a quick errand; as a I looked across Elliot Bay to the Olympic Mtns I saw lots of blue sinkholes. I hoped that was an indication of decent weather on the coast so that you could have another visit to the beach, but since you’re on-line, I guess not. Bummer.
Looks like the next 2 days are going to be quite nice. Take advantage of any breaks you get!
Looks like your blue sinkholes were right!
Wow Sue, you have done an outstanding job on these photos! I don’t think I can choose a favorite, but I sure do like the one of the crew posed on the log.
Thank you, Linda. Aww… yeah… the crew is the bestest!
Hiya!!
Thanks for the snaps! I live just in Forks – so 15 minutes away from where you are and I have not seen this area in 4 years – I tend to be a hermit to the ut … Glad you are getting great weather – rains will be here very soon and you only got a quick taste of it at Fairholm =) Life in a rainforest and all!! Thanks so for sharing your travels – glad I found your page as within a year I will also be traveling such as you =)
Hi, Sye,
Welcome to my blog!
Always a pleasure to meet a fellow hermit … which is a statement that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. LOL!
Good for you… only a year to go! And I mean GO! Come on down to the desert .. .
lol I so understand that statement — I have met many modern hermits – we are a new breed !! Yes the desert sounds amazing- I have been reading up on your trip last year, buddy & your night visitors – being alone in the desert with two dogs that thing they are big dogs has got to be an experience .. and yeah I talk to my two dogs – West Highland Terriers – like they understand perfectly =) Anyway – rainforest to desert – I am addaptable! Look forward to your travels – and ya know Bridget & Spike really need to write a book – they are so amusing!
Hello from Caleefornia
My sister was so nice to bring me her iPad so I can keep up with your blog and pay the NY bills online. (In that specific order). She also brought up the AZ Republic news article on Rusty and Timber. I will eventually need a general delivery address…perhaps when you head back South. Unless of course your travels take you thru this state…I can meet up (gulp) with you! Hah hah
A brief update on my mom…..somehow it went from a compressed spinal fracture to suspected pancreatic cancer! She has been poked, prodded etc. All results are scheduled back tomorrow. My dad has no clue as to the seriousness and doesn’t realize why I’m still here. Apparently it’s against some law for someone other than him to feel under the weather. But that’s a whole other topic.
What gorgeous photos! Haven’t had time to catch up on all of the posts/replies. I’ll do that later tonight. Love your haircut! Stay warm and dry! Hugs to the crew!
Hello, cinandjules!
Such a nice surprise to see you here again. You and your mother have been in my thoughts and prayers. What an ordeal for all of you . . . I’ve experienced something similar with my own parents. Felt like everything was spinning out of control in a downward spiral. God give you strength, patience, stamina, and anything else you need to navigate the rough waters . . .
I appreciate you stopping by with an update. I wish the best possible outcome of your mother’s tests. How fortunate that she has you with her.
Hi, cinandjules
So sorry to hear about your mothers situation, I am praying for the best possible outcome. I know we all are.
Alan
My thoughts are with you. I sincerely hope its something less serious.
Marilu
Currently in Astoria, Or.
All of your thoughts and prayers are sincerely appreciated!
I believe everything happens for a reason although the reason may not seem clear at the present time.
Thought I’d post this back here so it doesn’t disrupt your blog.
It is pancreatic cancer stage 4…….not good at all! I feel horrible for her as she is such a giving person..she doesn’t deserve this….no one does! All she wanted was to live 10 years longer than my dad.
Maybe I’ll take him to the beach…..and hope for one of those sneaker waves! 😉
Gorgeous photos, Sue. Such dramatic scenes. And the first one of Bridget and Spike is the best yet!
I believe the goose in your next blog post is an immature greater white fronted goose
Happy travels
Grandjan