The "Rain Forest"

  Pregnancy does crazy things to a person. For example it makes me do the things I wouldn't do normally, like hiking in a rain forest. I have wanted to visit the Hoh Rain forest for several years now and never got around to it. Daniel and I decided it was time. We arraigned to meet up with my sister in the camp ground and since Lizzy was so upset about missing 2 days of summer reading camp, we left after her school got out on Thursday and headed up. From our house it took about 4 hrs along the coast to drive up. It was a beautiful day and the scenes were beautiful. I must admit I was excited when we first glimpsed the Pacific Ocean through the trees! It was amazing. We met up with Jessica and set about making dinner and setting up camp.

The kids played statues.

The next day we went on our hike. The rangers were very accommodating and showed us the best path to see the rain forest. It was beautiful, but I do admit to being a little disappointed that it didn't even sprinkle. Where's the rain? I asked the ranger about how the warmer weather was affecting the rain forest and she said they had had an influx of rain this year and average about 14 feet of rain a year! I was shocked! I can't imagine what 14 feet of rain is like and I'm a Washingtonian! 

I loved the shadow play.

In my lumbering condition I was naturally slower then the rest of the group. Jessica, Junon and Makayla graciously stayed with me. Poor Daniel had to corral the others on his own. 

There were tiny salmon fry in the creek. They will stay until about a year old then head out to the ocean for 4 years and then return and spawn.

   We finally all met up again. The kids loved doing the junior ranger packets.  Next we played in the Hoh River. Daniel freed a log to make a primitive canoe. The kids loved playing on it. The water was freezing, but refreshing too. 

I don't know if Daniel's toes have fully recovered from the shock. We spent the rest of the night playing at the camp and then went to a ranger camp fireside. The kids got to learn about moss and pretend to be trees and dance. They had a great time. I stayed behind and had a much needed rest.

 Making popcorn.

   I didn't get a picture, but the night sky was amazing. I could see the milky way and so many stars. I couldn't remember the last time I could see so many. When we go back I want to bring the telescope. It was majestic. Our final morning we went to the ocean and played in the eddies on Ruby Beach. It was beautiful.

Cooking the breakfast of champions!

The weather was perfect, the company divine. All in all a great trip. Sorry for the picture overload, but you know me. Have to document everything. Til next time!