Seattle - Day 8 Saturday July 30

I took this photo as we enjoyed a cocktail on the deck last evening, and did not download the photo until today.

Although we did not get into the Hoh Rainforest area yesterday, Lake Quinault is also located in the rainforest, so we enjoyed some time walking in the rain forest today. So, you might ask, what exactly constitutes a rain forest? And if you are not asking, skip this paragraph. As moisture-filled clouds push inland from the Pacific, they release more than 12 feet of rain on the western slopes of the Olympic Mountains. By the time the clouds cross the mountain range, they are moisture depleted, and the east side of the range sits in the "rain shadow." Olympics NP has temperate rain forests that share these qualities: they receive over 100 inches of rain and fog drip per year, have abundant mosses and fungi, have large amounts of fallen and "standing dead" trees, and consist primarily of needle-leaf trees.

We walked the Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop early this morning, and were the only people there. Our time there reminded me of the Japanese concept of "forest bathing"; it really is calming to be in nature. Many of the trees in this area are believed to be over 400 years old. It is amazing that faced with high winds, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other assaults over the centuries, so many continue to stand tall and straight. Those that have fallen reveal just how enormous they were.

The sounds of Willaby Creek provided the music for the morning stroll.

Here are some additional photos.

As we leave our last national park, this placard in the rain forest seems to be a fitting farewell and a reminder to us all.

Traffic was heavy as we headed to Seattle, and it was a very congested Saturday afternoon. Where did our forest bathing zen go?

Pike's Market was in full swing....

...and the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market still toss the fish around (I could not get a photo of the fish in the air)

We stopped for lunch at Le Pichet Cafe a few blocks from the market, where we had time and WiFi to check our email. Charlie passed his COVID test. I did not. It is difficult for me to imagine that what is not even a "bad cold" is going to end this vacation for both of us. I am going to re-test on a home test tomorrow morning, but I am resigned to the fact that what will be will be.

And so, we end with a most unexpected plot twist to our blog. Keep a good thought for us as we figure out our next steps.

Thanks for traveling along with us. At least we are never boring.

Photos are tagged Alaska, Olympic_NP and Seattle