Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is a weird town

I was able to spend a couple of nights in Ocean Shores, Washington, a place I hadn't visited in 30+ years.  I recall now why it is often referred to as "Open Sores" .  Built in the 1960s as a planned community, it embraces the automobile to an extend bordering on the absurd.  There is, quite literally, no way to walk or bike in this hideously spread out and crumbling town.  Still, it is interesting.

Being able to drive on the beach is part of the "allure"

Maria near the southern tip of the peninsula

Bellingham

Waterfront path

It is great to have a reason to visit Bellingham, Washington.  It's a town I could live in some day.

Bellingham Bay

Bellingham Bay

Der Leavenworth

The Wenatchee River 

We stopped in Leavenworth for a night on the way to Bellingham.  It is a spectacular setting for a tourist trap town.

View of alpenglow from our room

Pretty authentic looking structure, actually

Lava Camp

North Sister, South Mathieu Lake

Maria and I ran up to Lava Camp for a Sunday night camp.  Hiked the Mathieu Lakes trail from the campsite.  Had it mostly to ourselves fora night - a nice treat this summer

Camping at Lava Camp

Catching up

Hinton Creek wildflowers

Early July backpack into Separation Creek Meadows.  There is effectively no trail into this place, which meant we had it all to ourselves for the weekend.  Beautiful views, amazing springs, great (small) swimming holes, solitude, quiet, what more could you want?

Middle and South Sisters from Separation Creek Meadows

Separation Creek Meadows looking toward the Husband

James Creek Shelter