Highway 101

It was really nice to be greeted by the woods and the lake right next to my window this morning.

With the lovely sunshine, water sports in the lake are really tempting. These inflatable kayaks, produced Advanced Elements, are made of high-end materials and components. The on-board storage spaces are plenty. In addition, the seats looked so comfortable for paddlers that I really wanted to give it a try. However, I did not rent the boat because I thought paddling in such a wide lake would be quite exhausting.

Therefore, I decided to save some money and just to conquer the nearby trails. The trails near the lodge are several. I finished the Marymere Falls Trail first and then challenged the Storm King Trail. The latter is much more difficult than the former. It is an all-the-way-up-hill narrow trail. Some paths are right along the ridges. Several spots have shortcuts seconds away from Paradise. Still, I tried to concentrate on every single footstep, appreciating and experiencing the very moment. From time to time, I could not sense the existence of my legs and knees: they were so sore. Yet, as I reached the top, I was so enchanted with the incredibly splendid view.

The reward of the tiresome hike is priceless. I could see most of the Lake Crescent from the top. There was even a sea of clouds behind the remote mountains at the far end. The lake view from the summit of Mt. Storm King was much better than I had expected. It allows the nature to complete me, making me joyful and fulfilled.

Before saying goodbye to Lake Crescent, I took a picture from the west end, looking east into the lake and valley. The lake was so clear that I could see the reflections of clouds in the water. I wish could have stayed here longer. (The lodge costs a fortune. I couldn’t afford another night.)

In the late afternoon, I went to the Hoh Rain Forest. The Hall of Mosses in it is a unique loop. I could see pine trees and maple trees covered with mosses. It was totally like a subtropical park in Taiwan. I guess the average participation there is much larger than Taiwan’s tough. However, since it was almost late evening, I just spent less than one hour in the park and headed to west. (I had planned to visit the Ruby Beach before sunset. Still, when I got to the beach, it was too late. I had no choice but to continue to Aberdeen. I should have had planned a three-day-trip. What a pity!)

Because I did not find the function keys for cruise, I had to constantly step on the gas pedal. After I emerged onto Highway 12, my right leg started to be sore to a point that I could not help but to press it with my left hand just to keep a steady speed.