Where we laid our heads tonight.
The behemoth is on the move again. Cloudy/foggy day again. Today we crossed the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Washington. Lots of construction/repairs going on, so it was single lane alternating traffic.
Once across the bridge, we headed east on Hwy 401 (also called the Lewis & Clark Trail Hwy). The first place we encountered was the Dismal Nitch Rest Area. Curious about the name, I discovered further links to Lewis & Clark: In 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition Corps of Discovery were low on supplies and traveling rapidly down the Columbia River, intending to meet one of the last trading ships of the season, hoping to secure needed supplies and to send journals and specimens back home as requested by President Jefferson. On November 10, 1805, a severe winter storm struck the area, forcing them off the river for six days and preventing them from meeting the supply ships. The group landed in a cove on the north bank of the river that Captain William Clark called in his journals “that dismal little nitch.” After the storm passed the company moved to Station Camp on the west side of Point Ellice, and camped at that location for 10 days before relocating for the winter to Fort Clatsop (the location of current-day Astoria).
After following the Columbia River shoreline for about 5 miles, Hwy 401 headed north, and so did we, continuing to Hwy 4 and then northwest to reconnect with Hwy 101. Our intended destination was Port Townsend, so rather than take Hwy 101 all the way west and then back east to PT, we headed east near Aberdeen on Hwy 12and then Hwy 8 to where it met up with the east end of Hwy 101, then north to Port Townsend. More scenic roadways, but again windy and narrow.
We had thought to stay in Port Townsend for the night, but decided instead to catch the ferry and get ourselves over to Whidby Island and Oak Harbour. By the time we arrived, we had decided to stay two nights. We want to visit Costco and Camping World before heading home, so figured it would be easier to do it using the car, then we can just head straight home on Sunday without any stops.
Headed into Oak Harbor for a greek dinner (generous leftovers for tomorrow), then back to camp for some relaxation and then bed.
Until next time, dear followers.
After following the Columbia River shoreline for about 5 miles, Hwy 401 headed north, and so did we, continuing to Hwy 4 and then northwest to reconnect with Hwy 101. Our intended destination was Port Townsend, so rather than take Hwy 101 all the way west and then back east to PT, we headed east near Aberdeen on Hwy 12and then Hwy 8 to where it met up with the east end of Hwy 101, then north to Port Townsend. More scenic roadways, but again windy and narrow.
We had thought to stay in Port Townsend for the night, but decided instead to catch the ferry and get ourselves over to Whidby Island and Oak Harbour. By the time we arrived, we had decided to stay two nights. We want to visit Costco and Camping World before heading home, so figured it would be easier to do it using the car, then we can just head straight home on Sunday without any stops.
Headed into Oak Harbor for a greek dinner (generous leftovers for tomorrow), then back to camp for some relaxation and then bed.
Until next time, dear followers.