OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK - 2

SATURDAY: 20 JULY:

Mark reviewed the weather before we called it a night and decided that there would not be much of a sunrise as the low cloud cover was quite thick. So we were able to sleep in for an extra hour!!

Once up, we went first to Rialto Beach to see how the fog was there.  While at the beach there was some play with

photographing the effects of looking through one and two crystal balls. I just photographed using my iPhone here.

CRYSTAL BALL PHOTOGRAPHY

A FOGGY MORNING

SAME STUMP, DIFFERENT ANGLE

Then we headed inland to capture foggy effects in the forest. The sunbeams were up high. We then turned ourselves 180˚ and took in the views across the road: of a farm, a field of resting elk, and moisture on the grasses and weeds. My weed shots did not meet muster.

Back in town we had breakfast and then a four hour break. Once again I took the opportunity to get a good nap. I also checked in with George. All was well on the home front.

It was sunny and warm in the afternoon. We decided on a picnic dinner at the beach. We settled on ordering three pizzas which we took to Rialto Beach. 

Afterwards we strolled up the beach to enjoy capturing sunset. Along the way we explored a couple of large logs that gave us interesting windows. 

When we reached the North End of the beach a number of the group climbed up the ridge for a more panoramic view looking back down the beach. This was not for me. I had a good time exploring along the beach. 

Sunset was good and enjoyable. Due to the summer time and the weekend, there were a lot of others on the beach, and you can not wait for them to get out of your picture as you want to capture the special light on the stacks. It was still an enjoyable time.

SUNDAY, JULY 21st:

Yes, we were back at Rialto Beach for sunrise. Though we have been here before, one always discovers new things as one walks along. The beach and light is always changing. Again I walked South. I found a different log to use for a foreground, as well as jumble of logs on the berm. I also got a picture of La Push, a small fishing village across the river. 

Had another nice break during the mid-day. We then met up for dinner at Blakeslee’s Bar and Grill located just South of Fork. The food was good, wholesome, and plentiful. We then headed South to Second Beach for the evening.

The trail to the beach is three quarter of a mile in length and all downhill. We had plenty of time so we could do a little photography as we walked along within the forest which was quite thick, and lush.

Once you get to the beach you have to climb through and over a maze of logs to actually get to the beach.

SAND PATTERN

Once on the beach I did a walk around a sea stack and then headed North to the “Keyhole”, Quateata Arch, which was challenging as you want to get the sun setting either in the Keyhole or position the camera so that the sun “kisses” the edge of the Keyhole and you get a star burst. I did not have much time to set up for this. 

The sky was nice tonight as well. 

NICE SETTING FOR WEDDING PICTURES

After the sunset we had a small campfire for the making of s’mores. 

I think only one person partook of the traditional delicacy! We were too busy with our photography and learning about and photographing burning steel wool. 

Finally it was time to hike back up to our cars in the dark, in a dark forest. First we had to climb over the forest of downed tree logs. We all had flashlights or used our phone flashlights to light the way. Thankfully Kathie and John took some of my gear which made it much easier for me. We all made it back to the cars slowly but surely. We were back at our motel about 12:15 a.m.