Monday, May 30, 2005
Cape Flattery
Getting there - Ferry to Bainbridge island, 305N-104W-101W-112W (Total of roughly 4 hours drive).
Cape Flattery is supposed to be the most northwestern point in the mainland US. I happened to see some fotos of the bay in some sites and was mesmerized. I tell you, all the hardships in driving all the way up there will not go waste. The scenery is simply amazing, breathtaking. Plus, you also get to make a record of the fact that you touched a piece of land that has some geographic importance (like touching hte North Pole, to give an example!!).
We started around 5:30 from my Seattle apartment, and took the 6:15pm ferry to Bainbrige island. Reaching the island started off a very long drive heading northwest passing Port angeles, Sequim, lake crescent to name a few places. The last stretch on 112 was quite adventurous filled with bends all over. it had gotten pitch dark during the last stretch, and one gets a feeling that you just go on for ever in a road that ends no where. Also, we were the lonely riders and we sighted one car about every mile.
Despite being desperate to see light at the end of the tunnel, we were racing and the road would not end. Finally, there was light at teh side of the tunnel and some signs of human habitation, and we stopped t here in search of food (we had skipped lunch). It was a bar and we were served with the last remains of some greasy appetizers. Guys in the other car came after us and they didnt have even that.
The final shocker came in the form of the motel - we finally found the Tyee motel. As we approached inside, a shadow moved inside one of those rooms in the middle fo the darkness (it was midnight). That did remind me of the movie 'Psycho'. But all is well that ends well, and we had just a good nights sleep without bothering about the scary surroundings, the ants, and other perils.
Coming to the main story, the trail that leads to the beautiful view point is about 5 miles from the town. Dont miss out the diversion routes that have amazing view points the only drawback being the whole walkway is covered with tall plants on either sides so you are basically walking on a pgymy route. Basically you have this amazing view of the ocean waters; there is a huge cave on the side that is breathtaking. the main view has Tatoosh islands and the water dashes against the rocks causing this gigantic splash.
Another thing worth mention is the sandy beach on the way back - with huge waves splashing, its a good spot for surfing. Well, we had other things in mind - played frisbee for a while, and got into quite violent mood with kabbadi.
Cape Flattery is supposed to be the most northwestern point in the mainland US. I happened to see some fotos of the bay in some sites and was mesmerized. I tell you, all the hardships in driving all the way up there will not go waste. The scenery is simply amazing, breathtaking. Plus, you also get to make a record of the fact that you touched a piece of land that has some geographic importance (like touching hte North Pole, to give an example!!).
We started around 5:30 from my Seattle apartment, and took the 6:15pm ferry to Bainbrige island. Reaching the island started off a very long drive heading northwest passing Port angeles, Sequim, lake crescent to name a few places. The last stretch on 112 was quite adventurous filled with bends all over. it had gotten pitch dark during the last stretch, and one gets a feeling that you just go on for ever in a road that ends no where. Also, we were the lonely riders and we sighted one car about every mile.
Despite being desperate to see light at the end of the tunnel, we were racing and the road would not end. Finally, there was light at teh side of the tunnel and some signs of human habitation, and we stopped t here in search of food (we had skipped lunch). It was a bar and we were served with the last remains of some greasy appetizers. Guys in the other car came after us and they didnt have even that.
The final shocker came in the form of the motel - we finally found the Tyee motel. As we approached inside, a shadow moved inside one of those rooms in the middle fo the darkness (it was midnight). That did remind me of the movie 'Psycho'. But all is well that ends well, and we had just a good nights sleep without bothering about the scary surroundings, the ants, and other perils.
Coming to the main story, the trail that leads to the beautiful view point is about 5 miles from the town. Dont miss out the diversion routes that have amazing view points the only drawback being the whole walkway is covered with tall plants on either sides so you are basically walking on a pgymy route. Basically you have this amazing view of the ocean waters; there is a huge cave on the side that is breathtaking. the main view has Tatoosh islands and the water dashes against the rocks causing this gigantic splash.
Another thing worth mention is the sandy beach on the way back - with huge waves splashing, its a good spot for surfing. Well, we had other things in mind - played frisbee for a while, and got into quite violent mood with kabbadi.
