A Journey To The Heart
September came and went in a blink of an eye. It was over before it began, it felt like.
During that month, I lived on the road, residing in my trusty truck, "Brandi". My girlfriend Annie and I had meticulously planned our trip for several months with the primary objective of reaching Denver, Colorado to witness a performance by "The Head and The Heart" at the prestigious Red Rocks Amphitheater. The tickets were a gift from Annie, either for my birthday or Christmas, however, we couldn't quite recall which.
As September approached, it was time to embark on our journey. Our only set stops were to visit my parents in Idaho for a couple of days and then finally reaching Denver. The rest of our trip was spontaneous, discovering new places and experiences along the way. Our itinerary consisted of scenic hikes, relaxing by tranquil lakes, and exploring uncharted territories. Our route took us through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.
This visual diary below is a recollection of our trip. All the pictures were captured using my Nikon Z7 and Fujifilm X100v cameras, and processed with Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Nik Plugins , and Lumenzia.
Kalaloch Beach - Overnight Trip
Very much glamping for the night. Flat and paved parking. Even a picnic bench!
Walking along the beach. Olympic National Park.
It’s been years since I had last been to Kalaloch beach. The last time I had been there was in 2016 with Annie. Heading to the Washington coast is something we never get tired of. I don’t think anyone can ever get enough of it, to be honest. There is something about the Washington beaches that always leave you wanting more.
Recently, Annie and I purchased a rooftop tent from Free Spirit Recreation. We’ve only been able to get out once before in it for a quick trip. The occasion arose once again where we could take off for a quick overnight trip. Though it had been slightly planned as we knew we might be able to get away. The planning I put into it was to pull a steak from the freezer, defrost it and add a little salt and pepper onto it 24 hours before. If you don’t know me, I love to cook.
We loaded up the truck and headed out to the beach. Taking a few back ways on our way there. I always enjoy slowing down and taking time to meander through the small towns on the way to wherever we are going.
Driftwood.
After a couple of hours of driving we made it out to Kalaloch and it was a beautiful and overcast day on the beach. The wind wasn’t too bad until later in the afternoon. We were able to walk a few miles on the beach before it really picked up on our hike back to the campsite. The tide was coming in while we were out on the northern edge of Kalaloch. Wandering around and watching the waves crash over the rocks is a thing of beauty.
Annie, wandering the beach and going to look at the tide pools.
After a few hours around at camp, the winds and rain came barreling into the coast. We knew this was going to happen but I did not believe it would rain as hard as I thought it would. I should have known better. The rest of our evening was spent up in the RTT having a couple of beers, playing war and 10,000 while the wind and rain battered the tent. I slept through most of all the storm, I guess Annie didn’t. Needless to say, I got a great night of sleep.🤷♂️
The next morning we packed up and headed off towards Port Angeles on a mission. Mainly myself because I was really craving Frugals. As we were leaving, the clouds were beginning to break and the morning light was starting to shine through. I can’t wait for more sunny days and more days on the beach.
Until next time, Kalaoch…
Into The Buckhorn Wilderness
Day one: Tubal Cain Trailhead to Buckhorn Lake.
The start of the trip was a late one. Annie had to open at work. She was up at 3:50 AM. After she was off and back home, she was able to switch a shift around, and then we were off after that!
Arriving at the trailhead late meant the parking would be a little cramped when we would pull in. It didn’t help that anyone at the trailhead knew how to park, at all.
We loaded the last few things into our packs, and we were off into the forest. The first few miles was a gradual climb up through wild rhododendrons that were just about in full bloom. As you make your way up, you have a trail to your left that takes you into Tull Canyon and the Tubal Cain Mine. Tull Canyon is the almost final resting place of an SB-17, a search and rescue variant of a B-17. The SB-17 collided with a mountain ridge en route to a search and rescue operation. A few flight crew members did not survive the impact and slide down into the valley. After the wreck, the fuselage was salvaged and is now one of the two remaining B-17’s that are airworthy.
We made our way across copper creek and began the real part of the climb. The trail switchbacks it was through the forest and spits you out on an almost wide open hill side. That’s when you get your first real glimpse of Buckhorn Mountain. You’ll never forget that first glance. As we worked our way to the cutoff for Buckhorn Lake we slowed down and soaked up the sun and views. At 5.6 miles, you will reach the cut-off to the lake. Two creeks and a bit more climbing later, you follow a steep and rooted trail to the lake.
Buckhorn Lake was the highest I have ever seen it. We dropped our packs, set up camp and reluctantly dunked ourselves into the lake. It was a shock to the system. Rinsing off sweat had never been so difficult. After that, we rushed back to change and hang up the sweaty clothes we washed off. Then it was time to make dinner, have a nip of whiskey, and watch the sunset from our tent. That night was a beautiful one. Camped right on the lake, Buckhorn Mountain towering above and the rush of the waterfall that feeds the lake.
Buckhorn Lake to Iron Peak
It was a clear morning on the lake. We woke, made coffee, and broke down camp. The original plan was to hike from Buckhorn Lake to the Charlia Lakes. Once again, were back, zigzagging through the trees. After a quick mile and half, you break from the trees and fully witness the majesty that is the Olympics. You have a 360 degree view of the mountains. It’s one of those views you never tire of. Now that we had broken from the trees, the fun begins again. The snow was still covering much of the trail in the higher elevation. Instead of switch backing your way up, it’s a straight climb up the snow and hillside to try and avoid most of the snow. Once you make your way past, you’ll reach the saddle below Iron Mountain. You can see for miles. It was when we were reach the top of the saddle, we realized that reach Charlia lakes was out of the question. Seeing how much snow was still covering the area to the south of Marmot pass, we decided to have a shorter day, and camp on the saddle. That’s okay though. From our tent we could see Seattle, Mount Rainier, Adams, and St Helen’s.
The next morning was an uneventful one. We packed up and headed straight back down to the car. There were swarms of day hikers and the weekend was approaching. We thought it would be best for us to just pick up camp and head back home. We did make it back to the car in just over 2 hours.
Mount Walker
The day before going on a hike I am one of those people who constantly refreshes NOAA.gov to watch the weather for where I am going. I can’t help it. It’s the skier in me. I have to know.
I woke up at 6 AM. Not only that, but I hopped on my phone to once again refresh NOAA and check the weather one last time. 45 °F and mostly sunny was the forecast. I grabbed my backpack loaded up with my camera gear and day hiking gear then headed to my truck to warm it up. Hitting the road from Port Orchard it was a cold foggy morning until we reached the Hood Canal Bridge. Once we took the left onto the bridge the Olympic Mountains were out in full glory with the golden morning sun falling on them.
F-Stop Loka UL
After getting to the trailhead of Mount Walker there was a thin layer of mist lying across the valley. We loaded up and hit the trail. It was also my first hike with my new day hiking/camera bag; the F-Stop Loka UL. Watch for a review after I have taken it out a few more times. About 20 minutes into our hike we had gained just enough elevation to see over the trees and across the valley to see Mount Townsend. I was pretty excited about that. What I really wanted to do this day was make a large panoramic photograph from the summit of Mount Walker
The forecast definitely changed from mostly sunny. Heavy fog rolled in and the lightest snowfall started to fall on us. As much as I wanted a beautiful sunny day I will never turn down a snowy day in the forest. The trail only had a small amount of slush and ice from the last storm system that moved through. Days of warmer temperatures and rain washed away most of it. Around the 1800’ level, there was a solid layer of snow and ice. Which the snow that was falling started to pile on top of. The rest of the hike was a steep push through the snow and ice to the top.
The last push to the top.
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile.
Upon reaching the summit we were treated to one incredible view..
North Viewpoint
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile
No, it wasn’t quite the view we had been hoping for, but you can’t always get the exact conditions you hope for. All that matters was we got out and enjoyed the day in the snow. I did get my camera out to take one photo while on the hike. It’s had 3 versions of it already in its 72 hours of existence. This was the one that I have settled on for now. We decided to hike the road out to add more distance on our hike. The whole way down I was watching how the mist would float through the trees. I couldn't stop staring at them. After watching the trees and looking for a composition I liked I had finally found one I truly enjoyed.
Morning Mist
I still have a couple of limited edition metal prints for sale over on my shop. Go take a look!
Snowmageddon 2021
Snowmageddon
2021
The rare occurrence of snow has struck once again in the lowlands of Western Washington. The chaos that ensues after the snow is always incredible to me. I grew up playing in the snow as well as living in Spokane and the Silver Valley for a couple of years. The snow is one of my favorite things.
Snow falling on the water in Port Orchard.
Though, seeing the snow in the lowlands of Western Washington is always a different feeling to me. Growing up here we never would see much at all. Maybe once or twice a year if we were lucky. During this round of snow about a foot of snow fell in town which was pretty incredible to wake up to.
Evening stroll
Evening stroll part 2
Waterman Pier
Later on, in the evening the storm started to roll in with full force. The winds were absolutely howling. The was causing white-out conditions and snowdrifts were forming in front of your eyes (okay not really that bad but you get the idea).
The next morning after the brunt of the storm had passed we woke up to almost a foot of snow! Of course, we got up early and headed out for a quick drive around town before all the folks who can’t drive or shouldn’t drive in the snow were out. The town looked gorgeous with the fresh blanket of snow over it. After getting out for the short jaunt around town it was time to head back and enjoy the snow day at home.
My drone was almost hit by a flock pigeons..
The day called for Ranch Water (tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico), and my first attempt at making the traditional Spanish dish; Paella. It was my first attempt but definitely not my last one. I plan on trying it again next week after we finish eating this batch. This round of it was slightly improvised since I had most but not all of the ingredients I would need. Next time will be a smaller batch of seafood paella.
The first attempt of paella.
Until next time everyone!
PS: I still have some limited edition metal prints over in my shop!
Dungeness Spit - A quick day trip in Western Washington
It’s been nothing but rain here in Western Washington for the last few days. The days of sitting inside were starting to get to us, more than they normally do. Don’t get me wrong, this has been a weird winter. As I sit here and write this it’s 50°F outside and it’s the second day of February.
The 5 mile long Dungeness Spit located near Sequim, Washington.
Cliffs along the beach to the SW.
After watching the weather on NOAA.gov we finally decided that we should just go for it. After countless times of refreshing the page to check different places and seeing where was getting the least rain, we both jumped at the idea of heading out to the spit. The need for some beach time has been at an all-time high.
The view we have been waiting for..
Annie, about 30 seconds before she started laughing.
A pile of kelp strewn across the beach
Getting to the spit is a walk in the park, literally. The short drive into the refuge takes only a few minutes. You’ll pass parking areas for the cliffs and camping before you arrive at the final parking area and this is where you’re adventure will begin.
Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk down a well-marked path to the beach. That first sight of the whole spit is truly breathtaking. Even on a cloudy overcast day. On your walk down make sure to slow down and read all the signs along the way. They are all well worth the read, especially if you have never been!
And no, we didn’t hike out to the lighthouse on this trip. We arrived a little late and didn’t have the time to make it out. Next time!
One last ocean view before we go.
Two image stack for depth of field.