The Dosewallips River on the Eastern Flank of the Olympic Mountains

 

The 25-mile long Dosewallips River begins as two forks near Mount Anderson, which then join about five miles from the headwaters. The name Dosewallips comes from a Twana Indian myth about a man named Dos-wail-opsh who was turned into a mountain at the river's source. There are also Klallam legends about the "Great Changer", Doquebatl, who transformed a mythical Klallam chief into a mountain at the headwaters of the Dosewallips River. Two species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, Puget Sound chinook and Hood Canal summer chum, reside in the river.

Lisbon, Porto, Evora, Obidos, Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, Figueira da Foz, Nazare, Peniche, Foz del Arelho, Monsaraz, Vila Vicosa…

Get lost on the dense, winding, steep cobblestone streets of Lisbon and Porto. Explore the ancient, walled cities of Evora, Obidos, and Monsaraz. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere in beach towns Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, Figueira da Foz, Nazare, Peniche, and Foz del Arelho. Eat the Pastel de Nata, Bacalhau A Bras, Caldo Verde, Sardinhas Assadas, Alheira de Mirandela, and Francesinha. 

 

55 miles of walking in Paris

 

We have always skirted around Paris when in France but decided to make Paris our focus this time. Won't skip Paris again! All the Parisians we met were so wonderful and helpful, and made us feel welcome in their city. Our only poor planning was that our visit to the Arc de Triomphe coincided with King Charles visit to same. You can guess who won out on that clash in timing. We can’t wait to again visit and know we will be spending much time at our favorite patisserie in the 14^th Arr.

Exploring Iceland’s great outdoors

So much to see in Iceland. The majestic rivers, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanoes, geothermal pools, and lush greenery are amazing to experience in person.  Make sure to sample the local foods including various pastries, fish stew, and rye bread ice cream.  A sad reality however is that due to climate change, scientists are predicting the glaciers in Iceland will be gone in the next 200 years. Hard to imagine Iceland without glaciers. 

Paddling Lake Tahoe, Nevada

 

Some of the best kayaking and paddleboarding I have done is at Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Starting at Sand Harbor State Park on the NE side of the lake, there are nearly 15 miles of rugged, protected shoreline to spend the day paddling along. Enjoy the secluded beaches, rock formations and the deep, clear water Lake Tahoe is known for.

Barkley Sound and the Broken Group archipelago, Vancouver Island, BC

Barkley Sound is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia just south of Ucluelet. The Broken Group archipelago lies within the sound and is a key component of the Pacific Rim National Park. The archipelago consists of over 100 islands, islets and rocky outcrops scattered in the center of Barkley Sound, and is internationally known for incredible boating, kayaking and wilderness camping on the remote and desolate islands within the park. Barkley Sound is part of the traditional territory of the Nuu-cha-nulth First nations. In 1787, Captain Charles Barkley of Imperial Eagle, explored the sound and named it after himself.

Sometimes you just have to get out of the way

 

I believe this is a Los Angeles Class submarine passing us on our way back into Puget Sound. The Navy escort vessel crew asked us to move aside, and we were happy to comply.

Above the timberline along Grand Ridge in Olympic National Park

This undulating trail varies in elevation from 5,000-6,500 feet and is considered one of the most spectacular high alpine day hikes in the Olympic Mountains. Great views looking into the Olympic Mountains including the Grey Wolf River Valley, The Needles, and Grand Valley. To the north - Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Mount Baker. 

A deep valley and a high alpine vista along the Olympic Mountain's South Fork Tunnel Creek trail

The South Fork Tunnel Creek trail climbs westward through the Buckhorn Wilderness beginning on the eastern flank of the Olympic Mountains. The termination presents one of the best views of 7,743 ft. Mt. Constance in the Olympics. There is a little of everything on this hike; a moss filled valley, cascading creeks, old growth forest, and unobstructed high alpine views of the Olympic Mountains to the east and Puget Sound to the west.