This post will focus on our journey up the Pacific Northwest Coast. We finally got out of Fremont on September 26th. We packed for various possible scenarios and ranging climates. All the potential things we would need for the next few months fit in our Honda Odyssey. The idea was to drive along the Pacific Northwest Coast. We hoped to camp along the way as long as fires/smoke permitted and then eventually get to Sequim, Washington to Ankur Bhai's place.
The first destination that we were hoping to reach is Elk Prarie Campground. Raj had called and it seemed reservations were full but we were hoping to get in. We didn't get in but camped at a closeby private camground, Kamp Klamath, instead. It was about a 6/7 hour car trip but time went by really quickly in between Harry Potter readings, naps and fun pitstops.
The first full day there, we took our time to settle in and lazily explore. The campground had a park in it and access to the Klamath River. We walked through the path and came across so many tree frogs. I played tether ball for the first time in my life. Then we biked down to the ocean and spent hours watching people try to catch salmon and the harbor seals/sea lions dip their heads in and out of the water.
The second day was a bit comical. We wanted to try to get into Elk Prarie campground. It was part of the state parks and felt like it was more in the woods fully. However, there's no reception in these areas. We had to let Kamp Klamath know if we were staying another night or not but needed to physically go to Elk Prairie to see if there was an opening. So we went and it seemed like they would be able to get us in but not until 2pm. So then, we went back to Kamp Klamath and packed up. Then we headed back to the new campground to set up shop. This also happened to be a day that Amaani seemed to have hurt her knee. She was more cranky than usual and refused to walk. Let's just saw we were all a bit cranky this day.
We woke up the next morning with a fresh start. Amaani hand washed her clothes for the first time. The air smelled a little smoky and we were hearing rumblings of fire nearby but were hoping for the best. We headed out to Fern Canyon and I must say, I highly recommend it! Absolutely gorgeous. There's a little creek that runs through with both sides of the canyons covered in five finger ferns. The lushness, greenness and abundance were breath taking. I tested out my new rain boots. Amaani and I felt like super sheroes walking through the water. I think Raj mentioned the Roosevelt elk show we saw. It was like National Geographic live. Full pictures here.
Unfortunately though, the haze was continuing to get worse. We were debating to stay or not to stay. We had just paid for another night and had been looking forward to it but decided to err on the side of safety. We packed up the wet clothes, undid the tent and headed north towards Crescent City. We stayed there two nights and did town things. Re-did laundry, grocery, ran some errands, etc. Got some pool time and tide pool explorations. The struggle with going back to civilization is always diving back into the world of over-stimulation, over-eating and distraction. Amaani goes into wanting to use the phone as do we. I go back and forth on this and in the end it's part of the journey for now. Pictures here.
The next chunk was 7 days of camping in a row! We stopped at Beverly Beach State Park in Oregon. This was definitely our longest time camping. No showers either! It was really nice to be in one spot and get to know the place. We had a rhythm, a flow. Raj and I would meditate in the morning and then I usually went for a run and Raj did yoga, pranayam, etc. Then the morning fire, family meeting, setting intentions for the day. Sometimes splitting up. Some days would be staying at the camp site all day and others would be taking day trips. We did a cool waterfall hike. Fun times at the beach. We got to know the towns of Depoe Bay and Newport a bit and checked out the aquarium in Newport. Only ate out once and had a ranch spill in the newly bought car :) Stain wasn't too bad. Did a bunch of rock collecting. I loved family art time at the campsites as well. I made Indian food for the first time during camping. Raj and I would laugh that the Oregon coast just has an endless amount of spectacular views. Full pictures here.
It was a great transition into getting to Sequim. A LOT of family time. So many little joys and waves of uncertainty as well. I managed to wash my hair by pouring warmed water over my head. Feeling grateful for the opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment