Well we were going to get some work done on the deck, and I was figuring out how to settle into retirement. But the weather kept looking good and the sun kept shining. Then the fires started and the smoke haze started rolling in and got worse. So we looked at the opportunities to see where we could escape to for a few days until either the wind turned or the rain started. We didn’t want to go far, but we didn’t want to stay home either. So we opted for our now favorite go-to spot at Salt Creek. The forecast called for a light westerly wind, and we thought being that close to the Strait the winds would be strong enough to clear out the smoke (and they were). They still reserve sites at Salt Creek until the end of October, but they have several that are first come and we knew we’d find something we liked, even if it wasn’t our favorite spot right on the bluff.

We went out on Sunday right at checkout time like we had done at Staircase and tried to wedge ourselves into a bluff spot. The trailer would fit and was pointed in correctly, but there was a big stump that Rob could not get the truck over, so it was a no go. We ended up above in a pull through spot with a nice view of the Strait. And the best part was Brittney & Buddy brought the boys out for a picnic and some time in the play area and tide pools. Those boys are growing so fast it’s just frightening. We cherish every second with them.

On Tuesday we took the bikes over to Lake Crescent for a ride. We’ve done this trip before, but this time we went all the way to the trailhead at 101 west of the lake. We discovered that the trail winds further through the woods there and across the Sol Duc river. Definitely a must do for another day to start at that trailhead and ride even more of the Olympic Discovery Trail. The lake was so beautiful that day, crystal clear and calm.

We had some pretty sunsets and beautiful weather. But it was mid October, and even though it was nearly 70 degrees during the day in the sun, at night it still gets cold quick as the sun sets. And sadly, another weird thing, there is a burn ban in Clallam County. So no campfires to keep us warm and sit around at night. We spent more time inside the trailer than normal, and decided to come home Wednesday before the rains returned. This retirement life is so far working out pretty good.

Pix of the quick stay at Salt Creek are here.