A busy day of total relaxation

Relaxation is such hard work!

After our walk on the beach this morning, we went to the jetty at the far and of Ocean Shores (passing Sharky’s Souvenir Shop on the way). 

I was still struggling with Kat’s camera, trying to get the fabulous crisp shots that she gets, but no such luck. 

Tom took the camera while I did my best to scamper on the rocks – totally aware of my ankle, but not about to let an injury from January hamper my fun in August, fergoodnessake!

Then we drove through Ocean Shores, entertained by a few of the interesting signs:

   I’m not sure when the last tsunami was here, but they're prepared for the next one!

It seemed like half the houses were for sale.  The economy has obviously hit this place hard!  This was more sad than entertaining.

We then headed north toward Lake Quinault, where we spent some time at the gorgeous Lake Quinault Lodge.

 

(The cottage above brought back sweet memories of visiting my parents here in about 2000, just before Mom got sick.  They stayed in this cottage, which is part of the Quinault Lodge.)

I sensed a strange familiarity when I saw these blue boxes – one small and one large – but I can’t quite place the memory.

After oooohing and ahhhhing (not!) at the world’s tallest spruce tree…

…we headed to the beautiful Quinault Rain Forest and I went a little crazy with the camera.  (I was using my trusty little Canon SD 11oo IS at this point and Tom was using Kat’s camera; these are pretty much a combination of both.  Can you tell the difference?)

   

On the way back to Ocean Shores, we passed through a town with an interesting name…

…and through a town with beautiful architecture (and a distinctly Stepford Wife feel)…

…before getting back to the condo just in time to relax with a good book and a bottle of wine…

…and watch in awe as this happened right in front of our eyes!

Now it’s 1:30 in the morning and time to sleeeeep!  (And in case you’re wondering – no, I won’t get up at 6 AM to catch the first light on the ocean!)