Hurricane Ridge August 2011

We hadn't been up to Hurricane Ridge in over 20 years, but this weekend decided it was time to head up again. We were visiting Grandpa Campbell in Port Angeles anyway, and he said he'd like to go, so the six of us ( me, Jim, Ian, Colette, Orv and Phyllis) packed in our van and off we went. They now charge $15. entrance fee which will give you 7-days worth of access should you be so inclined. The ride up was gorgeous, and narrower than I remember, but this time we were in a Honda van and last time in a VW Bug, so I guess that stands to reason. We headed straight into a fog bank which was eerie and deliciously cooling at the same time. The fog lasted about 4 miles and we broke through it to nothing but beautiful, blue sky as we arrived at the lodge. It was a perfect day! There was the usual deer, lots of snow for August and tourists from all over the world. The kids loved it and Jim felt at home in the mountains, as he always does. We walked and told the kids that this was where their Dad learned to ski many moons ago. Jim used to drive up there every Saturday and Sunday during his senior year of high school for ski patrol. I asked Orville if he worried about him in the ice and snow on that winding, narrow roadway. He paused for a long time and, in his understated way, said "yes." He quickly added he wasn't nearly as worried as Jim's Mom. I can imagine it. Our trip down, oddly enough, was without any fog, as it headed east while we were enjoying the sunny ridge. I suppose I ought to have been enjoying the scenery on the way down, but was instead directing Jim to hug the center line as we descended, because I was in the front passenger seat and felt like I was going to tumble down the side of the mountains should he drive too close to the edge. In his logical way he mentioned if I went down, we all went down, to which I mentioned it had nothing to do with logic and to PLEASE pay attention and hug the dad gum center line!! Obviously, I am writing this post, so we made it down safe and sound. He did a fine job with a car full of folks and an antsy co-pilot. Here are some pictures to tide you over until you can enjoy it yourself. Happy Summering!! (All Photos Courtesy of Colette Campbell)