Ruby Beach and Hoh

Well I survived any potential Sasquatch encounters last night, and it was probably the most remote location so far, during this current trip. I did not have cell reception, and I think I was the only one in the middle of this forest. So I did think long and hard about Sasquatch, as I guess it could be a little creepy. I didn't let my mind go there, in the end.

I followed along the coast with a brief stop at Kalaloch Lodge where I stayed back in 2000. The view from the parking lot shows all the felled trees, so this was a Deja Vu for me. I arrived at the stunning Ruby Beach,  just in time for the clouds to break. What a beautiful area. I took a nice long walk with Jo Jo as many more people arrived. I talked to a man who had a tripod and camera, and it was a long interesting conversation with him on a three-week road trip from the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico.

I continued driving to the Hoh Rain Forest, and the sunshine and mild temperatures have held up. This was also one of the trails I took back in 2000. This particular trail, the "Hall of Moses" was very crowded, and very worn down. All along the trail there were signs of human interference with the downed logs, plants and vegetation, and missing moss, and bark from the adjacent trail. It's a relatively short and easy trail, so many people take it. I actually saw better examples of the rain forest during my drive around Lake Quinault, and other areas of the park. Although still beautiful, it was a bit disappointing seeing the wear and tear.

I found a primitive campsite right next to the Hoh River. It's actually private land where they charge $5 for primitive camping. I'm glad my neighbor next door has shut off his generator, which for the life of me I don't understand why people come to such a serene, natural environment just to run their generator. It defies every logic of my being. Let's hope
it lasts.

The Hoh River's continuous flow is crystal-clear aqua blue water, and of course I'm looking down at all the river rocks along the shore. For the most part they're grey and beige, however some of them are quite sculptural.




































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