September 13^th – We exercised Lexi by throwing the ball but skipped the walk so we could get an early start to Olympic National Park. We had breakfast and packed peanut butter for sandwiches in case we spent more time than planned on top of Hurricane ridge. It was a long drive and the 17 miles of hills and curves between the Visitors Center at the bottom and the one at the top. We watched the 20 minute video to get more info about the park before choosing from all the possible hikes.

We were happy with the first choice when we neared the top of Hurricane Ridge and we spotted a little mountain goat. I disappeared over the top before I could get the camera but it came back with another and I was ready. Then I worked my way over the rocky ridge and saw the rest of them - 8 to 10 total. On the way between trails we saw a covey of Blue Grouse working their way along the hillside.

On the backside we found the ski lift and the Ski Patrol building before working our way back to the car. Since dogs are not allowed on the top trails we found a trail Lexi could run on near the lower center. Then we toured Port Angeles and Sequim – every time we were near the water Lexi must have smelled it and thought it was time to play again. We finally found a spot near the Dungeness Spit where she fetched the ball over and over again. One the way home we went by two Lavender Farms and even though it is too late in the season for full bloom one of them had a great shop with almost anything you could think of using lavender for and then a lot more you never would have thought of…

 Also took a short diversion to the John Wayne Marina – built by his family at his request because he loved spending time on the family Yacht in that area.

Dungeness Spit

Last stop really disappointed us – we pulled up to the seafood shop and it was CLOSED – bummer.  Maybe tomorrow