Not wanting to limit ourselves to hills alone, we decided to see what a hike along one of the many scenic shore areas of Washington would be like. Consulting our copy of Dayhikes On The Olympic Peninsula, we chose Dungeness Spit right at the NE corner of the peninsula and plotted our course. The views from the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry hinted at the views we'd have for the rest of the day.
Once we got on the trail, we soon realized it was going to be something of a sand slog along this 5.5mi spit of shore that protrudes deep into the Straight of Juan de Fuca. We were instantly gratified with a beautiful view of Mount Baker far in the distance. Our target was the lighthouse at the end. After a couple hours of skipping stones, pointing out sea birds, and inspecting the myriad things washed up on the shore, we arrived at the end. We were greeted by the lighthouse keeper who gave us a tour and several minutes in the top of the lighthouse.
Looking back towards shore, we saw that we may encounter rain on the way back (and we had to be back before the Refuge closes its gates) so we started our journey back. Distance along a hiking trail is one thing to perceive but when you can see the end, it's another thing. Five and a half miles appeared to be a huge distance. It was. However, we encouraged our pace by frequently looking back to see how small the lighthouse on the horizon had become. About halfway back, we were startled to see a bald eagle chasing a smaller, more agile bird. Even though the smaller bird was clearly capable of out-maneuvering the larger predator, it became clear that there was just nowhere for it to hide.
As we neared the mainland again, we encountered many more hikers who apparently had not decided to make the journey to the end. We felt a little bit superior, knowing we had done it, and trodded right past, satisfied with our day!
More photos can be seen HERE.
Once we got on the trail, we soon realized it was going to be something of a sand slog along this 5.5mi spit of shore that protrudes deep into the Straight of Juan de Fuca. We were instantly gratified with a beautiful view of Mount Baker far in the distance. Our target was the lighthouse at the end. After a couple hours of skipping stones, pointing out sea birds, and inspecting the myriad things washed up on the shore, we arrived at the end. We were greeted by the lighthouse keeper who gave us a tour and several minutes in the top of the lighthouse.
Looking back towards shore, we saw that we may encounter rain on the way back (and we had to be back before the Refuge closes its gates) so we started our journey back. Distance along a hiking trail is one thing to perceive but when you can see the end, it's another thing. Five and a half miles appeared to be a huge distance. It was. However, we encouraged our pace by frequently looking back to see how small the lighthouse on the horizon had become. About halfway back, we were startled to see a bald eagle chasing a smaller, more agile bird. Even though the smaller bird was clearly capable of out-maneuvering the larger predator, it became clear that there was just nowhere for it to hide.
As we neared the mainland again, we encountered many more hikers who apparently had not decided to make the journey to the end. We felt a little bit superior, knowing we had done it, and trodded right past, satisfied with our day!
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