Part 6: end of the road

The completion of my journey through Washington State.

Sadness was up before me waiting in the tent for me to wake up. It woke me up as I realized it was my last day in Olympic and I had to go back to Seattle. I did not want to leave, but there was no choice.

​I had some time to enjoy the area one last time before leaving. My neighbors mentioned Rialto Beach the night before as a cool place to check out, so I hit the road out there. The dense fog that had rolled in the day before, hung around like the last guest at the dinner party you’re hosting. It was cool that it was there, but I was ready for it to leave so that my memories were not foggy too. I looked for wildlife on the way hoping I would catch a moose or elk getting a morning drink from the river, but I was not that fortunate.

​As I came around one bend to an opening near the mouth of the river, A bald eagle swooped down right over the truck! I nearly drove off the bridge. I looked out to my left and the view took my breath away. Two bald eagles now flew out towards towering islands of rock and trees at the mouth of the river - now revealed from their disguise. I followed the road until I reached the end. The Rialto Beach parking lot was overflowing already at 7 am. The tide was very low again, revealing more of the beautiful rock islands nearby. I was once again completely awestruck by this incredible place.

I walked along the parking lot and crossed up a dune of sand, rock, and massive logs of driftwood. It revealed one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in my life. Dark sand and stones littered with driftwood so smooth you’d think each piece had been carefully carved and sanded by a carpenter. I caught a glimpse of some other bald eagles and watched them – taking as many photos as I could. As the roar of the waves grew louder, crashing on a couple of large rocks, I sat there on a log savoring all that I could see - holding on to that moment for as long as I could before I had to let go.

There was not much time for me to explore closer to the rock islands before I had to depart and pack up camp. I also did not want to test the speed of the tide’s return. Some brave idiots ventured out to the islands, even though it is illegal, and they were likely trapped by the rising tide. It was time to go. As I headed back, I pulled off to the side of the road where some folks were watching eagles. I hopped out to capture a few shots. Before I sped off, I took one last look at this incredible place and breathed in the air that I hope one day I will breathe in again. As I packed up camp, I nearly cried knowing that I may never see this place again. All I have is hope that I will.

After I got packed up, I stopped in the campground diner to grab a bite before my long drive back to Seattle. Cardboard cutouts of Bella, Edward, and Jacob glared at me as I ate my burger. It was a strange moment, but the burger was good. Back on the road, I took the Northern route towards Kingston to hop on the ferry. I stopped briefly at Lake Crescent to check out its spectacular views. It took a couple of hours, but it was a beautiful drive.

When I arrived in Kingston, I had no clue what to do, so I just followed the rest of the traffic like a lost sheep. Luckily, they were all going to the right place. I had to get a ticket for the ferry and wait around an hour until it was time to board. A couple next to me talked with me as I maneuvered some of my gear around in the truck. We talked about the mountains, and it made me miss them already. We parted ways as I went to walk around and take some photos, and then it was time to roll onto the ferry. I was oddly excited to do this since I had never been on a vehicle ferry, especially not across the Puget Sound. As the ferry crossed the water, the view of Seattle was incredible. Mount Rainier towered above and behind the city skyline. The Space Needle looked like a sewing needle by comparison. Watching as we barreled towards the shore, I admired all the mountains nearby, and felt a little jealous of the people of Seattle and surrounding communities that they get to see and enjoy all the time.

The ferry docked - everyone cranked up and rolled out like cattle pushing through a gate. I made my way back to Kyle’s house. The best part of the journey was over now, and the process to return home had now begun. I unloaded the truck and got cleaned up before returning some gear we had rented for the week. After running around town, I grabbed some dinner and began reorganizing my luggage for the trip home. The week began to hit me hard as I hit the hay.

The next morning, I made sure to head down to the Public Market in downtown. The men slinging fish around and singing were great entertainment. Fresh fish and chips were enjoyed as I savored the sights, sounds, and smells of all that surrounded me. My last hurrah of Seattle was to go up to the top of the Space Needle. Although it is an amazing view of the city and mountains, the ingenuity of the structure is remarkable. I never knew that one floor of it rotated and has windows in the floor to see directly below, which is both fascinating and terrifying! The landscape architect in me was also thrilled to see how spaces on the ground were planned around the tower and how rooftops of shorter buildings were painted with murals and utilized green roofs.

I drove back to the house to pack up my luggage and did my best to tidy up Kyle’s place. Out on the patio, I sat and admired the city and its backdrop one last time as I reflected on another epic adventure. There were no wild weather events this time, but there were a lot of struggles to overcome, both physical and mental. There were things back home heavy on my mind the whole trip as a family member was going through health problems and I felt helpless. Things would not be as they were when I left. But that is the way life goes. You can step forward into the unknown wilderness that God brings you to at the end of the road, or you can turn around and take the easy way out. I knew times ahead would be tough, but I knew at the end of it all, everything would be alright.

My return home was exhausting. It was a red-eye flight from Seattle to Charlotte with a nearly eight-hour layover until my flight back to the coast. As soon as I hit the ground in Charlotte, it was back to work. I spent the day working and catching up on emails, while finding moments to reflect on my journey. I arrived in Gulfport drained but thankful to see great friends who picked me up from the airport and take me home. My adventure was over, and it was back to the struggles of daily life I had to navigate once again. Looking back on these trips I have taken and experiences in wild places, the question now comes to mind; which is harder to survive – the mountain wilderness or our society? If I had a choice, think I’d rather take my chances on the mountain.