Before taking you along our journey of the past few days, we must acknowledge the terrible fires that are increasing throughout this area. Over a week ago we enjoyed the beauty of the air and the clear blue skies. We spent last night in Portland which is now shrouded in smoke and experiencing record heat.
Authorities have closed the schools because they are not air-conditioned. I 84, a beautiful highway along the Columbia River, is closed because of fire. Knowing how hot it is at home, we are wondering whether to continue traveling or to head home.
Now to our travels of the past few days. After Olympia, we headed east to Olympia. Mt. Rainier reigns over the area.
We went there, not thinking about the date, Saturday of Labor Day weekend (the consequence of being retired is your don’t look at the calendar as much). Signs at the entrance announced that the main parking lots were FULL. Jerry’s luck prevailed and we were able to find a spot at Longmire. The Longmire Medical Springs Resort was opened in 1890. For $8 a week, visitors received board and spa treatment. They could soak in the springs, plunge into a sulphur bath and have massages.
The resort was sold in 1920.
This old gas station is near the visitors center.
This is the only remaining cabin from the resort.
We walked the Trail of the Shadows through an area of bubbling springs and sprawling woods.
Rampart Ridge looms above the ponds.
This slug was the only animal to pose for us.
We couldn’t resist taking a picture of this “face”
and this fungus.
Because of the traffic we couldn’t park for more photos but did enjoy our first trip to this national park.
No comments:
Post a Comment