Better Late Than Never- Idaho and the Pacific Northwest

What great trip it has been! It feels great to finally take a few seconds to reflect on the month of August- which has flown by. 

After leaving Glacier we spent a few hours cruising around Missoula (which is a really cool town) and picked up Annette's mom Ellen from the airport. From there we headed west to her home turf in Northern Idaho. We stayed a few nights with Ellen's sister Louisa in the historic town of Wallace where they grew up. Its a cute little town located in the heart of the Silver Valley- where mining was and still is the major economic drive. 

It was huckleberry season in the hills so we had to spend a few hours pickin'

After a few days in historic Wallace we all piled in the van and went to Lake Coeur D'alene to see Ellen's childhood friend Laurel- and swim of course. 

Then up to see Annette's uncle John and spend some good relaxing family time. 

The Ryan Family

Now, its amazing the generosity of people you meet on the road. As we were saying goodbye to Annette's mom, her uncle John's girlfriend Sarah opened her vacation house for us on Lake Pend Oreille- which we gladly accepted. And what a beautiful place it was!

After a week of R&R on the lake we drove the final leg west to see our friends and family in Seattle. 

Which was a very, very good time.

Then across the sound and into my favorite spot in the country

(drum roll please)

The Olympic Pennisnula!

We did an incredible four night hike up the Aura Ridge, cross country down to the Olympic Hot Springs, over Appelton Pass, across the High Divide, and out the Hoh Rainforest. Which was a hugely diverse trek across some incredible landscapes

Aura Ridge Traverse

Found the trail

Epic campsite at Boulder Lake

The Olympic Hotsprings- they were hot!

Climbing to Appelton Pass

Log Crossing

Another epic campsite at Heart Lake

Heart Lake

OLYMPUS!!

The High Divide

So good!

 

Looking down the Hoh Valley from the High Divide

The mighty Marmot ruling his kindgom

Salmonberries Everywhere!

 

Another good campsite on the Hoh River

Rainforest

Our awesome ride back to the van- check out the sweet sticker!

Then it was back to Modesto down I-5 with pitstops in Portland, Ashland, and Sacramento- which is always a pleasant journey

Did some great hiking with the Vorhees family

Played in the park

and got to see Olivecat! 

We have been back in Modesto for a few weeks now and we have been having a great time with the Boleys. 

We have also been eating a TON of Mexican food. Major shout out to Modesto's Mexican food, it is just so good- nowhere else in the country can even come close. Seriously

Spent some time in the bay and went sailing

The driving section of the trip has come to a close, which is bitter sweet. The van was such a great home for us, and it was so great seeing our friends and family throughout the country. The generosity and hospitality of those who opened their doors for us is so deeply appreciated. We can't thank you enough and hope we can repay the favor when you come visit. 

After driving 14,000 miles around the country we are putting on our packs and letting our legs do the work from here- simplifying our life from a van load of stuff to a backpack each. 

The first stop- the John Muir Trail. 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mt Whitney. 

Then overseas to Nepal, Thailand, Loas, and Vietnam

Can't wait- stay tuned