Sequim and La Push

Lots of Lavender!

This past weekend was the Lavender Festival in Sequim (SKWIM), three days of anything and everything lavender.  The climate here in Sequim is perfect for growing lavender, the only other place in the world is in France.  The campground we are staying at became so full that they were parking RVs as well as tent folks on the grass near us.  Felt sorry for those that had to use the restrooms here - had to be constantly refilled with TP and cleaned.  Glad we have our own 'facilities'.








They had expected over 30,000 people every day to visit the farms/businesses and to attend the street fair with vendors hawking food as well as their unique products.  There are 7 major lavender farms and numerous smaller farms.  Some offered free tours while others said - buy a $10 pass and you can tour the 7 major ones.  No brainer for us - we chose one of the smaller farms that was free.  We did not even go into town during this time - the traffic was really bad.  Very pretty to see, surprised I could not smell the flowers but did go into their gift shop displaying products made from the oil of the lavender flower.  I thought that I would like to get something with the sweet smell of the flower but was so surprised by what I sampled - wow, strong and sorta sour smelling.  One of the few times where I wanted to buy something and didn't.  Saved money.

Port of La Push, Quinault Indian Nation

Sea Stacks at Second Beach - La Push

Also on Sunday we decided to drive to La Push, on the Pacific Ocean, where Second Beach and Rialto Beach are located.  These are beaches within the jurisdiction of the Olympic National Park.  About an hour and half drive west of here.  Sunny and cool, about 70, when we left Sequim but got so socked in by the fog once we got to Forks.  Still drove on and did not realize that we visited La Push on the last day of their Quinault Festival - a three day celebration of the Quinault Indian Nation.  They were packing up - we did not get there until 3:30, late.

Surfers/booger boarders

James Island at La Push

Took some pictures, had hoped we would see the famous sea stacks and Hole-in-the-wall but the fog was too heavy.  And it was chilly.  Did see surfers trying to catch a wave, seems there was a class of learners with someone yelling to - get up, paddle, go, go! No thank you - the water was a breezy 48 degrees.  Everyone had on wet suits.  Will go back another day and see this area when it is nice and sunny.  Again, we are drawn to the water.

Dead Crab

This coming Friday over 90 canoes will converge at Second Beach when the Paddle to Quinault celebration comes in.  Would be awesome to see.

Rialto Beach - north of La Push