PNT day 66 & 67 – Port Angeles & Forks

Some miles around town

I had booked myself a halfway affordable motel right in the center of Port Angeles. Given the fact that the room rate included breakfast and laundry was for free it wasn’t a bad deal. And I could always close my eyes when I had a shower in the old fashioned bathroom with mint green tiles 😉

My town days were full of grocery shopping. I went to the Country Aire again to get some fresh stuff as well as Safeway to buy three days of trail food. I also went around town and visited the Feiro Marine Life Center – a very small aquarium with some pools to look into and even some where you could touch a sea star.

Port Angeles seemed to be a nice little town with lots of restaurants and tourist shops although it wasn’t over crowded. Walking around was quite pleasant.

I especially liked the local art that was displayed – nice paintings on the buildings as well as some sculptures along the streets.

Another highlight came somehow unexpected – well, I already knew a few days ago that this was likely to happen. Donna L-Rod Saufley, Jeff and Ron were in the area and had mentioned that we could all meet for dinner. And so it happened that on my second evening in Port Angeles I was picked up by one of the PCT’s most famous trail angels and invited for dinner. This year was Hiker Heaven’s last season – at least under the lead of the Saufley’s and they prepared to move up to Washington.

It was great to see my friends for an unexpected second time on this trip and the evening went by way too fast. Back in my motel room I was a little sad not knowing when we all could see each other again.

The next morning I went for breakfast and prepared for checking out. I caught the bus to Forks where I wanted to resume my hike on the PNT. But before I had to rent a bear canister from the local outfitter. It is a must-have requirement on the Wilderness Coast as some raccoons there could untie knots – as a Ranger has told me. Still I was no big fan of carrying a heavy and bulky plastic can instead of my beloved and well working Ursack. I opted for the smallest bear can available and it’s probably no surprise that not everything fits in. What a silly requirement!

After packing all of my food as good as possible I took the Jefferson Transit bus to the Bogachiel State Park and Campground where I paid 12 Dollars for a hiker/biker campsite. A bit much but I don’t know what to expect on the upcoming forest roads in terms of camping options and so I decided to stay here. Tomorrow I will start my last leg on the Pacific Northwest Trail!