Olympic Coast backpack

With my heels freshly tenderized from the Olympus climb, we headed out to the coast to relax for a few days. Al joined us for pizza in Forks and it all started with a ceremonial sock burning in the Mora campground. 

These are the Smart Wool socks that I hiked out the last 9 miles of the Hoh river valley in, because of the damage to my achilles tendons. 

We started at 3rd Beach, hiked out to the coast and made our way down to Scott's bluff

To get around the rocky point, we needed to climb up the cliff and follow the trail around and back down.

Fully ensconced in our camp, relaxation commenced.

Watching an amazing sunset, clear skies and warm temps.

Morning was a bit foggy, but proved to be another great day.

We decided to head down to Toleak Point for the day.

The 3rd day, we headed out in the warm sun once again. Another fantastic trip with good friends.

Mt. Olympus climb

Jon and I climbed Mt. Olympus under perfect (if not hot) weather conditions. We missed Al this trip due to a stomach bug. Jon drove over from Boise, then we preceded to wait 2 hours for the Edmonds - Kingston ferry on Friday night. By the time we got to Port Angeles and had dinner (and a few beers), we decided to crash at a local roach motel. Driving to the trailhead was uneventful the following morning and we hit the long flat trail at 10:30 am. 

Pack of lamas bringing in supplies for trail maintenance crews

It was hot and sunny, not much like a rain forest

9 miles in, we camped at the Olympus Guard station

Jon loves these log bridges

The Hoh from the bridge above. 12 miles in, now we start to gain elevation.

A short section of the trail had washed out, but was recently repaired.

One of several emergency shelters.

Our first view of Olympus, 18 miles in. The Blue glacier in the forground.

Crossing the Blue glacier early am, headed for snow dome.

On top of snow dome, Olympus summit is the distant peak on the right.

Looking back down on snow dome and the Blue glacier.

Working our way through Crystal Pass.

The summit block, along with 8 folks with the Mazamas who were ahead of us.

The Mazamas decided to fix ropes to the summit, and they allowed us to tag along with them. Good thing because without their long repel rope, we would not have made it down. 

6 of the 8 Mazamas

Jon on the repel.

4th class scramble between the false summit and the true summit.

On our way back down.

Back in camp, Jon sends a "all is well and we are imbibing" message. 

Last night on the trail, camped out on the sand bar.