Rascal's Roadshow: April 2025

Rascal’s Roadshow

Our final view of Mt. Rainier.

🌲 Goodbye Mountains, Hello Coast!

We said goodbye to Ashford, Washington, and majestic Mt. Rainier, and headed to the coastal town of Port Angeles. Along the way, we crossed two bridges—each with quite the history. As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I am not a fan of heights, and I truly hate bridges. So, while planning this Washington adventure, I looked into every bridge we’d be crossing…and even found one we’re absolutely avoiding! 😅

🌉 Bridge #1:

The Legendary Galloping Gertie

The first bridge on our route was the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. If you’ve ever seen that old black-and-white video of a bridge swaying and twisting before collapsing—that was the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It opened in 1940 and quickly earned the nickname “Galloping Gertie” due to its wild movements in the wind. Sadly, it only lasted four months before collapsing during moderate 42 mph winds.
Thankfully, no people died in the disaster, but there was the heartbreaking loss of one dog, Tubby. This three-legged Cocker Spaniel was riding with Leonard Coatsworth when the bridge began to sway violently and he had to abandon his car. After multiple rescue attempts, a terrified Tubby couldn’t be saved. The car—and poor Tubby—plunged into the Narrows. 💔
Though tragic, the collapse led to critical advancements in bridge aerodynamics. A new bridge was later built on the original piers and opened in 1950, affectionately called “Sturdy Gertie.” And I’m happy to report we crossed her safely—no wiggles, no drama! 🙌

🌊 Bridge #2:

The Floating Wonder of Hood Canal

Next up was the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, which opened in 1961. But guess what? Another windstorm struck in 1979, and the western half sank! Apparently, wind and bridges don’t mix well in Washington! 🌬️🌉
A replacement was finished in 1982, and over the years, it’s been improved and expanded. I won’t dive into the complex engineering behind why this bridge floats—there’s a ton of fascinating info and videos out there if you’re curious. But here’s a fun fact: at 7,869 feet long, this is the world’s longest floating bridge in a saltwater tidal basin—and the third-longest floating bridge anywhere! And yes, we crossed it like champs! 😊

Enjoying that sea air.

Why We’re Skipping That Bridge!

🌉

For the curious, the bridge we’re dodging is the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge — connecting, you guessed it, Astoria and Megler! 😉 Opened in 1966, this impressive structure stretches a whopping 4 miles, making it the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. 🏆 I'm totally fine with the part that hovers just above the water... 🌊 But when I read that the south end features a "2,130-foot inclined ramp that forms a full 360-degree spiral to gain elevation and clear nearly 200 feet above the shipping channel" — uh, nope, I'm out! 🚫😅

🏕️ Elwha RV Park Vibes

We rolled past downtown Port Angeles and pulled into the Elwha RV Park just outside of town—and instantly fell in love. The whole place just radiates good vibes. It’s shaded by tall trees, with neatly maintained RV sites, charming faces carved into tree trunks, flower baskets, and wooden sculptures of mushrooms and animals. 🐿️🌼🍄

Such a great camp site!
The "AI generated" label is because
I removed an "ugly" sign from the photo. 😉

The check-in lady was all smiles and gave me a map along with some awesome food and sightseeing tips. Rascal and I explored the grounds and found so many delightful surprises—heart-shaped stones, quirky yard art, a pizza oven 😊, a frog-filled pond (I love that croaking chorus!), and even horses! 🐴
We also wandered through the forest trails just behind our trailer and—SURPRISE—more lush green beauty all around!

Happy Trails!

✨ Want to stay at Elwha Dam RV Park too? You can check availability and make reservations right here: https://elwhadamrvpark.com/ 🏕️💻

🌲 The Shy Sasquatch

Protected in Washington State

I can absolutely see why the legend of Sasquatch is so strong in the Pacific Northwest. If I wanted a lush, peaceful home where I could stay hidden from people, I’d choose the enchanted forests of Washington too. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to spot fairies and gnomes living in these magical woods! 🧚‍♀️🍄🧙‍♂️

In 1969, Skamania County passed Ordinance No. 69-01, making it illegal to kill or harm a creature described as a "nocturnal primate mammal... generally and commonly known as a 'Sasquatch'." Violators could face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Though it was passed on April 1st, this was no joke—it was a serious law intended to deter hunters from endangering others while searching for the legendary creature.
In 1984, the ordinance was amended to reduce the penalties and officially designate the county as a "Sasquatch refuge," effectively treating the elusive creature like an endangered species within county lines.
In 1992, Whatcom County followed suit, declaring itself a "Sasquatch Protection and Refuge Area" through Resolution No. 92-043. While not legally binding, the resolution was a heartfelt tribute to local folklore and encouraged people to respect the mystery of the mythical beast.

Then in 2017, a bill was introduced in the Washington State Senate to name Sasquatch the state’s official cryptid*. Though the bill didn’t pass, it showed just how much Bigfoot means to Washington’s cultural identity. 🦶🌲✨

*Cryptid: A creature whose reported existence is unsubstantiated by scientific evidence, though it’s claimed to exist by some, often in folklore or other accounts.

This is part of my sticker collection.

🌊 Seaside Adventures

& Olympic Majesty

We arrived on Thursday and spent Friday breathing in the salty sea air at Ediz Hook, a three-mile-long sand spit that stretches into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

While Todd and I were checking out Canada across the Strait
Rascal was checking something else out! See the bonus photos at the
end to find out what he found so interesting!

To the north, we could see Victoria, Canada (oh, how I wish we had our passports!), to the west stood the majestic, snowcapped Mt. Baker, and to the south loomed the beautiful, snow-covered Olympic National Park.

I was so happy to get Mt. Baker framed between
the driftwood and seagull!

With Olympic National Park as a backdrop
the boys soaked in the salty air.

It had been so long since I last breathed in that fresh, briny ocean breeze—I soaked in every deep breath. Watching the seagulls glide across the water and listening to their cries was pure bliss. I've missed the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean more than I can express. Being back by the sea felt like my soul was waking back up! 🌊🕊️❤️

🏔️ Olympic National Park

Just 20 minutes from Ediz Hook is the Heart O’ the Hills entrance to Olympic National Park. From there it's a 30-minute drive up to Hurricane Ridge, which overlooks the mountain range within the park.

Another rare sighting of...ME!
With my wonderful travel partner. 💕

The drive was another beautiful journey through forested mountains, and we were greeted by stunning snow-covered scenery at Hurricane Ridge. From the parking lot, we could already see several peaks of the Olympic Mountains, including mighty Mt. Olympus.

A short and easy uphill walk from the parking lot takes you to the top of the ridge—a view that’s an absolute must-see!

We lucked out with a clear day, and from our vantage point, we could look out at the peaks behind us, gaze across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even spot our neighbors to the north in Canada. Truly spectacular! 👀

I took several beautiful shots of the Strait...and when I looked later
I had about 10 photos of my forehead! 😜
It pays to check the cellphone screen occasionally while taking photos!

As I’ve mentioned before, many of our National Parks have multiple entrances, and Olympic is no exception—so plan your visit accordingly!

🛍️ The Mecca of Port Angeles Shopping:

Swain’s General Store

I would be remiss not to mention Swain’s General Store. The lady who checked us in at our campground highly recommended it—and another employee passing through the office backed her up with a grunt of approval and a big grin, saying, “Oh yeah, Swain’s.”
We stopped by before heading into Olympic National Park and left with lighter wallets and fuller shopping bags! 🛒🐾 Rascal joined us briefly. Todd padded a shopping cart with one of his beds and I wheeled him inside.

He was not thrilled from the start, but things went downhill fast when we passed a booth selling rubber ducks for a charity race. One was sold to a little boy who immediately began squeaking the living daylights out of it—and Rascal lost it! 😵‍💫 Squeakers are his kryptonite and give him a total brain meltdown! He launched out of the cart like a little madman, and Todd promptly escorted him out to the truck.

One of the GIANT ducks we saw around town.

Back inside, I discovered the mother lode of stickers and postcards, plus a book nook kit (something I had just recently learned about and had to have!). I also picked up the life vest I’ll be needing for my upcoming kayaking adventure. 🚣‍♀️ Todd spent just one dollar less than I did… and while I have no clue what all he bought, I’d bet that dollar it was all fishing gear! 🎣

Todd's happy place. 😊

So, if you’re in Port Angeles and looking for anything from clothing, fishing and hunting supplies, pet items, toys, stickers, or yes—even a book nook—Swain’s is the place! 😄
👉 Check them out here!

🧭 Coming Up Next:

Port Angeles Part 2!

Stay tuned for our next adventure as we explore Freshwater Bay and make our way to Neah Bay—can’t wait to share more soon! 🌊🐾🌿

🐾 "Sniffed all the trails, barked at a few waves, and gave the ocean two paws up! Can’t wait to share more tail-waggin' tales from the road! – Rascal 🐶🌊💚"

👇 More Adventure Photos Below!👇

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Elwha RV Park: