La Push

There should be a disclaimer before I start writing this post. 

I in no way want you to think that I'm a Twilight fan.  I'm from here and I understand that the franchise has brought a lot of good to the area.  But, seriously, I'm 27 years old, am smart enough to know that you should never spend the rest of your life with your high school boyfriend, and think that Buffy is a way better vampire product.  That story has been told before, with more satire, better sex, and Seth Green. 


And really, before I go in deeper with why I think all of that hoopla is pretty awful and annoying, I'm going to continue with the post. 


I've wanted to go to La Push ever since we moved back.  It seemed like it was the penultimate Washington adventure.  The most beautiful pictures of Washington are taken at La Push.  It seemed romantic, dangerous, primitive, untouched, a place that is often talked about but rarely visited by Washingtonians. 

Its very far away, even for us on the other side of the water.  Still, despite our recent trek across the country, K and I felt the need for a long drive.  The day was beautiful.  Crystal clear skies.  Spectacular scattering of clouds here and there. Trees tall and proud, framing each side of the vehicle.  Glimpses of small town America as we passed quickly through the top west corner of the state.  Road trip snacks.  Catching up on lost conversations from the week due to a hectic work schedule.  Green signs counting down the miles until we reach the shore. 

Ten minutes away from our destination, the sky started to turn.  "We're getting close to the ocean," K observes.  I think, "Great, we drove all this way and I won't even get a decent picture."

It wasn't like it was in the pictures that I've seen. Very different, but still good. 

We went from sun on our arms with the sunroof down to pulling tight fleece jackets on.  The combination of wind, salt in the air, and loose sand made our hair coarse and our eyes squint. 

It was if we had stepped into a late Fall scene.  It was cold out, not a Winter chill though.  And yet, people still embraced the day as if they were trying adamantly to hold onto the last moment of Summer. 

Swimming and jumping over waves like it was a balmy 85 degrees.  I know they were looked as like they were crazy. 

I know that feeling though.  Its hard to shake.  To jump in, despite the elements, and feel the earth around you.  Its a connecting feeling. 

I held back because it felt good enough to wear a warm fleece for once.  We have glimpses of Fall back home, but the season has not fully arrived. 

I sat on a piece of driftwood, my love behind me, and stared at the ocean.  Its been so long since I've seen the Pacific, a wild and completely different beast than the shore we frequently vacationed on.  We're visiting the Atlantic in two weeks and I miss its warm, hazy horizon.  But this Pacific, anything can happen here.  The Washington coast may not be the place to get your tan on, but that's why I like it. 

I'll admit, I was slightly disappointed when we first arrived.  The orange, pink, and dark silhouettes from the pictures were no where to be seen.  Instead, found ghostly peaks and crashing waves.  Romantic in its own way.  


My state is of many sights.  I believe that it is the most unique place on this earth.  On our drive we drove through so many different settings.  And when we go back to La Push again, it will be different too.  Maybe more like what others have captured, maybe a little bit of this and that. 

This is part of what Washington has to offer.  Vampires not included.