Olympic

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Hurricane Ridge Overlook

Aliza, Paul, Lillian, James, Hiram, and Amanda Ross at Olympic National Park

Sometimes in life you have grand plans and then life takes you a different direction. This principle was taught to the Ross family again in 2020. We visited Olympic National Park and we told we had to go see Hurricane Ridge. “You have some amazing panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge.” To get to Hurricane Ridge you have to drive to Port Angeles, Washington and drive like 20 miles into the park.

As you can see, we made it to Hurricane Ridge. The interpretive sign points out 17 different peaks all viewable from the overlook. You can also see two rivers and a glacier. Except we couldn’t. We just saw a wall of clouds and had to use our imaginations.

View from Hurricane Ridge on 6 August 2020

While we did not capture the view from the outlook, I think the drive up there was the most beautiful road I have ever driven. The views were magnificent on the way and the wildflowers were abundant. Our drive up was worth more than the destination. Another lesson we apparently needed a reminder.

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Museum of the Rockies

James, Lillie, Aliza, and Hiram Ross at the Museum of the Rockies

The morning of 2 August 2020 found the Ross Family in Bozeman, Montana. It was the first time any of us had ever been to Bozeman. I have family in Gallatin County, but I haven’t ever been there to visit them, only interacting with them at Andra family reunions.

We were headed west after a trip through Yellowstone National Park and headed to the Olympic National Park via Coeur d’Alene, which I will have to share photos from on another date. We spent that night in Superior, Montana after trekking up through Helena.

The kids enjoyed the Museum of the Rockies. We were there a couple of hours, which for our young children was long enough.

Siebel Tyrannosaurus Rex display at Museum of the Rockies

The kids were mesmerized by the massive dinosaur displays. Less so with the old west and history of Bozeman. There were some snakes and lizards they thought were fascinating.