It’s almost two weeks since we reached the Olympic Peninsula and because we’ve been busy with all sorts of tasks related to moving and relocation, we hadn’t yet visited the Olympic National Park. This morning, Zippy suggested a walk in the sunshine (!) to the Visitor’s Center to check it out. Kind of a recon mission. Well, before reaching the Visitor’s Center, we came upon a trail just off the street.
We stepped into the forest.
Oh my goodness. It was immediately like being in a whole different world. The sounds and smells of traffic disappeared, along with the stress I carried. Below you can see my spouse and our dog Emma, seemingly tiny beings against the backdrop of magnificent trees.
I’ve already developed a bit of a crick in my neck/shoulders from constantly tilting my head back in an attempt to see the tops of trees here and I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of admiring moss-covered trunks and limbs.
Here’s Zippy working on his own neck crick while checking out these two trees growing from a cedar stump.
We had plans to hike another few miles but when the trail got so slick it took down Zippy, we decided to turn around for the day.
Today I give thanks for the Olympic National Park, its proximity to our rental home, and the rejuvenating properties of time spent in the natural world.
I receive these gifts.





Tracy, how wonderful that you live close to the Olympic National Park!
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We had no idea there was a trail so close by and, fortunately, it’s one of the few in the park that allows dogs on it so Emma can join us.
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One of my favorite things to do…to walk beneath tall trees…it calms the soul and puts life in perspective. Wonderful pics.
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I absolutely agree about the health benefits of walking beneath and among trees. I want for everyone to be able to access forests.
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Looks absolutely wonderful!
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It’s truly magical. 🙂
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Wow! Just magical! Thanks for sharing that treasure with us, Tracy! My sanity thanks you!
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This makes me so happy, Mara, knowing this little glimpse has lifted your spirits.
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I’m so glad you got to recharge in Olympic. It is sooo full of life — old life — that it is a balm to the spirit.
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YES to Olympic NP being full of old life and a balm to the soul!
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