From a moody morning to a starry surprise, Scott Kranz’s epic adventure around the Olympic Peninsula is one story you won’t want to miss!
The
warm and dry summer months have come and gone. For the Pacific Northwest, where
I live, that means the rainy season is here. And it’s here for many, many months. But as my Seattleite
friends and I like to say: if you don’t get outdoors when it’s raining, you
won’t get outdoors.
For
the holidays, my family was visiting us from the Midwest, where I grew up and
went to school. We brainstormed outdoor adventures here in Washington State,
despite a very rainy weather forecast. We decided on a classic American road
trip around the entire Olympic Peninsula, a large arm of beautiful land, over
3500 square miles, across the Puget Sound from Seattle.
The
Olympic Peninsula has it all: rugged mountains and age-old glaciers, pristine
lakes and wild rivers, thick rainforests and rugged coastlines. The
opportunities for fun are endless.
We
left Seattle before sunrise, caught the first ferry across the Puget Sound, and
then drove off the ferry and back onto land. Jumping onto Highway 101, we
started our circular journey around the Peninsula.
Our
first stop was Lake Crescent, a can’t-miss stop for any road trip around the
Olympics. As we drove up to this deep, long lake, known for its brilliant blue
waters, we looked up to find magical clouds dancing over the surrounding mountains
tops. The forecasted unfavorable weather was resulting in some dramatic scenes
and visuals, as it often does.
Moody weather above Lake Crescent, Olympic Peninsula
We
parked our car along Lake Crescent’s shoreline and stepped out to stretch our
legs. I ran to the water’s edge to take in the lakeside views. Pulling out my
camera, I tested out my new blue MeFOTO Globetrotter Air tripod. Using the redesigned
tripod legs, you can unlock, adjust, and re-lock the legs with just two twists,
making for quick setup and adjustments. I shot images from a variety of
perspectives and angels, including at water level. I’ve used the classic
Globetrotter for several years, and will continue to do so, but the
Globetrotter Air tripod has become an essential piece of my gear kit. Being surprisingly stable
for an ultra-lightweight tripod (it’s just over 3 pounds), there’s no
hesitation to bring it along on a hike or any trip I take.
Using the new MeFOTO Globetrotter Air tripod at Lake Crescent.
After
soaking up the views at a moody Lake Crescent, we jumped in the car, and hit
the road again. Continuing on Highway 101, we reached the town of Forks, and
eventually our next stop, the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh, one of the largest temperate
rainforests in the country, is truly one of a kind.
The
rain kept falling, as it was at Lake Crescent, but we still hiked a loop
through the Hoh rainforest. We took in the colorful abundance of flora and
fauna.
A mossy green giant in the Hoh Rainforest.
Wrapping
up our hike in the Hoh, we headed southwest toward the Pacific coast, hoping to
make our last stop of the day: Ruby Beach.
The
day’s rainy weather had been matching the rainy forecast, so we didn’t expect
to see much of a sunset at Ruby Beach. But, to our surprise, as we drove up to
the coast, we found a big break in the sky. We couldn’t believe our eyes. Stepping
out of the car and onto the beach, we witnessed our first sight of sunlight and
blue sky of the day. Our hopes were up.
Ruby
Beach is known for its on- and off-shore sea stacks (various rock formations), which
can make great subjects and elements in photo composition. As the sky lit up
with warm light and color, I captured a variety of images with my camera and
Globetrotter Air. Using the new Air tripod, and taking advantage of its ability to get
very low to the ground, I could focus on the textures on the beach floor, in
addition to the views in the distance and overhead.
Exploring photo compositions at Ruby Beach.
In
addition to its many sea stacks, Ruby is also known for its beautiful sunsets. With the last remaining light, I set up my
Globetrotter Air to shoot a photo timelapse of the waves and sea stacks. I
started the timelapse, and left my tripod to itself, as I joined my family for
a celebratory beverage on makeshift driftwood benches.
Taking in the day’s last light at Ruby Beach, as my Globetrotter
Air shoots a photo timelapse of the waves and sea stacks.
After
the sunset ended, we left Ruby Beach and drove another hour in the darkness
down the coast, to where we’d stay for the night.
Settling
into our home for the night, I peaked outside once more to find a sky full of
stars. We all stepped outside to sit and admire the night sky, thankful to be
together in a beautiful place. And because the night sky was too beautiful to witness only
with the naked eye, I made sure to set up my Globetrotter Air for a long
exposure night shot, which revealed some amazing colors and clouds.
A sky full of stars off of Washington’s Pacific coastline.
Although
our day had started with rain and clouds, it had ended with a beautiful sunset
and a starry night. Knowing the next morning we’d complete our circular drive
around the Peninsula and return to Seattle, we soaked up every last moment of
our trip with smiles on our faces, and plenty of laughs.