Oh Deer!

A flower garden at a lavendar farm. See the big artichoke?
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Well, on to our 16th Nat'l Park for the Wild Wild West.  At least that's what was planned.  While driving in NW Washington, the furthest point from Belle Plaine Minnesota, Bambi decided to alter our trip.  I estimate impact was approximately 50 mph, sending the remains of Bambi's last meal all over the hood of our car.   The car was driveable, but the deer became very sleepy.  (Anne felt it was in poor taste to take photos of the animal, so we only have shots of the car)  Decision time.  Continue on, or limp back to MN for repairs?  After thinking of the Jiffy Lube salesman in Las Vegas trying to upsell me on the synthetic motor oil which I would later decline, we decided to cut out Canada and slowly make our way back to MN.  The motor oil that was in the car  had taken us through Death Valley and several other 100 plus degree weather days, so best to play it safe.  Before we crossed the state of Washington, we stopped to see one of my relatives that Anne and I had never met.  We both got to eat Dungeness crab with Phyllis and spend the night in Sequim.  Canada has alluded me again, maybe next year when we return.  Now to Anne on our Sequim visit.  bkh

Sequim is the lavendar capitol of the United States.
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I also feel it's in poor taste to broadcast photos of our car with deer remains spread across the hood.  However, Brian feels they are integral to the story.  Sorry if we offend anyone.  Our stop in Sequim was lots of fun.  There is an area called Dungeness bay, where Dungeness crabs are caught.  Phyllis bought some for us and we got to clean them which was a new experience.  We also got to walk around the Dungeness Spit and see sea lions playing in the ocean.  And Sequim is also known as the lavender capitol of the United States.  Who knew?  We had just missed their annual lavender festival which drew a crowd of over 30,000 visitors.  Instead we made a trip to a local lavender farm to see the many varieties of lavender as well as countless products that can be made with it.  Anne

While driving in NW Washington, the furthest point from Belle Plaine Minnesota, Bambi decided to alter our trip