Stop # 7 Port Angeles, Washington
Throughout the process of planning this journey we have learned the importance of contacting the local chamber of commerce or the city tourism office before our arrival. The information and contacts these places are able to provide have proven key to really getting to do and experience a true representation for what it would feel like to live in each area. Kileigh has been great about networking and reaching out to people to tell them about our trip and let them know what we hoping to check out when we arrive in their town. Before we arrived in Port Angeles Kileigh received an email stating that the Visit Port Angeles was excited for our arrival and would love to take some candid pictures of our family enjoying the town, how cool is that?
As we rolled into Port Angeles the kids were amazed to be able see the large ships coming into port and were even more excited about the prospect of being able to play at the beach visable outside their window. 
We quickly checked into the Red Lion hotel, located in the heart of downtown right on the waterfront. After lugging our ever growing luggage into the room, we all headed to the beach to enjoy the warm weather and cool water. 
Claire had a blast playing in the sand and making a sand castle for the crabs. Henry tried his hardest to play in the sand and water, but alas he is a bit of a clean freak and doesn’t like the feel of the sand on his toes and was not too excited about the cooler than expected water. Both Claire and Henry loved playing in the warm ocean water when we lived in Texas so they were both a bit confused when they charged into the water only to find it much colder than they were accustomed too.
As the sun went down it began to cool off and we were all ready to head back to the hotel and relax. The kids fell asleep pretty quickly so Kileigh and I had a chance to explore the area via the internet and make a tentative plan for the next few days. 
The view from the hotel room was absolutely beautiful so we spent a little time sitting on the deck sipping a local brew and just relaxing and enjoying the quiet and calm while the kids slept.
The next day we woke up early and at the request of Henry and Claire quickly headed back to the beach. After working up a bit of an appetite we walked across the street to La Belle Creperie to enjoy a yummy breakfast. Their Cinnabon crepe was AMAZING. 
I would 100% recommend it to anyone that loves a delicious treat to start their day. With full bellies we made our way right next door to the visitors center where the sweetest ladies greeted us and gave us several family friendly recommendations to fill our schedule for the next couple hours we had free. We went with their most active idea: to go on a small hike at Madison Creek Falls.
The scenery at the falls was like something you would see out of a movie. The area was highlighted by a river running right down the middle of a lush green forest engulfed by steep and rugged mountains. I could have spent all day just lounging by the river and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells but we had places to go and people to meet.
We met Megan, a local photographer, who would be showing us around and taking photos of our activities in Port Angeles. We started at the Feiro Marine Life Center. There are several touch tanks for kids and adults alike to touch sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and other aquatic creatures that are native to the area. I feel that Claire could have stayed here all day. 
She asked staff all kinds of questions, some marine animal related and some personal. The staff was very helpful and humored Claire during her interrogations.
After leaving the marine center we walked around downtown stopping in to Bada Bean Coffee Shop for a little caffeine and sugar fix. Megan tagged along and also put up with Claire’s constant line of questioning. We all enjoyed some yummy sandwiches, cookies, and drinks. Claire force fed Megan most of the cookie she had ordered and Henry kept asking her “Are you my friend?”
The highlight of our time in Port Angeles would be without question the visit to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. 
A short 17 mile drive through the winding mountain roads and we were perched high above the Coast looking out over the valley and water below. You can look in one direction and see the snow capped mountains, or look the other direction to look out over the water and watch the ships slowly make their way out to sea. 
Unfortunately, the kids were getting tired, and plain crabby, so we weren’t able to spend much time exploring and checking out the area but it was a breathtaking view and a wonderful end to the day.
The next morning we woke up and loaded the car for our next destination. We decided to continue west in order to drive down the coast south into Oregon. We drove around Crescent Lake on the way out of town and were immediately bummed we hadn’t allowed ourselves time to check out the lodge or the falls. If we ever find ourselves back in the area I would love to spend more time exploring Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake.
Port Angeles checked so many things off our criteria list for choosing a hometown. Although, Oregon is one state we have been counting down the days till visiting, I don’t think we are going to be able to forget all Port Angeles has to offer our family.
