Salt Creek Chronicles

Just back from a whirlwind journey, we’re now nestled in the tranquil embrace of Salt Creek Recreation Area. It’s a story of narrow roads, a picturesque lake, and a pit stop in Forks, WA, where we stocked up on supplies. Here’s the lowdown on what makes this spot a gem:

1. Tidal Rhythms at Crescent Bay

Picture this: dawn at Crescent Bay, the first low tide revealing its secrets at 6:25 AM. Then, as the sun climbs higher, a second low tide at 2:02 PM, perfect for exploring. Finally, the day caps off with a high tide at 5:22 PM, the sea reclaiming its treasures.

2. Pedal Power and Policies

Biking here? The rules aren’t spelled out in bold letters. For the avid cyclists, it’s best to check with the park or Clallam County’s website for the latest on bicycle regulations.

3. A Sea Highway: The Strait of Juan de Fuca

It’s a bustling waterway, a nautical crossroads. Ships from Asia and the Pacific Rim glide by, their sights set on Seattle and Vancouver. It’s like watching a parade of seafaring giants!

4. Kelp Kingdom

Dive into an underwater forest of Bull Kelp and Giant Kelp, where the marine life is as diverse as it is vibrant. It’s a kelp lover’s dream, with Winged Kelp and Rockweeds adding to the mix.

5. A Tide Pool Adventure

The real stars here are the tide pools. Sea stars, urchins, anemones, and more. Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary is the place to be for the best tide pool watching. It’s like a natural aquarium!

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Resources to Enhance Your Day

1. Tide Table for Crescent Bay: You can find the most current tide information for Crescent Bay at Tide Forecast’s website. The link to their page with detailed tide times for the next 30 days is Tide Forecast – Crescent Bay.
2. Cycling in Clallam County: The latest bicycle regulations in Clallam County can be found in the Clallam County Code. Here is a direct link to the Clallam County bicycle plan section: Clallam County Code – Bicycle Plan. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources provides information on e-bike rules and regulations, which can be found at WA – DNR E-bike Rules and Regulations. For a broader overview of bicyclist laws and safety in Washington State, you can visit the Washington State Department of Transportation’s page at WSDOT – Bicyclist Laws & Safety.
3. Strait of Juan de Fuca Guide: For those interested in cruising the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Waggoner Cruising Guide offers detailed information about marinas, anchorages, passages, and attractions. You can find more information at Waggoner Cruising Guide – Strait of Juan de Fuca. Additionally, AllTrips provides information about the Strait of San Juan De Fuca, including activities like fishing, whale watching, and boating. The link to their page is AllTrips – Strait of San Juan De Fuca.
4. Kelp Identification Guide: The Maine Seaweed Council provides an identification guide for various seaweeds, including kelp. Their guide includes detailed descriptions and images of different seaweed species found in Maine. This resource can be quite useful for identifying kelp and other seaweeds in different regions. You can access their guide at Maine Seaweed Council – Identification. Additionally, Seaweeds of the Pacific Northwest offers a guide to identifying 25 common seaweeds of the Washington coast, which might be more relevant if you’re focusing on the Pacific Northwest. Check it out at Seaweeds of the Pacific Northwest.
5. NOAA Tide and Current Predictions: Check tides at your location to time your visit for the lowest low tide (https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/).

On this Day in History

Let’s dive into a delightful journey through time with some captivating blog entries!

• 2023: J4 – Snow log January 4th 2023. After fabricating mounting plates, there’s now a storage area under the galley table and a main mount by the passenger swivel seat. A day of practical creativity!
• 2021: Shopping – The details are a mystery, but the title hints at a day of retail exploration or perhaps acquiring essentials.
• 2018: Anasazi Ride – A longing for desert freedom and sun worship, reminiscing about rides in warmer, drier climes while facing Montana’s cold.
• 2012: 25 Hours of Frog Hollow 2011 – A challenging bike adventure, weaving through barely noticeable trails in the cold. A tale of endurance and unexpected paths.
• 2010: Wallman Ridge Adventure – An early morning start for a solo ski trip with plans for something new and exciting. A day for spiritual and physical exploration.
• 2009: Butte 100 Is Official – Announcement of the 3rd annual Butte 100 in freezing temperatures. A mix of excitement for future trails and disdain for the extreme cold.
• 2008: TGIF – Busy weekend plans with a ski race and catching up with life, amidst the chaos of an unpacked trip and unfinished chores.
• 2003: Winter is here in West Haven – Battling illness and the onset of winter, the blogger seeks solace in a coffee shop. A simple yet relatable winter day.