Our destination this month is Hurricane Ridge, on the northern slopes of the Olympic Mountains. We'll meet in Port Townsend at Old Fort Townsend State Park, on Old Fort Townsend Rd. We'll make our way on a combination of backroads and highway to Port Angeles before headin south and climbing the wonderfully windy and scenic Huricane Ridge Rd. We'll motor past the Visitor center and lunch at the Huricane Ridge picnic area then spend a bit of time back at the Visitor Center for those who want to learn more about the area. Then it's back down the ridge and onward to Kingston, getting in a couple more winding back roads before catching the ferry home.

Please note, there is a a fee for entry to Olympic National Park. $15 for car and driver. The pass is good for a week, so if you'd like to do more exploring you make your way over to Sol Duc (another great drive, but way too far for a one day trip unless you have an iron backside) and down the west side of the peninsula.

Other things to be aware of, there was road construction on Huricane Ridge Rd when I pre-ran the route. While there may be sections of unpaved road, they'll be very smooth and relatively short. There's also lots of fresh pavement fo rus to enjoy.

As usual, more details and registration at http://www.the-winding-road.com/modu...ent.php?eid=41

 

Is there a gas station near the meeting spot? It's far enough from home for me to want to fill up before the run.

Either way, I'm in

 

i might actually be able to make it this time!

 

Kristopher, How long do you think we'll be gone... counting leaving and returning to the Eastside? I'm planning on going, but if it's a really long trip I may have to pass due to my dog. He's healed from his surgery finally, TG, but I don't want to leave him longer than 8-10 hours because he's almost 14.

Oh yeah, and if I CAN go... can I caravan with you?

 

Linda, I'd say probably around 8 hours. It's a long one, and I probably wont do another 1 day drive quite that far away again. If you can make we can certainly caravan.

Nick, yes, there's plenty of gas stations to chose from. I suggest the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry and was able to do the entire route filling up in Issaquah before I left and getting gas up here on 40th on Monday.

 

Would you say the 8 hours includes waiting for ferries and the BBQ lunch?

 

Yeah. That's 7-8 hours total. Fun driving time is the usual 4-5 hours, + an hour for lunch. The Edmonds-Kingston ferry is a 30 minute crossing and it's about 30 minutes from the Kingston Ferry Dock to Old Fort Townsed Park.

 

I have the marked on my calendar, but you know me, I always seem to have to work on my rennovation projects at the house.

If I do not make it, maybe I'll host a BBQ at my house this fall for all to enjoy

 

Cool.

 

I'm booked that weekend. Jen's cousin and friend are coming in to town.

 

Sounds good, I'll fill up at the Chevron right by my house then head over. Google pushed for the Edmonds-Kingston ferry as well.

As an aside, Google calls the trip from the Kingston Ferry ramp to the starting location 50min, which Ferry (time) are you planning on Kris (and Linda)? Might be nice to convoy from there.

 

any more info on this event? How far of a drive is it from Ft. Lewis/ Tacoma? I have a nice 4 day weekend away from the army, and could use a nice fun drive!

 

It's about 2 hours from Ft Lewis to Old Fort Townsend State Park (<100 miles). Then figure a couple hours to get to Lunch, an hour or for lunch, and a couple of hours coming back to Kingston (you'll probably want to split off from the group after we cross hood canal so you can head straight home.

We're meeting in Port Townsend and hitting the road at 10. Lunch is Potlatch BBQ/Picnic. We generally keep a pretty spirited pace.

 

I'm coming up to visit my friend in Edmonds this long weekend so hopefully i'll get a chance to meet you all and have a fun drive while i'm at it

Is there anything i need to know or bring to this event?

 

Yourself and whatever you care to contribute to lunch.

Things to know. We enjoy a SPIRITED drive. I may not be able to keep up quite the pace I usually do as my 8 is in the shop.

 

BTW, assuming some regularly scheduled maintenance goes well, the M3 is a go.

 

Kristopher, Very glad to see that things are starting to work out - getting a new engine and not paying for stuff, plus finding a backup car for Sunday - wow, an M3!!!

I, myself, may not be making it... Went to the Dr. yesterday because I've been dizzy for a few days... kinda scary at my age... turns out sinus infection and starting of ear infection. So, unless this clears up quickly, I don't want to be blasting around corners feeling dizzy and put myself and you guys at risk I AM doing a little better today though

 

65 and partly cloudy. Couldn't ask for better

Much hotter and it gets to be annoying with the windows up and AC off, too much colder and you have to waste extra weight on a sweatshirt

 

I wanna go!! Stupid friends...

 

Hey Kris, I just want to verify, 9am registration 10am departure? I'm planning on taking the 7:50 Edmonds-Kingston ferry which should get me there around 9:15. Sounds like I'll be meeting up with one of the guys off the Drivers email list at work for the trip up.

 

Yeah, 10am departure time. Who're caravaning with?

Linda, I completely understand. Hope you're feeling better, but if not, definitely don't take any unnecessary risks. Our vestibular sense is at least as important as our vision when we're having fun.

Shaun, you could always bail on them. I know, I know, then you'd just have to deal with them later.

 

when are you guys headed out? depending on the time i'll see if i can join you. i'll be in the redmond area most likely

 

I'll be leaving Sammamish at 6:30 to catch the 7:10 crossing. That'll get me to the meeting spot earlier than I usually do, but it'll also give me chance to feel out this car on some other roads in the area before I put it through the paces for real. I'll be picking it up tomorrow evening and have never driven a BMW of any sort before, so this should be an experience to say the least.

Nick, there is no 7:50 crossing on Sunday (Holiday Schedule ) The 8:40 crossing should get you to Old Port Townsend Park between 9:45 and 10.

 

UG, good to know. Where is the holiday schedule posted? I need to somehow alert Derek off the driving alias as well... I may end up having to go and wait for him since all I have is his work email.

Edit: Damn, looks like that time slot NEVER runs on a Sunday. I'm supposed to meet Derek there for the 7:50 one... If I can't get in contact with him tomorrow I'll just show up early and bring a book. Good to know the 8:40 one will be fine though. I'll probably end up seeing others there who don't want to wake up way early for the 7:10 one

 

Is there an exact address for the meeting in the am that I can throw into the GPS?