Olympic National Park was named perfectly — it’s truly Olympic-sized, and the trees are so massive they make you feel wonderfully small. The lakes are clear and deep. Walking through the woods feels like stepping into another world, one ruled by elves and fairies whispering secrets from the treetops. The rainforest has this wild mix of energy and serenity — it’s both motivating and calming at the same time, like nature is saying, “Relax, but also go explore.” Out on the coast, with waves crashing and wind howling, I could swear pirates in schooners were just beyond the fog, battling for treasure. I’m convinced there are parts of this park no one has ever seen — which makes it feel even more magical (and slightly suspicious). The energy here is so powerful it makes you want to stay forever… maybe build a tiny moss-covered cabin and move in with the elves and fairies.
I even got to see my cousin, Karen — which was almost as exciting as spotting wildlife in the park (and much easier to photograph). We grew up spending holidays together with our families; her mom was my dad’s only sibling. Being an Italian family from the Cleveland area meant those gatherings were loud, full of food, and chaotic enough to qualify as a competitive sport. Karen and I have always shared a love for the outdoors, so catching up with her out here felt perfectly fitting — like a family reunion with better scenery and way less yelling.
And I leave you with the final passage of one of my favorite poems…..
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
Pretty Penny Adventures 
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