First Official Roadtrip Completed

Well my first official roadtrip with my 22 Touring is in the books. About 560 miles in one day. Was supposed to be 2 but found my destination (Forks, Washington) runs hotels on limited capacity 20 rooms or so in the off season so you cant trust the website. (My bad for not calling). I had initially went down to look at a potential new cab for my 1954 GMC i am building but half way there it got sold out from under me. But i had a second reason for going there was to visit a nearby beach to bid farewell to a good friend and fulfill his last request and deposit his ashes where his spirit could be set free.

Just outside of Forks is a nearby Beach called Rialto Beach, but when i arrived at the park i was greeted with this sign.

So I doubled back to La Push Washington and was greeted with some fairly large waves and lots of Surfers.

After realizing this site would not be a good site to do my task, and about getting bowled over by a very friendly Great Pyrenees, I was chatting with her owner while getting leaned on by the dog, I mentioned Rialto being closed which she was sad as well. She mentioned she had came from The Tree Of Life further down the coast and i got the idea that would be a perfect spot. I got directions, and headed for the Parking lot

Walking back to the CR-V i realized i parked in a great photo op spot. (First Beach, La Push, Washington). And closer inspection you can see my co-pilot Iggy Koopa sitting on the dash.

Back on US-101 heading south i can tell there was a serious storm that had come thru. Lots of cut downed trees, lots of debris strewn about
And some minor lane closures.

An Hour south i arrive at Kalaloch Beach and Home to the Tree of Life. Its aptly named that due to a creek that has undermined the roots leaving the tree to cling to life on the surrounding soil. (Been like this for a very long time) creek is hard to see but leaves the frame between the big log in the foreground and the 2 to the rear left

I pulled the small Urn of my friends ashes out of my pocket. When he passed away he left his final wishes that he wanted to be scattered around some different locations. The note i was given with my urn was it had to be “Unique” and it had to be “Meaningful”. What a fitting send off is to be joined with the essence of the ToL and sent out into the Pacific Ocean. I preformed a small private ceremony opened the urn and scattered his ashes and watched them disappear onto the surf.

I sat there not knowing if i had done the right thing. Almost felt conflicted, then a warm calm came over me and got a ray of sunshine shone down on the water, then i knew i had done the proper sendoff.

I left the beach and the ToL behind and headed back to Forks at what i had planned for the night. But found nothing available and it still relatively early i figured i could make Neah Bay before dark.

i arrived in Neah Bay after driving some fairly beat to heck roads and some really windy roads. CRV has been nothing less than spectacular this entire time. I had been averaging 33-35 MPG all the way so far. I figured i had enough time to make the 5 mile drive to the lot where the trial leads to Cape Flattery and the western most point of the Continental United States. I get to the lot, which was surprisingly full, and a Ranger not allowing anyone else down the trail head for the 30 min hike (too far for my bad body anyway) as it was too close to dark, and the trail was in ill repair due to the recent storms.

So i headed back to Neah Bay and arrived right as the sun was setting and a beautiful glow was washing over the rocks giving an entire mew meaning to Golden Hour. Sadly not a decent picture could be taken without having a bunch of ramshackle homes with trash strewn about in them, so I sat there and waited till the show was over.

I pop open my Range screen and it shows i have 80 miles of range on the tank and my intended fill up point (dont buy gas out there only 2 stations and its old fuel) was well 75 miles.

Well never taking the road i had planned on didn’t realize how twisty and hilly it was. So about 1/2 way back Range was now 35 Miles and i still had 45 to go. Oh boy. Econ mode on, heated seat off, steering wheel off and i was able to keep it within almost equal distance and range the rest of the way.

I made it to my Fuel stop with 8 miles of range left, low fuel light glowing steadily (this os not recommended).

Finally broke 400 miles on a tank. And to my surprise it only took 12.47 gallons so i still had approx 1.5 in the tank. I find this a relief and frustrating as well. A half gallon reserve i can see. But now i know when range is zero that i have some comfort room and didn’t have to grandma it in. Lol

i cannot complain though

Pretty solid numbers, and this was all 35-55 MPH. I can see it doing even better rolling 65-70.

Got thru Port Angeles and both places i wanted to eat were closed for renovations. So i made for the next town Sequim (think Swim with a G in the middle) and Applebees and had a nice Surf and Turf dinner and a double Jack and Coke to cap off the day’s highlights.

After dinner headed to the south ferry As it runs far later, back to my side of the Hood Canal and back home. Long day

Final Tally

560 Miles in a day

36.2 MPG over all. Last 50 miles was all freeway after taking the South Ferry (Kingston -Edmonds) and back up Interstate 5 home

Overall im Impressed. Id of never survived doing this in my Tiguan. 300 and I was dead with it. 300 came and went with the CR-V. Far quieter cabin, more comfortable legroom, more seat adjustment helps, softer ride. Better sound system, overall way better in whole. Best decision in my life was to trade for the V.
Tomorrow (well now today) after i sleep is to clean the mess up. Shes a bit dirty.