Ok all... we've got to have a winner today! I encourage everyone to recheck their numbers--last year I barely won a bingo because I'd miscounted! I thought I was only at 9/10, but when I double checked I'd missed one. Whew!
I'm really glad that so many of you are enjoying the bingo; pictures, stories, and all. I love it here in this area and it always puts a smile on my face to see others fall in love with the region.
Alright, here are today's picks: 5 and 13!
5. Olympic National Park/Rainforest
Olympic National Park actually includes four distinct regions: the coast, temperate rain forest, alpine areas, and relatively drier forests on the eastern side. The park is located in western Washington.
Again, just as with the Puget Sound, due to the area's unique geographic history, climate conditions have resulted that are wet without a large fluctuation in temperature relative the other regions. Mainly, the temperate rainforests (Hoh and Quinault) are what I'll talk about, as they're probably the most interesting due to their rareness.
The rainforests receive about 150 inches of rain per year...this makes it the wettest place in the continental US (an island in Hawaii holds the record for the whole country). Unlike other rainforests in the tropics, the dominant trees are conifers, mainly Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. Even though much of the park remains untouched, it wasn't until 1938 that it was officially protected. This means that a lot of it was logged and very little true old growth is left. However, many people don't realize they're usually in 'second growth' forests--those trees are almost as grandiose and beautiful.
In 1976, Olympic National Park became an International Biosphere Reserve and in 1981 it was designated as a World Heritage Site. In 1988, Congress designated 95% of the park as Olympic Wilderness. (All according to wikipedia).
I have been in awe of this area since I was a kid. My dad was fortunate enough to inherit 15 acres of land that was on the edge of the rainforest, and I really ran wild whenever I got to spend time with him. I fantasized about inheriting it from him someday, but when I was 13 he sold it. I felt so betrayed! I try to go back to the park at least once every couple of years, and to me the beauty of it just about takes my breath away. It's magical.
None of my pictures ever do it justice, so here are some much better ones:
13. Highway 101
If you're ever in a vacation mood where you want to just pick a starting point and wander until the trail ends, Highway, or US Route, 101 is a great choice. Beginning in the Puget Sound of Washington, it winds up along the 'handle' of the state, then runs southward down through California all the way to Los Angeles. It used to go farther, but Interstate 5 replaces it once it reaches L.A.
Many of the places in the Northwest on our bingo list are on or very near Highway 101. The Olympic National Park, Redwoods National Park, the Oregon Coast, and several others can be seen as you travel. For most of its length, Highway 101 is a 2 lane (1 lane each way) highway, and you don't start to see long stretches of 2 lanes on each side until you reach California. There are certainly passing areas, but those don't last long. So, be prepared to have a very 'zen' driving state of mind, especially during the summer! Lots of campers, motorhomes, and other vacationers travel along this route and many are in no hurry at all.
I've been on Highway 101 down as far as San Fransisco, and I definitely recommend the drive.
the forests 
...just Wow!
and still 9/10 as neither of them are mine. Will go and check through the numbers and make sure. 
