Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1309033
46 various scenic sites and what was scheduled to be a 10 minute stop turned out to last more than 40 minutes at a unique and very charming property called Trollhaven, a large castle-like house just off Gardiner Rd on the outskirts of Sequim. We learned it was available as an Airbnb and wedding site (Bandy Farms, www.Trollhaven.org), Accented in shades of lavender and unique architecture it was hard not to gain your attention. In addition to the main house there was a large parking area in front of an adjacent events building with carved wooden trolls throughout the grounds and the surrounding area and farm. The events center was generously opened up by the owner, Jarod, for us to see; a gesture especially kind, in spite of one of our cars, (name not mentioned) blocking the magnificent and ornate metal gate for a photo op. When the visit was over we continued heading west along the coast, traversing the rural parts of Sequim and other points of interest, including a drive by the John Wayne Marina, still owned by the John Wayne family. Shortly after that we finally rejoined Hwy 101 heading to Port Angeles, completing the last few miles of a 120-mile day. Day two, our now familiar group convened once again at the Olympic Lodge and continued to proceed west. This first leg of the day my humble, but nimble Cayman S was happily situated between the beautiful white GT3 of Sharon and Dylan Thomas and a Turbo S, owned by our photographic documentarian and all around nice guy, Jeff Jones. He conveyed the story of how his personalized plate came to be. The mildly sinister look of that deep, shiny black finish, combined with angular and aggressive lines inspired his son to say it could be owned by Darth Vader, hence VDRS911. We began under brilliant blue skies, clear air and beginning fall colors as a backdrop, adding to the already spectacular scenery, hoping for a possible Sasquatch sighting on the less travelled roads. The Olympic Mountains and the Hoh Rain Forest shadowed us to the East as we proceeded on the twisty roads along the Elwa River, Old Sappho Hwy, Hwy 113 before getting back on Hwy 101 and headed south for about 11 miles turning right to Hwy 110 heading to La Push. We made a brief stop at Rialto Beach, a sandy stretch with large rock formations jutting out of the water, looming large, shrouded by fog and a bit menacing to the north and south. It was easy walking distance from the parking lot to the beach, which was littered with the usual assortment of weathered driftwood, root burls and perfectly smoothed, semi flat stones. No Sasquatch sightings, but almost as rare, and to my surprise, we were treated to a hearty group of dedicated surfers for our viewing pleasure. Overall, it was a fantastic example of the area's rugged, but beautiful Pacific coastline and a great payoff for the preceding drive.