Peering at peek-a-boo views around every bend, refilling Nalgenes in glaciar-fed streams and cozying around campfires by the Washington coastline

While in the driver’s seat, I couldn’t help but pull over to the shoulder at this idyllic sight — a flock of Allbirds sheep grazing in the Cascadian foothills. Moments later, we were greeted by a livestock dog whose bright eyes were on full beam and tail in a propeller spin! Her brother followed her lead shortly after to join in on the love.

Alpenglow illuminating a snow-frosted peak that towers over the trees

Every turn revealed yet another moss-saturated giant that loomed over our dwarfish presence. Everywhere we looked, we could observe the growth of life on top of life, and even life springing up from death.

Fun fact: The Hoh Rainforest once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California

A very friendly cherry farmer at Pike Place Market had told me to be on the lookout for salmonberries if I was headed to the peninsula. I can’t believe I was actually able to find his foraging spot. Lo and behold - the most vibrant salmonberries daintily hanging in the bramble and ready to be picked!

Here is a slow and soft morning spent wandering alongside the seastacks. Even the shallow waters of the coastline provide such a deep appreciation for the intricacy and abundance of life. I was lucky enough to spot giant green anemones, hermit crabs, barnacles, sea stars, and of course, kelp during low tide.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "awe" as "a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder". Humans for scale.