Yes, and I had forgotten. If we go up via Lake Quinault, then we won't have driven the Hood Canal route -- all the more reason to return that way. And I bet we can find some delightful place along the way for a nice lunch.

Speaking of which (and yes we DO travel to eat) is stopping for lunch at the Lake Quinault Lodge going up a good idea or nothing special?

Geez. I can't believe I'm thinking about where to have lunch 6 months from now. I need to get a life!

Well, I think it's an important part of life! And I'm glad it's only 6 months away. I'm already tired of winter up here---and it's supposed to snow this weekend.

I should have clarified that the "two ferry" route from PYT to Seattle was bbecause we had young children i the car, and the ferry rides were good for them. The Hood Canal route makes much more sense for you. In May/June you should have blooming rhododendrons along the way (the native ones).

I just hope you can find someplace to stop for lunch. Last time I drove the whole length of 101, it seemed a culinary wasteland along Hood Canal. Hopefully it has changed, and someone will have a suggestion or two.

In the past 10 years or so, I've only been as far as Quilcene (approaching fromthe north), where one can find the Whistling Oyster Tavern:

http://www.whistlingoysterbar.com/

I've never been brave enough to go in. But here is a fictionalized account of how it came by the name, from one intrepid visitor:

http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/oyster.html

He doesn't mention if he enjoyed his fish 'n chips, unfortunately.

If this drive is on the day you head to the aiport from Port Townsend, you'll want to get past Quilcene before lunch, anyway. There is likely something good further south.

enzian, I just love going to a restaurant website and finding that it is for sale. It inspires such confidence! Sort of like knowing the service will be bad when you see a "help wanted" sign in the window.

Yep---that's another reason I didn't recommend it.

Investment opportunity!! How can one resist: "Been at the same location forever. The Oyster is a popular tourist and motorcycle stop Year round. Pool, Darts and large Shuffleboard Tournaments, with live music, Karaoke and a huge hardwood dance floor that draws large turnouts."

Unfortunately, that is pretty typical of the places along there, in my dim memory of the Hwy 101 drive.

I hope someone else can come up with something good. Maybe down toward Hoodport.

My boss had a retreat at Alderbook, and enjoyed the food, but I'm not sure it's what you might be looking for at lunchtime:

http://www.alderbrookresort.com/wine_dine/

I'd say it's a good thing you've god six months to get it figured out!

Patrick---it just occurred to me that maybe I wasn't clear---I was offering this place as an example of the culinary wasteland along there, NOT recommending it.

Unless, of course, you like pool, darts, shuffleboard, and karaoke with your lunch. . . .

Yes, that was clear. Although the shuffleboard has me tempted. We are from Florida after all.

That's done. Booked Lake Crescent Lodge for one night going up to Port Angeles, and booked the Swan Hotel at Port Townsend for two nights coming back from Vancouver to SEA (and spending the final night at SEA LaQuinta).

The Swan offered a senior rate of $103 for a second floor room with shared verandah for sitting.