A Look From Inside, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

We spent the entire voyage across the Juan de Fuca Strait outside in the front of the ferry because Weston was allowed on deck, but not inside. However, sometimes a girl has to go in for a brief, uh, rest. Out there in the very front, or bow, of the ship you can see tiny figures… those would be Karen, Mary, Martin, and Weston.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008:

I awoke before the sun arose at the early hour of 4:30. After double checking my bags, my husband and I left to pick up my traveling companion. The drive to the airport was fairly easy and then it was time to wait in all the fun security lines. This process seemed to take forever! My flight left on time at 9:35 and my Twilight adventure began. The flight was a long one (around 5 hours), but it was a smooth journey. Theonly major issue was the sporadic screams of the child sitting in the row behind me. Thank goodness for ipods!

The plane landed in Seattle around noon and after picking up the rental car, we embarked upon the driving portion of our journey. We began with an epic hunt for food since we had not eaten since 6 am EST. We settled for fries and burgers at McDonald’s. I swear this was the best food I had tasted in awhile – this was probably due to my ravenous hunger.

Our drive led us through Tacoma and many small towns like Bremerton and Silverdale. I was mesmerized by the greeness all about me and the cool breezes so unlike the 98 degree weather I left behind me at home. We crossed a floating bridge with a gorgeous view. The drive eventually led us to highway 101, which would eventually bring us to our final destination of Forks, the home of the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer.

Before heading to Forks, we made a detour in Port Angeles. The first stop upon our tour of the quaint seaside town was the Port Book and News. Many sources have stated that this was the bookstore that Bella went into while shopping with Jessica and Angela, however, I disagree. The bookstore did not meet the vision I had in my mind since Bella does not go inside the store due to the amount of New Age items she sees through the window. Bella assumes that the bookstore would not have the books she is seeking and continues her walk through the town. There is another bookstore in town, closer to the docks, called Odyssey Books and Gifts, that looked the part much more than the first store. During my walk through town I located the store which I believe to be the place that Jessica and Angela bought their dresses for the dance.

My time in Port Angeles excursion by having dinner at Bella Italia, where Edward and Bella ate dinner after he rescues her from the roaming men. Mushroom ravioli was in the specials menu – of course my traveling companion ordered it since this was the dish that Bella ate. I had to order Coke as well for the Twilight significance. I do realize that I am more into this book than I should be, but I cannot help myself. Being at Bella Italia was so surreal!

After dinner, we made a quick Starbucks run since I figured it would be my last chance since Forks was lacking in that department! (I am a Starbucks junkie and have to have my fix whenever possible.) Armed with a Vanilla Bean Frappucino, I climbed behind the wheel for the last leg of our journey to Forks. This drive took Edward around 20 minutes within the book, but I have no idea how he did that! The drive took us about an hour and fifteen minutes. Lake Crescent borders the road for a portion of the drive; it’s beauty is breathtaking. The lake plays no part in the books, but I felt it was worth mentioning.

We finally arrived in Forks around 7 pm. We checked into our hotel and exhausted from our travels ended the day. I was excited about exploring the town the next day. This town had been so vivid in my imagination for so long!