Barking Embarkers

I love the book Twilight. And I love the movies. You should all judge me. Also, please stop reading, right now because it is embarrassing how much I love the sinister sanguine stories of vampires. It’s just so dark and morbid, and somehow Stephanie Meyer twisted these blood thirsty, cannibalistic, high school drama kids into this epic, completely engaging romance series. I love it! The story, the romance, the masochism and even the movies! Except for New Moon is not my fav until you get to like chapter 25 when things start picking up again.

First you should all just read this book series. It’s great on Audible too! And then you can binge watch ALL OF THE MOVIES in a week, download the books, load your adventure pet into your truck, and drive to Forks Washington which is the lovely setting of this incredible book series. You think I’m kidding. Oh no, I’m definitely not kidding.

This trip was so unique and different from any typical weekend trip. It was like digging your way into someone else’s life for a weekend! Every motorcycle definitely belonged to a werewolf, the second you drive into La Push you feel the vampire eyes (that were surely watching you since the ‘Welcome to Forks’ sign) lift off your shoulders and your inner wolf starts to prowl for Jacob Black himself.

Chloe and I started our trek from Portland Oregon scouting our way across Washington while immersed in this book series. Our first stop was along the coast at Kalaloch Lodge, for a gorgeous pit stop. We then continued our adventure North Bound to Forks Washington.

Vampires!

From the moment Forks Washington came into view, Chloe’s hair stood on end, as if she knew we were being followed by vampires. We arrived to the Forks Visitor Center, and became immersed in the moss laden, wooded trail. Having done our fair share of research, Chloe and I discovered that the visitor center has a lovely map of all the vampire attractions Forks has to offer.

We started with Bella’s trucks- I mean, pretty awesome, but the super beauty has them beat- sorry Bella Swan! Then we adventured our way to the highschool, trying our best to not look like a creepy tourist fan girl with her overexcited dog. It was raining, no surprises there, but the Cullens must have been out hunting because there were no vampires in sight.

Werewolves!

After driving along the absolutely beautiful route between Forks and Port Angeles, Chloe and I decided we best see all we could at the Port. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince the hosts at Bella Italia (the scene of Edward and Bella’s first date) that Chloe was actually a werewolf. I know, she’s apparently way too small to be a werewolf. I’m pretty convinced the owners were actually vampires. And let me tell you how excited I was that Chloe the werewolf was in the presence of REAL vampires. I mean, why else wouldn’t they let her eat there?

Anyway so Chloe and I enjoyed some incredible Fish and Chips from Downriggers on the water, while walking along the waterway. We spotted an adorable seal, frolicking along! Then we climbed to the top of a viewing point and caught a beautiful sunset with the Olympic Mountain background. Our hearts were completely full.

And Monsters!!

So here’s the thing- the trees covered in moss are kind of scary sometimes. It looks like the trees are huge moss covered Monsters! Look at these photos-

I mean, yes, it is mindboggling how the biology works to make such amazing moss covered creatures… so of course Chloe and I went hunting for Monsters. We drove to the very, very corner at Cape Flattery Washington, savoring the sights of the Straight of Juan De Fuca along the way. Chloe LOVES to find all of the smelly things, and enjoys running on the beach more than either of us can describe. Maybe she’s the moss covered monster in this story?

I was pretty excited that Chloe Rue would make it to the second corner of the United States on this trip. It was always a dream to reach the 4 corners of the United States. Chloe made it to Maine’s corner, and finally she also conquered the Monster Trees of Cape Flattery.

Finally, Chloe and I found our way to La Push, to first beach where Jake and Bella spent so much of their time. We did not practice any cliff diving, but Stephanie Meyer was not kidding about this driftwood. There is a lot of it!

Oh my…

There are many types of trips, but this weekend where I disappeared into the life of Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black was unforgettable. Do you have a book that you love? And do you crave adventure down to your very soul? Well let me tell you- step one, go chase after the essence of that book and feel what the characters felt, and learn what they’ve had to learn because nothing makes us human like empathizing with the book characters we know and love.

Then, go write your own story. Chase after an adventure and turn it into an incredible novel. It can be a story of romance, a story of life or a story of vampires. Perhaps, it’s the story of how you and your dog explored the world together and loved every crazy moment.

What is your favorite dog story you’ve ever read? My favorite- definitely involves werewolves. Have a barking blast of a week! Happy Tails to you all.

Find BarkingEmbarkers on Social Media! You can find us on our

Facebook group, Instagram, or Pinterest Pages. Chloe and I are also now on tiktok!

Check out our brand new Youtube Channel with a PCT “Captains Log” journal right here.

You can also ALWAYS reach out with questions by emailing us at barkingembarkers@gmail.com.