Tatoosh Island in Cape Flattery is off the northwest tip of the continental United States.

When life hands me lemons and I have a horrendous PTSD episode, I find it helps to connect with the Strait of San Juan de Fuca which divides the United States and Canada.  Sir Francis Drake sailed here when he was navigating uncharted waters and creating a map for others to follow.

Cape Flattery on a sunny day is a photographer’s dream.  I took these photos almost a year ago when I was going through a very rugged patch of PTSD episodes.  I couldn’t afford the trip, but my therapist told me that I couldn’t afford not to go.  I needed a crash course in self-care to survive the challenges in my life.

History is made by people who make wise choices when faced with a dilemma.  A dilemma is when we are forced to choose between two routes which suck equally.  It frequently helps to get away for awhile ~ give ourselves a time out ~ go to a place that refreshes our mind, body, and spirit.

Cape Flattery is where the Pacific Ocean connects with the Strait of San Juan de Fuca.  You can just barely see Victoria, Canada which is hidden in the clouds in the photo above.

I wanted to linger forever, but I had a long hike back to my car and a long drive back home.

The majesty of the trees along the forest trail out to Cape Flattery are poetic invitations and farewells to an experience that still speaks to my soul.