Callie started reading the Twilight series a few months ago and is just wrapping up the final book. She's also been watching the movies after each book and is planning to watch the final one on her birthday. The books are set in a town in western Washington called Forks. Although none of the movies were filmed there she wanted to go on a trip to Forks to see all the locations that inspired the books. Kerry did this 7 years ago so she already has a well educated guide.
We left early Sunday morning and drove to the Coupeville to Port Townsend Ferry. We didn't realize until the end of our trip that the way to get here is via Whidbey Island. The reason we didn't realize is because there is a bridge to get you on the island and then the ferry on the other side. Port Townsend is a quaint little town that I think could be a destination in itself though we are usually on our way elsewhere. One of these times we'll stop for a tour.
After the ferry our first stop is Port Angeles. This town has a place in the series as Bella makes her way there for a bit of shopping and ends up in an Italian restaurant. Kerry and Callie were very excited to see that they had mushroom ravioli on the menu. I have no recollection of why this is important but apparently it's an amazing part of the book.
We were only doing an overnighter so we drove the full 5 hours to Forks to do the tourist thing. We stopped at the Forks sign for pictures and then made our way to the town information centre. They've got two red trucks there. One is the truck as described in the book and the second is the truck they chose for the movies. Callie is sitting in front of the book truck. We didn't really figure out there was a difference until we did a bit of research afterwards.
Our next destination was an exhibit of memorabilia from the movie. I made the mistake of going in first. I was immediately ambushed by three very friendly retired people who had way more of a passion for the books then I did. (I only read one of them.) They barraged me with information about various artifacts and how they were important. Again, Kerry and Callie were very excited and Carter and I stared blankly. The one interesting bit was a life size cardboard wolf form that they used in the actual movies. Since the wolves were Computer Generated this acted as a standing for Bella to talk to.
We finished up our Forks tour with a visit to the hospital, police station, Cullen House and Swan House. All were somewhat similar to the movies though of course not the ones that were in the film. The funniest part was the poor home of the Swans. It apparently has owners that aren't too impressed with all the Twilight fans stopping by for pictures. There were barricades and private property signs everywhere.
ON our way out of forks we stopped by La Push beach which is on a native reserve. Kerry hadn't been here for her last trip because it was only a day trip so it was a new experience for her. There was a treat line sign indicating where werewolves were allowed and where vampires were allowed. The beach was quite incredible with a ton of drift wood and some great little islands just off shore. I may sound like I'm complaining about the whole trip but Western Washington is still a very scene place to visit. I do recommend it. (I suppose Vampires are a bonus?)
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