Olympic Park Institute (OPI)

Let me just tell you how lucky we are to live in the Pacific Northwest. Man and Woman have been to a lot of places in this world and not many compare to the natural grandeur of the mountains, trees and water found here. We're also lucky because we have great families. When Man and Woman first found OPI, they told people they were going to take them "camping" for the Big Day. Man and Woman were met only with slightly raised eyebrows, long pauses in conversation, and "Well, it suits you."

Along the way, people have imagined pit toilets, cold cabins and tents. C'mon, people! Did ya think we were CRAZY?

Back on a cold, windy, blustery spring day Woman invited all the Mom-Types to take a look and begin planning. Here, I share a few pics we snapped that day so you can get a flavor of the place.

Mom Types Being Tough











View of Lake Crescent from OPI Grounds











Friday Night Gathering Place











Lakeside Shelter / Fire Pit











Typical Cabin Exterior










Typical Room Interior










Typical Cabin Bathroom (see, water & everything!)

Stay tuned for Things To Do...

Our First...

Wedding present! Woman was very excited about the first box to show up on our doorstep. She waited until Man got home from work to open it. It took 20 minutes to convince Man that it was okay to open it before the Big Day; indeed that it was necessary to open it and enjoy it for its special place as the First Gift!

While Man has always gone above and beyond in gift giving, he does not want anyone to EVER feel obligated to get HIM a present. After all these years, Woman still doesn't understand his logic... maybe he was just too lucky as a kid & got all the presents he ever needed for his entire life. How could that be? Woman does not understand.

So, after convincing Man that it would make Woman so very happy to open it, we did so. And it is SOOO cool! And Woman is having a hard time putting it down. We will definately have to practice to attain the status of "Artisan." But, this tool is a beaut and, let me tell you, it is balanced for the perfect stroke and has enough weight to really mean business. Thanks, Shaleah! We love it!

Things To Do & Items to Bring

Sometimes when you're in a hurry, the details get left out. Woman was so proud to have invitations for the Big Day completed in what must have been record time! And yet, when Man and Woman were discussing how our Guests will entertain themselves before the ceremony, we realized that SWIMSUITS are not on the "Essentials" list. What? And, the invitation doesn't really say much about the gorgeous spot we've chosen on the shore of Lake Crescent. Olympic National Park

Declarations - of a sort

Despite the fact that it took Man & Woman 15 years to get married, they were head over heels within weeks of their first date. It was our college years, when we felt like we'd experienced enough to make grown-up decisions, but young enough to think about the decision before it was made. Woman's Mother, upon hearing Woman's excited chatter over a "new" man, was cautious. Mothers know that youth is impetuous.

Man turned to Woman and declared his love; "I think I might love you." Perhaps Man was experienced enough to realize the folly of youth, or perhaps he had been burned before and was simply being cautious. Woman, scared that it was too soon to be so crazy about someone, responded "I think I might love you, too."

Man and Woman were driving around one night, without a plan. Or perhaps Man had something on his mind. We wound up on river bank. Woman never really knew where we were. We climbed out onto large rip rap and shared the evening.

First Kiss

Let's just say that Man did not try to hide his shock.

My Man is Crafty Too

There is some debate as to how we broke a bathroom sink, but nonetheless, we needed to replace it. It's been broken for months! But, we just hadn't found the right one for the space or for our budget.

Baja fixed that.

Our first night there, I saw this beautiful sink. By eyeball only, I thought it would fit in our tiny space. We lugged it around for two weeks, then as a carry-on on the plane. Mike had the counter cut & planed and the sink installed in time for Opening Day of Fishing! Look at that craftsmanship.

Lovin' it!

Things to Do Around OPI

Why would Man & Woman decide to get married so far away?