My Trip to Forks, Washington

My Trip to Forks, Washington

I promised pictures of my Forks trip (and I didn’t forget!), but life decided to get in the way. I’ve had a lot of stuff going on lately, AND I’ve been writing and editing, so there’s been some productivity. Now for the promised Forks photos.

In September of 2011, two of my cousins took me on the ultimate Twilight trip to Forks. It was the most fun I’d had in a long time, and it was a really special trip because I’d only recently met my cousins. I’d grown up without knowing any of my family on my dad’s side, so discovering aunts, uncles, and cousins was amazing after all these years, especially since I found two of them living in the same town as me.

The forecast had promised rain that day, and it certainly delivered during the ferry ride across Puget Sound at 6 A.M. We arrived in Forks a few hours later, and amazingly it had stopped raining. The day turned out perfect—partly cloudy and not too cold, and not a drop of rain in sight. If you live or have ever lived in either Washington or Oregon, then you know the value of a rain-free day. Stephenie Meyer knew what she was doing when she chose this location for her books.

The thing I found most interesting about Forks is how this tiny little town has embraced the Twilight phenomenon. You’ll find all kinds of gift shops with creative and elaborate displays. We stopped at one shop and signed their guest book; there were signatures of people from all over the world.

We did the tour of the town (you can pick up a map and other info at the Forks Chamber of Commerce), and drove to see the houses and locations Stephanie Meyer had picked out while writing her novels. I was surprised to discover that none of the Twilight footage was filmed in Forks or La Push. One shop owner told us how the movie executives were all set to film there, but they backed out at the last minute because of a tax dispute with the state of Washington. This is why the first film was shot in Oregon, he said (my state doesn’t have a sales tax).

My favorite part of the trip, hands down, was going to First Beach in La Push. I can’t describe why being on that beach that was so magical—it’s the only word I can come up with. Maybe it was how the weather changed from moment to moment—foggy one minute, and clear the next—or the sight of the huge driftwood tree (I later found this tree described in the books). I think it was the atmosphere—there was a calm serenity to the area. We all lounged around a fire and enjoyed watching the birds and the fog drift around the various islands nearby.

To sum it up, it was a trip I’ll always remember. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Comments: 6

  1. Blair B. Burke says:

    Great photos and sounds like a great trip. I love that area of the country.

  2. PT Mayer says:

    My sister would be so jealous! She totally wanted to do a trip like this but never got to. I've heard there was funny Twilight stuff all over the town. Great pictures!

  3. Gemma James says:

    Thanks, Blair! It was so much fun. I love this part of the country too. Though I haven't really been anywhere else, so I can't compare. 🙂

  4. Gemma James says:

    She should go sometime–a definite must for a Twilight fan. I was really surprised by all the Twilight stuff they had everywhere. I bought a bottle of red “Vampire” wine at one of the grocery stores, lol!

  5. PT Mayer says:

    That is saying a lot given how much I know you love wine (not!)

  6. Gemma James says:

    Lol! I'll have to post a picture of it sometime. It's a really cool looking bottle, which will never be opened, because I tolerate white wine, but can't stand red.

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