Forks, WA. For those who have read any of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer or have seen the movie, you are probably wondering, “Why not?” after reading the title of this post. For those who haven’t read the books and don’t have a clue, you’re probably wondering, “What?”
Both are legitimate questions. Let me address the latter first. I’m on a camping road trip with my daughter and her seven year old friend. Both of their moms have read the series of fictional books pitting vampires against werewolves set in the town of Forks, WA. So they both have mentioned a number of times bits and pieces from the books their moms have relayed to them; plot lines, characters, action scenes. Neither has seen the movie or read the books, but they are both quite enthralled. I’ve never read the books, for the record. I don’t read much fiction these days unless it’s humor. I find WAY too much in the realm of reality (or as some call it “non-fiction”) keeps my interest to head into the fiction section. And I’m certainly not bashing anyone who reads the Twilight books, they just aren’t my gig even though some have assured me I’d enjoy them.
Right now I sit at the Mora Campground just two miles from the beautiful Pacific Ocean and its log jammed beaches. The ocean has a strong pull on me which is why I decided to head this direction when given five days to do as I wished. When I mentioned to the girls that we were going towards Forks they were fairly excited and started repeating the bits and pieces from the books they knew. Again. But we didn’t actually go into Forks.
We didn’t see….uhhh…..someone’s house or this place or that. My daughter’s friend seemed a little bummed when we reached the campground and she asked, “Is this Forks?” “Nope. We turned before we reached Forks.” “Oh,” was the simple reply. I thought of heading back into town when we found ourselves in need of firewood but then the thought occurred to me, “What???”
Why would I do that? I’m not knocking Forks. It’s an OK town. I’ve enjoyed quite possibly the best pizza I’ve ever had after biking to town many, many years ago. It’s small and enjoyable to drive through but really, I wouldn’t go out of my way to get there. And that’s why we hunted for firewood and some other essentials in nearby La Push. I just didn’t feel that having a movie filmed in a logging town was a good enough reason to swing by Forks. For me, the coast itself with miles of untouched beach to the North and an endless soundtrack to lull me to sleep, is far more reason to come out to the Olympic Peninsula. I don’t need to add fiction into the mix just now. I’m enjoying the reality of this place too much. The waves, moss covered trees, taste of salted and brine in the air, children’s laughter in the campground and the gentle glow of our dying campfire.
Twilight and Forks will have to wait for another day.
I have read all 4 books and I think personally I would enjoy visiting La Push better than Fork. :)