Vampire Road Trip

Ok, I admit it.

Edward Cullen and the rest of the Twilight-verse have gotten to me.

I still don't think the Twilight books are all that great, and my prior critiques still stand. That said, the books are strangely addictive. I attribute this quality almost solely to Edward Cullen, the series's dreamy cross between Romeo and Mr. Darcy (with, oh yeah, the whole vampire thing thrown in). I can't help it - the guy is damn near perfect, and I find myself daydreaming about him and finding songs on the radio that relate to him and Bella. (I'm a young female with a good imagination and a love life that sucks - what do you want from me?).

Anyway, the point of my confession is this: My cousin Melanie and I have decided to take a trip to Forks, Washington, the home of the Twilight series. The trip will begin on August 26 and end August 28. Here's the itinerary so far.

August 26:

• Head out in the morning so we can get an early start.
• Take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston
• Drive northwest on 104, then merge onto 101, which goes through Forks.
• Stop at Port Angeles for lunch/dinner, depending on the time of day. Twilighter note: Port Angeles is where Bella went shopping (with Angela and Jessica), went to the movies (with Jessica and Jacob, at different times), and was rescued by Edward. We'll be eating at Bella Italia, the little Italian restaurant where Bella and Edward eat (or rather, Bella eats with Edward sitting at the table with her).
• Arrive in Forks. We might do a bit of sight-seeing in the evening, time permitting.

August 27:

• Sight-seeing in Forks! Among the points of interest (provided by the Forks website):
• Forks High School - attended by Bella and the Cullen "kids."
• Forks Police Station - Bella's father, Chief Charlie Swan, works here.
• Forks Outfitters and the town Thriftway - Bella's main in town shopping destination.
• Forks Community Hospital - where Bella is treated by Carlisle after the car accident
• Head out of Forks toward La Push. Sights to see:
• Cemetery near which the Cullens played baseball (unfortunately we won't be able to see Edward's meadow).
• La Push, where the Quileute Reservation is. Sights to see:
• First Beach - Bella reunited with Jacob Black and learned the truth about Edward. We're going to be on the lookout for a upturned tree just like the one Bella and Jacob sat on.
• The reservation, or as much of it as we are able to see.

August 28:

• Finish up any sightseeing not already done, and then head back to Kent/Newcastle!