So, after many years of wanting to experience Northwest Trek in Eatonville, WA, it happened. We missed seeing the Moose calves by a week 😦 but enjoyed seeing Bison during the Wild Drive and Bear Camp. The rangers and those that educate and take care of this beautiful park are amazing. Thank you. Grab a bite, donate (or get some swag) and enjoy the nature around you.
For more info and tickets, see https://www.nwtrek.org/
What an adventure! Beautiful Seattle weather just before a lightening storm. Head West my friends! Pier 56. Sailing Seattle Tours. Two hours. Enjoy the sunset. Check out the FAQ and more info here – https://sailingseattle.com/
This May we joined the 7 pm sunset sail and saw parts of the beautiful Northwest, great water views and staff, and had an overall fun experience. It’s for someone who is visiting the area for the first time, for someone who hasn’t been aboard a sailboat before, or for those who need to experience it again… and it rocked! We experienced wind, breaking waves, the sail, and calm waters. Bring layers as you may need it. And a couple friends and a bag with dessert and bubbly just may enhance the experience.
All I can say is… BEST MEAL EVER! Locations in La Conner and Mount Vernon, WA. I was able to enjoy it in La Conner. https://www.coalaconner.com/
Although I am a taco or enchilada gal typically, I chose the Burrito Chiquito… a flour tortilla stuffed with choice of meat, rice, beans, pico de gallo, fresh greens & cheese. Drizzled with pimento sauce, poblano crema and mole sauce. Topped with pickled onions and queso fresco. Side garnished with mango pico. So good…Amazing! The salsa and chips hit the spot. The ambiance and decor resonated with me…the music, the natural stones in the bathroom sink too. I took part of my meal to go and was thankful. I am choosing to go back for my birthday meal in May.
Last minute road trip in the #pnw Puget Sound area. Great weather. The Olympic Mountains showcased their beauty.
Seattle to Union to Bainbridge Island.
Stopped at Bent Bine Brewery in Belfair, WA. Enjoyed Skogkat Red and took one to go.
Sleep, Dine, Self Care and the natural beauty of Alderbrook Lodge & Spa area. https://www.alderbrookresort.com/
Love my https://eqpdgear.com/ bags for travel and more.
Ridgetop Red…my favorite from Silver City Brewery in Silverdale, WA. The beer is good on tap or in a bottle. https://silvercitybrewery.com/
My intention was to stop at Bloedel Reserve but cell service isn’t the best in this area and they require entry tickets purchased online in advance. https://bloedelreserve.org/
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, Bainbridge Island. Volunteer Carolyn is priceless. https://bijaema.org/
Bruciato – enjoy your Napolitano style pizza, cutting it with scissors. Bainbridge Island on Winslow Way E. https://www.pizzeriabruciato.com/
Bainbridge Island Art Museum. https://www.biartmuseum.org/ Especially loved the Indigenous artwork of Peg Deam (Suquamish). Go! Experience this lovely exhibits and all it has to offer. I really liked that it is all current work.
Ferry ride makes for a true #pnw experience. https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries
Living the best life when I can.
Art Walk Edmonds occurs the third Thursday of the month from 5 pm – 8 pm. This is a good chance to see the galleries, businesses that showcase local artists. Make it fun by choosing your favorites in each location, making it an outing with friends. You might just find something that will be showcased in your home or business. As part of the Walk, you may even find a demo like at the impressive Aria Studio Gallery by Joan Archer. https://www.artwalkedmonds.com/
Prior to stepping out on the streets of Edmonds, have a meal at the Churchkey Pub. Craft beer, specialty cocktails and the most satisfying pub fare out there. The Rachel sandwich is fabulous – fresh sliced turkey breast piled high with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye (although I chose sourdough bread). The side salad was fresh and a great mix of nuts and veggies, nicely presented. And the blue cheese dressing is… maybe the best ever! Check out the menu at https://churchkeypub.com/
Pike Place Market is celebrating all things local. January 28th started it off with a shopping bag (love it!) giveaway for the first 500 shoppers who spend $50 or more at the shops and restaurants in the Market area. Entertainment was showcased too.
There will be weekly prizes throughout the month of February.Â
So, go and experience the Pacific Northwest vibe and shop local. See the charms, the gum wall too. Participate. We did.
pikeplacemarket.org
Oh, Alberta. It’s on the bucket list of many and it certainly is, was on mine. September 2022.
The beautiful Canadian Rockies. Within four hours reach via airplane. It is worth it and a must see.
Canmore. A resort town of sorts. It definitely is a place to consider home. A great community to stay while you’re exploring the area. A favorite for brunch, breakfast was at Graze. https://grazefoodanddrink.ca/ The Graze Egg Classic was all-around fabulous. Hats off to the chef who contributed, did it all.
Banff. Walk the town. Take in a meal. Do the Banff Gondola. See the sunset. Have a bear (or a beer) at Three Bears Brewery https://threebearsbanff.com/, a lunch at Nourish (especially if you’re vegan). The Boss Bear Burger was a hit as well as their cocktail of the day. https://www.nourishbistro.com/. And for a real treat, have dinner at The Bison. https://www.thebison.ca/ The ambiance with the live music and the tasty meal is a showstopper. The Bison Burger, The Bison Caesar (pork belly croutons) and the Sunrise Meadow cocktail and Black Sage Cabernet Sauvignon was a hit! We missed seeing the elk herd walking the streets of town. https://banff.com/banff-gondola/
Check out the Jasper National Park… Icefields Parkway. The glacier blue lakes, the exquisite cliffs and jagged mountains against the blue sky. We took the trip to https://icefieldsparkway.com/ https://jaspercolumbiaicefield.com/ Staying here would be an amazing experience at the right time of year https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/glacier-view-lodge/
Lake Louise. Walk the trail or get in a canoe. Take in a bite and a view at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. https://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/ I can recommend the Candied Farmers Vegetable Bowl. So good.
Don’t miss out. Plan ahead. Enjoy the beauty, the landscape, the destination.
One of the most beautiful places on earth…Deception Pass State Park. And… 2022 is the 100th Anniversary of this fine park.
Camping. Picnicking.
Beaches. North Beach. West Beach.
Hiking. Goose Rock Summit.
History. Kokwalalwoot, the Maiden of Deception Pass at Rosario Beach.
Recreation. Bowman Bay.
Entertainment. Live music, education and more at the Amphitheater.
Beauty.
Support. https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/
Are you wanting to explore Vancouver Island a bit more? Taking the Black Ball/Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria BC is a good way to travel depending on your location. Making Victoria your home base, it makes for a good 2-3 night adventure. Traveling further north would mean a 1-2 week trip. So much to see, experience.
In Port Angeles, while waiting to board the ferry, make a stop at both the Next Door Gastro Pub and then the Country Aire Natural Foods Market for some snacks, lunch or other to take aboard. At Next Door, the fish tacos (non-blackened and grilled), were ordered, the cabbage and pickled adds really made it tasty. The local Lazy Soul hot sauce is recommended and can be purchased at the market mentioned here. https://www.camarket.org/ https://nextdoorgastropub.com/
Victoria’s Inner Harbour – Walk through the Empress. View the indigenous totem poles. Enjoy the hanging flowering baskets around town. Shop for your tourism swag. https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/blog/where-to-see-totem-poles-in-british-columbia
Eat. NUBO Kitchen + Bar (they have a busy take-out option too). https://nubokitchen.com/
Stay. Strathcona. http://strathcona.victoria-hotelcanada.com/en/
Malahat Sky Walk – See the natural beauty of the trees and animals made of branches, twigs along the walkway. The 360-degree views from the Spiral Tower are amazing. You’ll see views of the Salish Sea, Saanich Peninsula, and more. Walk the tower and take the slide down if you’re up for it. All abilities are welcome. Those that work there are so friendly. The gift shop has many options that you’ll want to take home with you (I did!). https://malahatskywalk.com/
Cowichan Bay – Shop in the village. Sailboats, fishing, houseboats, and history of Cowichan Bay is showcased here. The Halibut Burger and Pan-fried Oysters hit the spot at The Bay Pub. And we got our first taste of the Victoria local Fat Tug Beer. Yes!
Visit a winery or two while in this area. Many of the grapes, varietals are unique to Vancouver Island and you’ll try something new I’m sure. I was able to get my hands on a beautiful book named ‘Cedar + Salt’ – Vancouver Island recipes from forest, farm, field, and sea. The natural aspects of it really sings to me.
Kinsol Trestle – The Kinsol Trestle is also part of the Cowichan area. You’ll definitely get your steps in by visiting this 144-foot high attraction. This wooden trestle was originally built to transport timber (and other) by rail through the canyons, ravines. It was completed in 1920 and then after 1979, no trains made their way across it and not preserved. In 2007 plans were made to restore it and it is now part of the Trans Canada Trail network and it remains one of the loftiest wood railway trestles in the world. There are two points of access. Enjoy the views, have a picnic. So cool! https://www.tourismcowichan.com/explore/destinations-attractions/kinsol-trestle/ and https://www.cvrd.ca/1379/Kinsol-Trestle
Dinner at The Snug Pub at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Great views of the Pacific Ocean and we can attest that the beef burger, fish & chips, seafood chowder are hits. Oak Bay is a great neighborhood with fabulous beaches, like Willows Beach. There are unique trees in this area called Garry Oak and contributes to it being a photographers paradise. https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/ https://www.mustbevictoria.com/willows-beach
Butchart Gardens – in Spring, you’ll see tulips, hanging baskets, roses, and a lot more in bloom. It is open year-round and you’ll see different plantings based on seasons. https://www.butchartgardens.com/
Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood – Take a harbour or whale watching tour, shop, dine. Check out the commercial vessels, floating homes, boats and more. Eat at The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf. Sooooo good! Enjoyed Fat Tug IPA, Halibut & Chips, and Fraser River Sturgeon while sharing a table in the sun with other visitors to the area. https://driftwoodbeer.ca/beers/fat-tug-ipa/ https://floatingfishstore.com/the-fish-store-menu/ https://gvha.ca/marinas-facilities/fishermans-wharf/
From Fisherman’s Wharf, we walked the neighborhood to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, did the walkway and viewed the large cruise ships in port. This was a great add to the day before leaving Victoria. https://www.victoriaharbourhistory.com/locations/outer-harbour/the-breakwater-district/
A sampling of cheer. Go often.
So, Deception Pass State Park. The most beautiful multi-beach park beauty. I want my ashes spread at Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park…one day. Whether it be the views of the waterways, the rocky beaches and the walking trails, views of the most beautiful area of the world. #pnw It is peace and it contains Rosario Beach, Bowman Bay, North/West Beach of this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest. I may edit this but on this last day of April 2022, I need to celebrate and share my pics of 04.09.22. It was a very windy day. A few of these pics are of La Conner, WA too. A great starting point of a beautiful #pnw day.
https://stateparks.com/deception_pass_state_park_in_washington.html
Within 4 hours reach... 