#pnw

Northwest Trek

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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. Much of the time spent was viewing and learning more about black and grizzly bears during Bear Camp. The rangers and those that educate and take care of this beautiful park are amazing – Thank you! Grab a bite, bring in a picnic, get some swag, take a walk amongst the park’s trails, and enjoy the nature around you.

For more info and tickets, see https://www.nwtrek.org/

nwtmap_7-22-webDownload

Seattle Sunset Sailing

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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.

COA Mexican Eatery

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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.

Hood Canal Experience

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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.

Local Appreciation Day

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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. 

So, go and experience the Pacific Northwest vibe and shop local. See the charms, the gum wall too. Participate. We did.

pikeplacemarket.org

Dogwood

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“Soon everywhere, with glory through and through,

The fields will spread with every brilliant hue.

But high o’er all the early floral train,

Where softness all the arching sky resumes,

The dogwood dancing to the winds’ refrain,

In stainless glory spreads its snowy blooms.”

– Dogwood Blossoms. George Marion McClellan

Taken from the North Cascades National Park Service Complex post…Pacific Dogwood are in bloom throughout the park! Its white pedals are found throughout the park such as campgrounds and the North Cascades visitor center.

This may be a Kousa dogwood… check out the varieties here: https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-dogwood-trees-shrubs-subshrubs-3269662 Late May 2022, Renton, WA

Deception Pass State Park

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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

Chuckanut Drive and Larrabee State Park

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On a beautiful day in April, Spring outings are a must. I was fortunate to take the day off and drive north to see the tulip fields and then on to Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive. The #pnw did not disappoint. As I meandered and stopped at a number of viewpoints, and due to timing missed a stop at Taylor Shellfish, I kept to my schedule and was able to visit Larrabee State Park. The experience showcased a trail in the woods, colorful artwork, walking through a tunnel as a train was traveling above, and experiencing the beauty of the coast, a rocky beach that exhibits sea creatures under the rocks and beautiful views of the Samish Bay. I purchased a Discover Pass this year and recommend it. It supports both the parks and in exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Larrabee State Park sits on Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham and is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. It is also Washington’s first state park. So interesting, eh? This park has a small number of camping sites available for booking. https://www.parks.wa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Larrabee-State-Park-124 or https://stateparks.com/larrabee_state_park_in_washington.html

So much beauty to share…

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival ’22

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The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is in full swing and the colors are vibrant. I visited in early April as the tulips were just showing themselves. In driving around the area, you might see daffodil fields abloom too. As my visit was part of a full day of travels in the Pacific Northwest, only a few stops were made… a new field along Best Road, with parking lot ($15) and also RoozenGaarde. Arrive early, especially on weekends. Although the festival is coming to a close this week, check out the variety of events, the map and more at https://tulipfestival.org/

The Cottage

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The Cottage in Bothell entertains and delights at all hours Tuesday-Sunday. Go for brunch aka mid day, happy hour, or dinner. The Cottage serves breakfast all day until 3 pm. The main dishes, the sides, the brunch, and the cocktail options begs you to come back. Check out the sample menu and dream away.

Live music happens. Check out the various events too.

Reserve your table today. As they say…

All Things Delicious.

All Things Cozy.

Shown here: Lemon Cilantro Hummus Platter (the hummus is thicker once you dig into it), Roasted Tunisian Vegetable Melt and The Wedge (with chicken). The Pink Champagne Cocktail (not shown) is perfect for toasting the birthday girl.

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