Water, water everywhere.......

This trip was definitely one for the books for me!  EVERYONE should see the beauty and remoteness of the San Juan Islands.  It starts with the ferry system which I LOVE!!!!  So much better than flying!  Much more room, very efficient, easy to navigate, etc. & if you miss a ferry there is another one coming w/I a few hours so it’s not a wasted ticket. I’m actually writing this from the ferry.  So productive!!  I did a great job making the best use of my time while on the island.  After dropping the boys off at 9am, I caught the 10:20 ferry to Orca Island from Anacortes.  We arrived at 11:30 and off loaded.  I was the 3^rd one off the boat!  After only about 20 min. I was in Eastsound, the hub of the island and location of the Outlook Inn where I stayed.  I parked in town and commenced to walking the shops!  Nice, nautical shops with a few food shops thrown in.  I ate lunch at Chimayo, a Mexican restaurant using fresh local ingredients.  I loved that many of the area eateries used island or Washington state products.  I checked into the Inn around 3 and was delighted.  I knew the room I had booked did not have a bathroom, only a sink as the floor had shared restrooms and showers.  Well worth the money!!  I felt like it was my own personal restroom as it was 2 steps from my door and I NEVER saw a soul in the hallways even.  After tent camping for 4 nights I appreciated the clean room with a nice fluffy bed.  Also had an amazing view as you will see below.  That view is from my window on Thursday morning.  So still it looked like a lake….That is also the view from the restaurant, New Leaf w/I the inn that I ate every morning.  I have already spoken about my bfast so I won’t go on but I do believe that is the best place to eat in Eastsound.  I had 3 bfasts, 1 happy hour meal, and 1 late evening salad and was never disappointed.  Staff and service was EXCELLENT!   After settling into the room, I struck back out to see what I had missed the first time.  I found a consignment shop (which I am GREAT at!) and found a nice top.  It hit me that the only few items I have purchased along the way are from consignment or thrift shops!!  I LOVE IT!!  A few t-shirts, a small wallet, picnic tablecloth, climbing rope, a queen size sheet, stuffed animals for the boys and now a top!!  Why pay full price?  EVER????  Ain’t no shame in my game honey!!   Had an OK dinner at a pub.  I wanted a place for more of the local experience instead of food and was directed to The Lower Tavern.   So so food but I did have a nice long conversation with a millionaire (maybe?) named Steve.  Could be an alias as for some reason I pictured him wanted by the FBI for embezzling or something!!  He was a nice guy and it intrigued me that he had houses in multiple places, countries, etc.  He had flown to the island (only second time as he purchased property here after seeing it once!!)---which people just don’t do unless you have your own plane.  He lives in Dallas and doesn’t work—but makes lots of money….hhmmmmm.  How do I make that happen!!!   He stated making money was the easy part, keeping  busy and happy is the hard part.  Hhhhhmmmmmm…..I said for me right now it was the opposite and I was happy with that.   Anyway, we spoke about things to do on the island and went on our merry ways.  I did see him strolling around my area of town when I was eating bfast Thurs morning but he didn’t stop.  He was looking in my general direction, nonchalantly of course.   I do believe he was interested in getting to know me better but was a little shy…. SOOO end of that storyJ.  

Wednesday I had reserved for hiking and touring the rest of the island.  I ventured to Rosario Resort which is the remodeled 54 room home of Robert Moran who basically founded the island.  Beautiful and many original features exist.   He had a great story but I won’t bore you so Google it if you’re interested!!  Then I hit Moran state park for a hike or 3!  You will see the trails below, just beautiful lushness everywhere!!!  I did about 4 miles between 3 diff. trails and could have stayed there all day.  Check out the slug below!  They are everywhere and you have to be careful not to step on one on the trail.  This was the largest of the day.  The boys have already found out that they don’t taste good!!  After a few licks of one at a campsite, J was drinking from the water bowl and was like---WHAT WAS THAT!!  They supposedly ooze a liquid that makes them impossible for predators to eat!  Speaking of predators, deer and bunnies abound on Orca bc there are no big preds. on the island.  Bald eagles are it.     After a few more hours in the park, I made it back to town for a late lunch at Roses Bakery (yum thin crust pizza) and hit the farmers market.  Beautiful flowers and vegetables everywhere.  I almost purchased some all natural “Hag Cream” (actual name) that was supposed to help with wrinkles, etc. BUT the lady selling it did not appear to use her own products… SOOOO….. you can’t trust that right???   Then happy hour was at 5pm and then I walked town again!  WHEW!!  It was a good day…… Thursday I had decided to take the ferry over to San Juan Island to Friday Harbor.   This is the most populated of all the islands and shops were abundant.  But what I had hoped to see the most, were the Orca whales off the coast of Lime Kiln State Park…AN D I DID!!!  Amazing experience to see them (about 4) swimming in their natural habitat.  There were 100-200 yards off the coast but close enough to hear them when they came out of the water!!  I can’t imagine how loud they would be close up if I could hear them blow from that distance.  So surreal.… You can’t see much of the whale in the pic…But he was there!!  I just walked away, smiling…thank you God for that experience!!  After touring much of the island, I hit the shops…didn’t buy a thing but I always like looking!!   Came back on the 6pm ferry and to the inn at 7:30 for an Heirloom Tomato Caprese salad and Pinot.   YUM!  Best tomatoes I’ve ever eaten have been on this island!!  I tootled around this morning and hit the 1205 ferry back to Anacortes.   They really do make it easy---I think this is my new fave form of public transportation!  Too bad they are only used for water!   I picked the boys up around 330 after checking our downtown Anacortes.  Got a few new bumper stickers for my Thule storage rack….so far have about 20 stating places I’ve been…pretty cool.  I added some slogans this time.  “ I dream of a world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned” & “May the Forest Be With You.”  Or "Goddess on Board” J  I will send a pic of the unit soon as it is becoming its own being!!! 

The boys did GREAT!  I know they didn’t get the love, attention or exercise they had been used to but Vicki said they were quite the “gentlemen”!  Even giving an example or 2…WHOA?  And AWESOME!  They act fine, just a little needy for mama right now.   Tomorrow we are off to a different area of Washington…I believe 4 more days and then into OR for a week.  

Pics are the Outlook Inn, View from the inn, Cascade Lake Trail, Ferns, Slug, Ferry passing our ferry, Lighthouse on Kiln state park, The WHALE!!  & Ferry at Friday Harbor.

What a great personal  experience the islands were for me!!  Loved every minute of it….Thanks for those emails and comments and please keep ‘em coming……

More Olympic Experiences.......

Well, I didn't lie on purpose.  I like to think of it as being spontaneous!!  I changed my mind at the last minute and took the van on the ferry. It was more expensive to park than take it with me!  AND so glad I did.  It would have been much harder to get around the island than I first thought.  I have yet to see a cab! SOoooo.....here I am.....really enjoying myself.  I miss the boys like crazy but I have loved two days of shopping, hiking, meandering without wondering how they are doing, are they hot in the car, are they barking out the window, etc.  I will have SO many pics to share of the island.   Tomorrow, I'm catching the ferry to another local island to check it out.    What have I appreciated the most???? This BIG SOFT FLUFFY BED!!!   No furries laying on top of me to get to my sleeping bag!  I had the best sleep since I left home last night I think.   Just knowing I didn't have to get up for a pee break at 6:30 was awesome!  AND then I had the best, most beautiful  breakfast at the restaurant here at the Inn.   A pic is below bc I thought it was deserving of appreciation!  And all the food used here is sourced on the island or within Washington which is incredible.  It was a Spinach & Wild Mushroom Omelet topped with basil and goat cheese w/ fresh tomatoes, Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Bread.  WOW!!  Well worth the 14.00 I paid....  The next 4 pics are of Olympic National Park.  That is the visitor center at Hurricane Ridge.  Then a distant view of Mt Baker.  Lastly, a pic of me waving into the Elwha River in the park and Madison Falls. 

I don't want to get into the island details to much but rather finish up on the Olympic Peninsula.   It was definitly worth seeing and I wish I could have stayed longer and completed a real hike in the park.  Since the boys aren't allowed, I was pretty limited to seeing things "on" the beaten path which is more heavily traveled by folks that generally don't even want to leave their car!  At least here I got out into the woods for a while today without people!   More to come.......

Olympic Experience.....

Hi Guys!  I have tried for 3 days to post some pictures and my internet reception has been really poor.  This one actually took about an hour to upload!!  She is a beaut though!  She just sat there in that field of lupine while everyone took pictures.    The Olympic National Park and surrounding area was as I thought, breaktaking..... I will post several more pics when I am back on land.  I am leaving tomorrow for the Islands!!  So excited.  I have decided to leave my car so I will be walking, biking and cabbing around the island.  Just wanted a total break from the car.  I"m leaving the laptop as well!!  So no one will receive email or posts from me until probably the 10th or 11th.  Just know we are doing great!! 

Ha!  I just tried to upload and the next 2 did pretty quickly...  Those mountains are the Olympic range at the Hurricane Ridge road w/i the park.  It was a 17 mile drive that ends at a visitor center and has 360 degree views.   More to come!!

It all started with a high 5!!

Yes, it all started from a high five!  I had just arrived at the Lynden, WA KOA and successfully set the tent up for the first time alone. Just one! I had to tell SOMEONE!  A couple had pulled up a site over and had began to unload.  They had been cordial saying hello and their dog's name was (Riley!).  Once I completed the task, I yelled over to them what I had done and it was a big moment for me.  Well, the woman states, "That deserves a high 5!" and runs over to deliver one to me.  She stated that was awesome and I should be proud of myself.  That was the beginning of a nice, new camp friendship.  I would like you all to meet John and Gail from BC, Canada.  Probably some of the NICEST folks you will ever meet.  She invited me over for apps and drinks with her group ( a few guests were arriving).  Unfortunately, I just wasn't in the mood that night.  I regret that now bc I would have loved to gotten to know them better--as well as their friends bc I am sure they were all similar.  GOOD PEOPLE! At the end of their meal, while I was reading she ran over some dessert! Delicious angel food cake w/ strawberries and topping.  YUM!!!  The next morning, I was not able to get hot water until 9am if I used the store so I asked John if he would heat some water for me to make coffee.  He offered up their perk coffee which was already made and it was great!  I don't know if it was the hospitality or instant gratification but very welcome!  At that point, I had made up my mind to finally purchase a Coleman Stove!  Even if just for coffee at 7am!!  I spoke with them about the purchase and they told me where to get it and the ins and outs of the propane since I was a little weary of that. (I am my fathers daughter!!)  I made it back with my purchase and made my first dinner---quinoa and veggies!!  YUM!  The next morning, we were able to share a while.   What cool stories they have!  Their story makes me smile and gives hope for a love, even if much later in life.   John is a retired RCMP and currently a police officer where they live. (I finally met a Mountie!!)  Gail is a Special Education Teacher Asst. which I believe God puts those special people on this earth.  They are both around 58 yrs old (I originally thought much younger!!)  They both went through school together.  They knew each other but weren't close or even friends really.  They both survived marriages that were not healthy for them and then about 4 1/2 yrs ago, decided to get together for coffee (living only a mile from each other this whole time). AND THE REST IS HISTORY! They were just married this March. They couldn't be more compatible and HAPPY!!  They just ooze it!!  It literally brought a tear to my eye.  Just thinking how things work--how God works.   AND THEY ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER! John then helped me finish out the morning by packing my tent, which is not as fun as putting  the tent up I learned.  It's kinda like taking Christmas down........:(   John and Gail if you read this please know it was truly a pleasure!!!  I hope our paths cross again.   So it all started with a high five but ended with a new friendship....... 

This area of the state is just gorgeous.  I know I keep saying this but I don't know what else to say!!!  I just HAD no idea all the beauty and diversity WA had to offer.   I have reached the ocean--bays, whatever!!  We hit Anacortes yesterday after driving the Chuckanut Scenic Dr. from Lynden.  Today we toured historic La Conner which is an artsy small village.  Very nicely done. I didn't buy anything but 2 dog treats! But mostly have enjoyed just relaxing for a nice lunch at a quaint spot in town.  I have been taking advantage of that.  I'd rather have that experience than purchase something---besides--what do I even need???  We then traveled over to Oak Harbor, home of the Whidby Isle Naval Air Base.   Saw several jets & copters fly over.   Gives you a great sense of freedom and appreciation when you see and feel that!!   Deception Pass is the Bridge you will see in the pics.  I'm in WA about 2 more weeks & can't wait to see what else is out there.  The weather on this side has been perfect.  It was hot and in the high 80's in Winthrop, in 70's in Concrete and 65 here!  I have keep pants and long sleeves on.  I think its the humidity!!  Feels cooler than 65.  I believe the Olympic National Park will be breathtaking.  I could see the snow capped mountains in the distance today.   For all you Twilight Fans---that is where the vampires originate from!!  And maybe the movie was made there too?  I don't know yet but I WILL!!!!  

We've had our first injury here at camp.   J jumped off the porch yesterday and a big splinter ripped a toenail in half!  I have not seen either of them bleed like that yet.  And poor guy----he's exhausted himself licking it.  It bleed hard again this morning after our walk & he's hobbling a little so I know it is tender.    AND THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO!!   Hopefully it will not lead to the cone!!   The only thing I used out of my first aid kit was some aspirin!!   Tomorrow is a drive day so hopefully we will rest it and all is well.   

FYI----I played around with the settings so it should be much easier to leave a comment now. You don't have to log in, etc.  So please leave me a message!!  For the prayer warriors out there--please pray for Rick (my old boss) as his beautiful wife Lynne is about to pass with cancer.   Very sad.  They are a wonderful couple.   

Below are pics of: John and Gail!, the next 3 are LaConner, Deception Pass Bridge and Fighter planes outside the base...

Mission Accomplished!!!

WOO HOO!!  I successfully set up the tent and we made it through the night.   Monty slept like a rock, Jackson curled up in a corner and would periodically come over to me during the night as if to say, Mom when are we going to sleep in the cabin?? I know, as with all things so far on this trip, he will get better with time and experience. 

I am VERY proud of myself for setting the tent up alone.  I had only "practiced" at home one other time and Lori helped.  SOOOO....I was dreading this task but now feel a new sense of accomplishment under my nature babe belt.

A couple of pics:
The setting could not be more beautiful at our site. So green, wooded and peaceful....

Also had to throw in a few pics of the last town we were in Concrete, WA. Yes, bc they actually used to make concrete.   I got a laugh from the Police Station.  Doesn't that just ring fear in the heart of criminals!!!

The last 2 are of our site in Concrete KOA.  We actually had a backyard and laid in the back reading both days.  Boys loved the grass as most spots don't have any grass.   The second day I was looking for a place to put their tie down stake and nearly stepped on a garter snake!  Needless to say---we both jumped....I tried to shoo him back into the woods but he just wouldn't go.  So instead of a blanket that day, I sat in a chair!!

Just one?

That's the question asked more than any question on this trip.....It's goes something like this.... "Hi, I'd like to check in.  How many adults ma'am? One.  Just one?  or Hi, Id like a table. How many ma'am?  One. Just one?  Or would you take my picture? Oh, you're just one?  Yes, just one....I have to smile because it is just one.  Just me.  Alone with the furries and they haven't learned to take pictures or have dinner conversation so..... BUT I have thoroughly enjoyed being just one.  It really makes you speak to people, meet people, stop to see more bc you are the driver instead of passenger. Many times going through life, we are always with someone and miss the opportunities to put ourselves out there bc we don't have to.  We have the safety net of another person. 

I know it's only been 6 days since I have written but I have seen so much since I last wrote.  We have gone from Coeur d' Alene (pronounced Core-da-Lane for newbies) to Winthrop, WA and through the North Cascade Mountain Range to arrive in Concrete, WA.  Simply amazing.  We are at 2210 miles to date.  This is the scenery I have imagined.  GREEN GREEN GREEN!!  And the size of these trees.  Makes you feel so small but not insignificant.  The boys and I did a hike in the Cascades yesterday & I felt I was in a fairyland....Sunlight barely crept through the giant trees, moss covered everything and made it look so fresh yet peaceful and the smell was heavenly.  I smiled the whole time.  This is what I had pictured all along. 

Below are several pics.  First is just one on Lake Coeur d Alene.  It it huge.  25 miles long.  It was a little windy that day.  What a great town!!  I know I have said that many times but the truth!!  One of those outdoor towns you could live in... 

Next is the floating boardwalk that is on the lake.  It is the longest in the world at 3300 feet.  Pretty cool to walk along feeling like you are on a suspension bridge the whole time!  And just to be that close to the water. 

3rd is a shot of the Lake. 

Number 4 is a quaint outdoor restaurant that I ate lunch at in Winthrop.  Winthrop was a little western town, literally staging gunfights, etc. to bring the crowds in.  The setting was great and I could have sat there for hours but know they wouldn't appreciate that!!!

Camp dog is featured in pic 5! Yes, that is my chair but we share!  He loves it and that was after a big day of new sights and sounds and walking in Winthrop.

Fairytale hike is 6,7 &8.  Just a dream hike.  I literally did not want to leave that area.  I could have camped right there.  And there even a toilet there so life would have been perfect!! 

Pic 9,10 is Diablo Lake in the Cascades.  This lake was breathtaking you guys.  I have seen many mountain lakes but wow........  the water was the most beautiful turquoise and the sky was so blue. 

And lastly was a pic of the mountains in the distance while I was driving!

We leave tomorrow for a new adventure....our first tent experience which should be exciting!!! I hope that's one of the words I use!! and then I am SUPER excited to be heading to the San Juan Islands for a few days and kenneling the boys!!  Thank you to Mr. Warren and Ms. Jan for suggesting.   I have researched and know I will have great memories there!!!

I could live in this town!!!

Missoula, Montana!  When we first hit the city on Thursday after being in the remote locations of Red Lodge and Livingston, I hated it!!!  The traffic and hustle and bustle of a whopping town of 40K people!!  HAHAHA!  The KOA was like a small city---200+ sites, no privacy and it was HOT! 94 degrees! In Northwest MT!  I thought traveling 1500 miles from home would be much cooler but NO... HOWEVER, on Friday I decided to tackle the city and plan some fun stuff for me and the boys.   I had researched a doggie daycare before arriving to the area and found one I thought would be good for the boys--DogLogicinc....I made arrangements for them to try it out on Friday.  A half day (6 hrs.) was FREE!!!! And if everyone was happy they would go back Sat. while mom had booked a massage and facial!!!  Remember I NEVER said I was RUFFING it!!!  I am still very much a GIRL even though I am enjoying living the simple life....Someone will have to show me how to apply makeup again and do something with the hair......:) But I am surely not worried about that!!  So I hit downtown around noon on Friday and LOVED it!  What a great downtown area!  Many unique, local stores located right off the river walk.   I walked for 2 hours just taking it all in and then grabbed lunch at McKenzie River Pizza Co.  YUMMY!!  I then was able to head back to camp and take care of some chores before picking up the boys.  I hadn't received a phone call from the daycare so I was hopeful that all was going well!!  The actual word LaLah used was "excellent" when I picked them up which was a shocker for me. But sweet relief!! Cause mama was getting a ME-SAAGE!!!  AND the boys were able to partake in an every third Sat. birthday party at the daycare!!  CAKE FOR ALL!!   How funny right!  I hit town again to enjoy the largest farmers market for a small town I had seen.  Beautiful flowers, food and produce was everywhere.  So nice to see everyone enjoying being w/ their families and supporting the local farmers and economy.   I didn't buy anything but COULD have if I only had a what folks????? YES, a REFRIGERATOR!!!   I then headed to Cedar Creek Day Spa and had a relaxing massage and facial.   Love when they tell you your skin looks younger than you really are!  WHOO HOO!!!   I then had some great Grilled Chix Nachos at the Flathead Lake Brewing Co.  It is there I learned there is a Testicle Festival in Clinton, MT if anyone is interested in attending.  It did say you would have a ball there...:)   I picked the boys up and another successful day was had----lots of doggie cake was eaten!!

Missoula is very liberal and "hippie like" (actual verbiage from masseuse not me).  Although I feel like I already live in a similar place, with the addition of the University of Montana there---made the city feel alive and larger than it actually is.   The music scene and "youthfulness" of the town is very appealing.  Once again, another city I would highly recommend visiting....  Very different from Red Lodge and Livingston but worth including.  

We left Missoula this morning and are parked in Couer d' Alene, ID.  BEAUTIFUL area and the drive was incredible.  Only about 2.5 hrs away and no big passes to drive but the route was forested with BIG green trees and followed a river almost the whole drive.  Driving into Couer d Alene is breathtaking.  Lakes surround and connect the entire city.   And we are 2 nights in a dog friendly hotel---which at first felt foreign.  But after a nice walk in the 90 degree day we are all enjoying this air conditioning!!  I have learned I could really do without the TV....HA! and guess what they have.... A REFRIGERATOR!!!  But I don't even have anything to put in it!!  Oh well.....that will give me plenty of time to soak, pluck, file, polish, shine, etc.  :))

The boys are getting much better with living the nomadic camp life that we are currently living.   I have learned that copious exercise is the key to happiness for me and them.  We have been doing 45 min to an hr walk when we first get up.  Before coffee even!!!  They LOVE it!!   and I have started really enjoying it as well since I don't have to hurry off to work...... This has helped with them riding in the car, meeting other dogs and interacting with kids.   Last night, my new camp neighbors, Cameron and Lauren ( 2 and 5) asked very politely to come pet the boys.   They did great.  They even gave the boys a bone each and we made them sit for it---which shocked the kids!!  Yes, we are getting better with many new things!!

Folks may wonder why I am taking this route vs. all the National Parks, etc.   Well, I have been fortunate in my life to have been to Yellowstone, Tetons, Glacier and up to Banff many times so I decided for the sake of time and money and to avoid the summer crowds---forgo it all together.  I wanted to spend more time in NEW places.  So far, everywhere I've been is new.....and I'm still proud of myself.....

Below are pics of me on the Missoula river walk, farmers market, Clark Fork river from the bridge, the clarity of the river (from 30 ft above!), a street in downtown, flowers at the market and the famous Missoula Carousel at the Park.