- PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON - 2

Friday, August 30th

I am so blessed to be here.  It is a lovely town that has shown me as many types of weather as I can think of for the summer time.  Days of clouds, days of fog and rain, days of winds, days of sun, etc., with so many combinations.  Constantly changing and keeping things interesting and people on their toes.  Last evening there were winds that brought a glorious clear morning which is calm and warmish.  Ahhh!

Point Hudson Marina

I have walked a fairly good part of the waterfront and uptown streets.  I have found many outstanding homes from when the town was first settled and most have been restored and are well maintained.  The Post Office looks as though it would survive just about anything one could throw at it at any time.  The court house sports an awesome clock tower and many of the churches are beautiful and inspiring.

Jefferson County Court House

I found a marvelous eatery on Lawrence Street, the Sweet Laurette Cafe and Bistro.  I stopped there for the first time a few mornings ago for breakfast.  It had rained during the night and most of the early morning so everything was wet.  I preferred to eat outside on their patio and was greeted by a couple who suggested I was crazy as they for sitting outside to eat.  I agreed.

Port Townsend Post Office

So, they invited me to join them.  We got to know each other a bit.  They are from Colorado, have five grown children between the two of them and are traveling with friends.  They are staying in the Palace Hotel, which is an original hotel from the beginning of the town.  We had a delightful meal and they ended up buying my breakfast.  I absolutely love the graciousness of those I have encountered on my Adventure.  Thank you, Universe!!!

Steps to the church

Just around the corner from the eatery is an incredible bakery.  I walked in and was almost knocked over with the abundance of wonderful looking and smelling breads of all kinds.  They sell pastries and cookies and scones and such and it was difficult to choose what I wanted.  I chatted with a woman visiting from Napa Valley and we agreed at how wonderful this little community feels.

Excited shaky hand to take picture

On one of my early morning walks I have come across several deer families munching in peoples yards on flowers, fruits and whatever else suited their taste buds.  They are completely unafraid of people.  I helped keep traffic at bay while one crossed a street.  I figured the car would have to go through me before hitting the deer.  Very cool. 

Explanation of  a rain garden

I have also found a great ice cream and candy shop.  Elevated Ice Cream Co & Candy Shop.  Everything in the shop is hand made in the area and totally yummy.  The fudge is some of the best I have had on my Adventure.  Their take on a caramel sea salt fudge is delicious.  All of their varieties of fudge are delicious.  You all realize by now that I have a fascination with fudge and seek it out where ever I am.

Water, ferry, fog, tree tops, clouds

Their ice cream is just as delicious.  One of their signature flavors is Sweet Orange Chocolate Chip.  It is very unusual and very tasty.  While the fudge is reasonable in price, the ice cream is a bit on the spendy side.  I was fine with the price once I had a taste.  I may have to go back for more.

Love the clouds

Change.  It is the only constant in the Universe.  So, I will be here in Port Townsend through Labor Day.  I will leave on Wednesday and trust the traffic will have cleared by then.  This RV park ended up having a cancellation and I jumped at the chance to stay and spend the time here rather than traveling back to the Sequim area.  I love the open water experience and feel quite at home here.  I imagine the winters here are quite interesting.  Everyone I talk with that lives here loves being here.  

English garden at a bed & breakfast

I have also been fortunate here to get my dog fix.  There have been black labs, a wolf combination, goldens, doodle combinations, a Weimaraner, and other mixed breeds that just want to be loved and pet and rubbed.  There was one older couple that almost offered me their dog, which had been their children's, and then changed their minds.  That would have been a shock.  A dog may be closer than I think to being my companion.  

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

Happy Birthday, Jenn!

Happy Birthday, Patty!

Enjoy your footsteps!

- PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON -

Tuesday, August, 27th

Early morning!

The drive from Sequim to Port Townsend is perhaps thirty miles, though driving time is longer than anticipated due to the winding narrow roads.  It is a lovely drive as it winds along the shore line and then arrives in this quaint little town.  To me, it has the feel of a small little fishing village.

May need some work!

Ships, boats, yachts and sailing vessels of all kinds and in various stages of repair and non repair are in the ship yard.  This morning I was fortunate to be there when they were taking a large sail boat out of the water for minor repairs.

Delicate operation.

The huge lifting device with slings can handle 300 tons of weight.  I watched as the knowledgeable crew and shore hands handled all stages of moving the sail boat.  They were very cautious with how and where the slings were placed to avoid damaging the hull or other parts of the boat.  

An alien spider?

It was quite a work in progress and one could feel the shore crew knew exactly what they were doing and how to do it.  The owners of the boat had been to this port before and knew the shore crew and felt confident they would do the necessary repairs correctly.  The boat is out of Bandon, Oregon and they dock her in Victoria.  They call her the "Absolute Freedom.'  Great name.

Ferry underway!

Close by is the ferry that transports people, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and yes, even motorhomes, etc., across Puget Sound.  I talked with the gentleman as he was directing people and vehicles onto the ferry for their destinations on Whidbey Island.  This ferry is a smaller version of the one we took from Kingston to Edmonds.  Everyone seemed to be on time for the 8 a.m. departure, otherwise they simply wait for the next ferry.

A shop window display!

The main street of town, Washington St, is filled with lots of sweet shops.  There are Inn's for weary travelers, Condos for those choosing to live here, benches for resting, restaurants for eating, coffee shops for waking up in the morning, ice cream/candy shops for the sweet tooth and all sorts of various clothing, craft, artisan and gift stores.  Hanging baskets of peonies are hanging everywhere and add to the charm of the whole scene.  On weekends there are musicians on several street corners doing their thing.

Peonies in Poulsbo.

And finally the marina and RV Park.  This is where I am staying and I have a limited view of the water.  The familiar sounds of the gulls are almost constant during the day and periodically during the day the winds come up and make waves in the waters.  The sun has been in and out between the clouds and the temperatures are mild.  I think this is a very good time to be here.

While I am here I will venture around the upper areas of the town and out to Fort Worden State Park.  There is public transportation available, with three different routes, which I may take advantage of while I am here.  I can see more of the area in a shorter amount of time and decide where I may like to spend more time meandering on foot.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

In a gift shop in Poulsbo.

  
Love your ride!

- PORT ANGELES -

Sunday, August, 25th

Rain Friday night and Saturday morning gave way to a partly cloudy sky and a trip to Port Angeles, Washington.  We drove out to the shore and enjoyed some wonderful clouds and views of Vancouver Island and the partially cloud covered mountains south of the city.  There were two huge tankers in the harbor adding to the scene.  

It seems as though Margie, Dart and I have been on the go since I arrived.  They have been so great taking me to see the area and Dart took me into Port Townsend again to make certain I had confirmed reservations at the RV park when I go there tomorrow.  People everywhere are busy as Labor Day approaches.  The one last fling for the summer for many folks.

While Millie and I play Words with Friends on our phones, Margie and I have played a few games on a real board.  It is quite a different process and challenging.  I have been spoiled by the phone game that counts the score and tells you if you have an invalid word.  Margie and I sort of fudge a bit with our cheat sheets.  Good fun.

Today we are off to Silverdale and will be going across the floating bridge and across the water on the ferry.  It is the same route I will take when I leave after Labor Day.  I just hope my Rv isn't too heavy and we all go down with the ferry.  I have been reassured many times that this won't happen.  Glug, glug!

It is a glorious clear, bright, sun shiny day!  All of the clouds are gone, it is still, the birds are singing, everything is clean and all is well.  It is 8:30 a.m. and 53 degrees.  The mugginess of yesterday has departed and the trees here are starting to think about turning colors. There is a feel of fall in the air.  Is it that time of year already?  Amazing.

Margie and I went and picked blackberries after dinner.  Dart usually does this, however he took care of dinner dishes while Margie, Heidi (the dog) and I tromped through a small field to find the berries.  Afterwards we drove a short distance to Port Williams.  On the way we saw a huge gathering of Canadian Geese in a dry field. 

On the way back we spotted additional geese in the area and another flock just arriving.  Down the road a bit we saw a herd of ELK!  Yes, my first elk of the trip and there they were, at least twenty of them with a huge male, in a pasture along the road.  I was only a little excited and thrilled.  I had to come almost all the way to the top of the US to see them.  Some of the younger males sporting antlers were sparring and the rest of them were simply ambling along.  Way cool!!!

So, still up in the air about going east.  Fires, temperatures, weather and such will be the determining factors after Labor Day.  The fires are a major issue as I prefer to avoid the devastated areas and the possibility of being in harms way.  The last thing the firefighters need is a wandering RV in their way as they do their job.  We'll see.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEN!

Happy Birthday, Ann Marie!

Happy Birthday, Doug!

Happy Birthday, Paige!

Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

Happy Birthday, Jenn!

Happy Birthday, Brent!

"In the end,

it is not the years

in your life that count.

It's the life in your years."

 - Abraham Lincoln

Enjoy your life!

- SEQUIM -

Thursday, August 22nd

A morning at the RV park

The past three days have been jammed packed with local trips around the area with Margie and Dart.  They have been so gracious taking me just about everywhere in the area and yesterday we made a quick drive through Seattle to take the ferry back to home. I am actually feeling as though I could get around the water ways fairly easily.  I have put aside my concerns about motor homes on ferries and realize I will avoid going into Seattle on one.  

Sister ferry going the opposite direction

I have been staying in a RV park in the area and today I will move to their home where they have an RV pad.  A few days with them and then hopefully on to Port Townsend for a few days and then back to a different RV park in Sequim until after Labor Day.

The weather has been wonderful and a great change from the foggy nights and mornings.  I have been waking up to sun and seeing stars and the moon at night.  This was so not the case at the last few stops.  I am very grateful for this.  We have been noticing there are a few trees that appear to be changing colors already.  It is strange to see beautiful hanging baskets of various colored summer flowers next to a tree showing fall colors.  

Fall color tree & summer flowers

I have been reluctant to move east yet due to the fires in and around Idaho. I remember being in the Yellowstone area when the great Yellowstone fire was happening and it was so depressing and smokey.  So I will wait a bit before I travel through there.  Hopefully it will all settle down soon.  I am certain the people in the affected areas are wishing the same.

The park where I currently am staying is very quiet and peaceful.  In the early morning hours there are sounds of coyotes and roosters.  There are a few song birds that I hear occasionally.  At Margie's and Dart's there are all kinds of song birds as they have feeders out everywhere in their yards.  Looking forward to hearing them.

It is startling to realize that it is almost September.  October second will be the one year anniversary since I began my Adventure.  Startling even more is that I have only made it to the top of the US in Washington.  I am curious what it will take for me to actually make it to the east coast.  In a way it is kind of funny to me.  I suspect this is part of the Adventure.

Taken from the ferry

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Happy Birthday, Jeanne!

Happy Birthday, Devin!

Happy Birthday, Jerry!

"Once you make a decision,

the Universe conspires

 to make it happen"

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enjoy your decisions!

- COPALIS 4 -

Sunday, August 18th

It has been a wonderful time here.  We had several afternoons of amazing sunshine and wispy and fluffy clouds.  There were low tides in the afternoons and it seemed as though one could walk miles out into the ocean and still only be in water up to your knees.  There were several times I forgot I had long pants on and they of course got wet before I realized it was happening.  

The ocean water here feels warmer than compared to the water at Morro Bay.  I am suspecting it may be because I am rarely in Morro Bay during the summer months.  Also here the water close to shore is shallow for quite a way out and perhaps allows this water to get warmer since it is so shallow.  So I enjoyed my walks along the surf and in the surf.  

Every morning we woke to fog.  Some mornings were more drippy than others.  This morning it was medium, though by the time I got my RV ready to travel, about fifteen minutes, I was quite damp on my shoulders.  The temperatures have been quite mild so even a sweatshirt was unnecessary most of the time. When the sun was out and on the beach, shorts and a shirt were adequate.

A few mornings ago I walked to the front of the RV park and there they were.  A doe with two young deer and another young female.  They were drinking from the water fountain.  I was able to take a few pictures and they seemed quite undisturbed by my presence.

So when I went to the ice cream social last evening, the deer showed up too.  The managers put food out for them every evening at 7 pm.  This is probably why they look so healthy.  They get fed corn/barley/molasses feed and they really seem to like it.  I used to feed this to my horse as a treat many years ago.  This also explains their being so comfortable in the park area in the morning.

I was a little sad leaving this place.  I had an older couple next to me and they were very sweet.  Last evening after I came back from the ice cream and deer adventures I saw him fall as he came down his steps.  Another camper saw him as well and we arrived at the same time to check on his condition.  Fortunately there didn't seem to be any damage.  He was able to get up and stand and talk with us.  Even making his usual jokes.  

Later I saw him walking around and checked on him again.  He said he was a little sore and thought moving around would be good before retiring for the night.  He is 87 and it is awesome to see he and his wife, 84, still out and traveling about.  He took a fairly good tumble and had scraped his arm and had grass stains on his t-shirt at the shoulder.  Goodness.  

Today I went into Ocean Shores and got a few things at the IGA store.  Then I headed to Olympia and found TRADER JOE'S.  I was in heaven.  They had all of my usual things and I stocked up on as much as I thought I could store in my little home.  Space is a premium.  I could have just meandered around, however I knew I had a bit of a drive ahead of me so kept it moving.

It was a beautiful drive north on Hwy 101 towards Sequim.  It follows the edges of the Hood Canal, as far as I can determine, and in places appears as rough as the ocean and other areas calm as a mountain lake.  There are a few quaint towns along the way and I think one casino.  Even though the miles were relatively short, the time was long due to only being able to go lower speeds.  This did give me a chance to see some of the scenery which was great.

The RV park where I am is fairly secluded with no water access.  I think I will only be here a few nights before moving on to something that has water.  Need my water.  It will be odd going to sleep without the sound of the oceans surf.  I think I am spoiled.  Although I am liking the sun here.  Oh, to have it all!!!

A little visitor in the women's rest room one morning.  I'll have to check with my younger brother to find out what it is.  It seemed peaceful enough and I chose to avoid disturbing it where it was resting.

Welcome home, Jen!!!

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Kristina!

Happy Birthday, Sandy!

"It's not what you look at the matters,

it's what you see."

 - Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your view!!!

- COPALIS 3 -

Wednesday, August 14th

So, I thought I was moving locations today and surprise, I am here until Sunday.  It is that old plan making thing again.  I am able to laugh about it all now, which was not the case early in the Adventure.  I would get frustrated and cranky and think something was wrong, which of course, was just the Universe looking out for me.  I am very grateful this process is much easier for me now.  Whew!  I am also grateful that I have ample food to get me through until I can shop on Sunday.

Margie and Dart:  I am headed your way.  I'll be in touch.

While there have been copious amounts of fog in the early mornings and sometimes in the evenings and sometimes all day, we have lately been graced with an abundance of sunshine.  Today is the third day of sunshine and last evening I was able to watch the sunset and view the moon as it was making its way across the sky.  It was beautiful and warm.

So just a few interesting things to note.  Across the street from the RV park is a house that apparently has roosters.  I am unable to see them though they crow at all times of the day and night.  This seems a bit odd though what do I know.  There are also crows here in the park.  I can hear them caw periodically during the day and when they land on the roof of the RV I scrunch for fear it is coming through the roof.  Then they walk (tromp) across the roof and start to pick at whatever is of interest up there.  I proceed to rock the RV and pound on the roof (from the inside) and they depart.  I will definitely need to get the roof inspected when I have the chance.  I'm not going up there.  Could be danger.

It is so quiet here in the park that I can hear the ocean surf all day and night.  Obviously it is louder at times depending on the wind and other natural elements.  We did have some rain off and on for several days though now everything is dry and it appears as though it never rained at all.  It must be soaking in very quickly as it is failing to assist the grass in being green.

On my walk yesterday morning I went to another beach access which is a state park entrance.  Parking fees seem high to me.  $10 for the day or $30 for the year.  Just to park so one can walk to the beach.  I'm unsure about how I feel about this.  I ran into this is Oregon as well.  It seems other states have different ideas about charging for people to access the beach.  In California the beach is open to the public and unless one is actually visiting a state park, parking is free.  Curious.  I am certain I will come across other things that are confusing.  Oh well!

I walked to the local post office yesterday morning, which is the only business in this little town.  I think I saw that the population here is a little over 400 people.  While there are some cute houses I rarely see other people than those here in the park.  It was a nice walk along the highway and I discovered wild blackberry bushes.  Guess what I am doing later.  Yep.

I am noticing that I am following the trail of ripened berries and fruit.  What was ripe in California when I left is just now coming ripe along my way.  It is fun to constantly have access to fresh ripe fruit of the area.  Even a few of the little grocers have local ripe fruit and vegetables.  Things that would be unavailable in any large store.  Good for the locals and us travelers.


I also saw some ducks in the backwaters near the other beach access.  There were quite a few of them, however they scattered when some other walkers got too close to them.  I'm seeing some wildlife though minimal.  Not a huge variety of water birds or shore birds or birds at all.  Interesting.  I am missing the sounds of the song birds I have had at some other places.  I'm sure they will surface in time and location.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

Happy Birthday,  Ed!

Happy Birthday, James!

"When we meditate

 we slow ourselves into 

stillness and silence

so we can finally hear

the whispers

deep within our heart."

 - Davidji

Enjoy your stillness!

- COPALIS 2 -

Sunday, August 11th

I am still experiencing an abundance of fog, though here it is open space at the RV park and it feels alright.  The fog here seems closer to the ground and very dense.  It is not something I would care to drive in.  It is very similar to the tooley fog in the central valleys of California.  Very scary to be driving in it either day or night.

Walking in the fog on the beach is an entirely different experience.  It seems almost magical.   Objects in the distance are blurred and sometimes odd shaped.  It is very important to make certain you have markers of where you come onto the beach so you can find your way back.  There have been more than a few times when I was uncertain of where I was.  Fog is a funny thing.

I went into the town of Ocean Shores and did some shopping at the local bakery where I discovered some fresh sour dough bread and fresh made marionberry scones.  The next stop was the candy shop and some locally made fudge.  I then ended up at a large ice cream shop and the nicest young man helped me decide on the best flavor for the moment.  Things change with time you know!

I also went to their local IGA grocery store for necessities.  The sun was out for a bit and temperatures seem to be steady in the mid 60's.  It was a delightful trip and I was glad I decided to drive the RV because it was way too far to walk and then walk back carrying all of my goodies.

People here are very friendly and kind and this almost feels as though I am home, even though I am unsure where that is these days.  When the couple drove into the spot next to me he offered their car for me to drive if I needed to go anywhere.  Very sweet.

The beach here is strewn with dead crabs.  Shells of all sizes of crabs are all along the high tide line.  I had noticed some while I was in Seaview, though the numbers here are astounding.  I finally checked with the office staff and was told they are molting and this can go on for about six weeks or so.  I investigated a little on line and this is necessary for them to grow.  

I had originally thought perhaps it was a disease or virus or maybe from being attacked by dolphins or seals.  Some are completely in tact while others are missing legs.  Some with claws and others without.  Some split open in the center and others in all sorts of broken states.  Quite a sight.  I am now walking closer to the waters edge to avoid the array  of carcasses.

We have had some rain off and on yesterday, last night and this morning.  I started my walk in rain boots and a poncho only to have it stop raining five minutes into the walk and have to remove the poncho.  I kept my floppy hat on which covered my morning hair.  Lovely!

Garbage on this beach is minimal which is wonderful.  This morning it was mostly plastic bottles, large plastic bags that were empty, a kite that failed to survive the wind and some other odds and ends.  A lot less cigarette butts and other usual trash which was good.  It always feels good to pick this stuff up and put it in the trash cans.

The grounds here are delightful.  They are very well taken care of and decorated with fun in mind.  At first glance some of the metal art work appears real so second glances are needed to realize what you are truly seeing.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mary Pat!

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

Happy Birthday, Ted!

Happy Birthday, Maureen!

Happy Anniversary, Tim and Darlene!!!

"Size matters not.

Look at me.

Judge me by my size, do you?

Hmm?  Hmm.

And well you should not.

For my ally is the Force,

and a powerful ally it is.

Life creates it,

makes it grow.

Its energy surrounds us and binds us.

Luminous beings are we,

not this crude matter.

You must feel the Force around you;

here, between you, me, the tree,

the rock, everywhere, yes.

Even between the land and the ship."

 - Yoda - Star Wars

Enjoy your luminescence!

- COPALIS -

Thursday, August 8^th

It was strange being out of touch for a week. I was without cable, internet service and only limited cell service when it felt like connecting. When Darlene and I finally were able to talk we spent two and a half hours catching up on things. I have many calls and emails and such to respond to now. Fortunately I am where my services and signals are good.

Wednesday was my drive day and I continue to work my way north along Hwy 101 through Washington State. It is a bit disheartening to see where so many trees have been removed by clear cutting and now there are only stumps of trees and bushes and grasses growing instead. I realize clear cutting is the cheapest way to harvest trees, however I strongly feel select cutting is a more beneficial and sustainable way to treat our environment. Weyerhaeuser has a huge presence here and I sense things will continue as usual. Sad.

It was nice arriving here to sunshine yesterday. There were too many foggy days at Seaview. As with any coastal town or city, it is absolutely beautiful when it is clear and sunny. Predictions for here are clearing in the afternoons and foggy at night. Fog rolled in early evening last night and it is still so at 10am. Here is hoping. There are scattered trees here so it is open and light and this is nice.

There are no shops or stores or businesses here so I will need to go a few miles down the road if I need anything during my stay. It is just me and the ocean and this is fine with me for a while. This RV park has a good feel to it though I am unsure why. It may reveal itself in time.

My poor home on wheels is very dirty and could use a major cleaning on the outside. I figure I will wait until I am away from the coast and out of the salt air. Unsure what the salt air does though I suspect it is anything other than good. I did manage to defrost the freezer while in Seaview. Hard to remember the last time I even had to do that little chore. Technology has yet to reach all the aspects of RV living.

While I was walking in Seaview I managed to generate a hefty blister on the ball of my right foot.  It took a few days of being off of it for it to be less painful and definitely took a toll on my walking ventures.  I think I may end up with a callous.  I also think I will put a band-aid on it before any other long walks to avoid any further issues.

While driving through the town of Raymond I saw there were many areas where metal art was used to decorate.  There were separate areas and groupings of deer, bears, birds, pelicans on pilings and people and a person with a camera on a tripod.  It looked so great and at first seemed life like.  Nice touch to the town.

These are all flower pictures I took while in Seaview. There were just so many wonderful flowers everywhere and they are all so healthy. Flowers at the coast are so wonderful.

 It is now getting lighter and soon I think there will be shadows and then full sun. I can handle this just fine.

A colorful front entry to a Seaview house.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

"Instead of goals,

make the commitment to

live joyfully in the moment.

Stop dreaming about the future

and get back to the only thing you have:

now.

Decide to live fully in the present."

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Enjoy your present!