September 2010
Washington’s Misty Mounts
Mt. Rainier Panorama
After a week of the city, Tim and I were ready for a little backcountry camping. Our choice was one of the rainiest places in Washington – which is no small feat – Mount Rainier. Here an average of 83 inches of rain falls annually (Paradise Valley, inside the Park holds the world record for the most accumulated snowfall in a single year when a mind boggling 1122 inches (93.5 feet) of snow fell in 1971 – 1972).
Urban Camping – Seattle Style
After a great time on the Olympic Peninsula, it was time to return to civilization. Wednesday we drove through Seattle, up to Kirkland to have dinner with our friend Mel Viscovich’s sister and her husband. Sarah and Jeff treated us like family as we settled into their home for Moscow Mules and barbecue. After an inspiring discussion of their visit to Burning Man where they lived in the desert for 5 days making Grilled Cheese from midnight to 4 am each night, we’ve decided to put the event on next year’s agenda.
Space Needle
Portland OR – Friendliest Bike City!
I’ve really enjoyed biking downtown Portland….except when the U.S. Postal Service uses the lane for parking.
Twilight on the Olympic Peninsula
Friday night, 2 weeks from the day we’d sailed the Straits of Georgia to Nanaimo, Tim and I boarded the ferry in Victoria to head back to the States. We knew it was time to head home, but we were surprised by how reluctant we were to leave. From surfing to tea time, we’d thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Vancouver Island.
Ferry Trip Home
We landed at Port Angeles and after a breakfast at the down home Cornerhouse Cafe on Saturday, we began our exploration of the Olympic Peninsula.
Vibrant Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
First, thank you so much to everybody for the Happy Wedding Wishes! Tim and I are plunging into the planning and more details will be coming soon!
Parliament
Now to Victoria! You hear the rumors, you see the pictures, but nothing prepares you for the experience of certain places. Victoria is one of those places. Tim and I were both astonished by how much we enjoyed this vibrant city. We arrived on Monday the 6th and immediately searched for the closest Oyster bar for some shucking. We were craving some fresh seafood.
Inner Harbor
We were not to be disappointed. Down the street from Parliament, we found the The Oyster. Here we sat down for Victoria’s best deal – A Buck a Shuck for 12 delicious slippery sliders. It was a perfect intro to the town.
Lake Quinalt Lodge
If there’s a better fireplace with which to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon…I haven’t found it!
The Wedding Day Countdown
364 Days to Go After 10 months of contemplation, travel and research we’ve decided to throw a party with a wedding