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The best seats at our local Inn
Our little slice of heaven, on the Salish Sea, overlooking a quaint marina. After cruising in Mexico for 4 fantastic seasons aboard our sailboat, El Tiburon, we decided it was time to head north to explore the hundreds of islands scattered throughout the Salish Sea from Washington to Alaska. After hours of diligent research, I found a rural community on a small bay on Puget Sound. Before committing to such a radical change, we made several trips to Puget Sound. Each time, we were convinced that we belonged here. We sold El Tiburon, and purchased a Grand Banks Classic 42 in anticipation of less wind and needing more protection from cooler weather.
Spark takes walk on the beach near the townhomes.
Even on a cloudy days, we are happy as clams.
The center of our little universe.
Cloudy or clear, it's our sweet spot.
On clear days we can see beyond Whidbey Island to the magnificence of Mt. Baker and the Cascades. We never tire of watching sailboats, fishing trawlers, and Cargo Ships transiting San Juan de Fuca headed north to Haro Strait towards Canada, or crossing Admiralty Inlet to the east en route to Seattle. To the west, lies the mighty Olympic Rainforest, and the Pacific Ocean. Pinch me, I'm in Heaven.
The 740-year-old Western Red Cedar tree from the Olympic Peninsula, blown down by a wind storm in 1993, was chosen and designed specifically for this spot by a Tsimshain carver, David Boxley, from Alaska. The 40-foot carvings represent the past natural state to the residential development of our community.
Mt. Baker
Friends always ask me, "How's Sparky adjusting to the move"? Sparky has never liked heat, there were summer days in San Diego when Sparky didn't want to leave the boat for a walk. Thankfully, on Shelter Island, where we kept Scrimshaw, there was a perfect spot for us to swim and escape the heat of the searing sun. Nevertheless, much of the year in SoCal is hot, and seems to be getting hotter each year. Spark enjoys the cooler weather, and has plenty of green lawn, hillsides, and nice beaches to run and play. He's voiced no complaints about the relocation. He seems to be as happy as Darrell and me.
Friends always ask me, "How's Sparky adjusting to the move"? Sparky has never liked heat, there were summer days in San Diego when Sparky didn't want to leave the boat for a walk. Thankfully, on Shelter Island, where we kept Scrimshaw, there was a perfect spot for us to swim and escape the heat of the searing sun. Nevertheless, much of the year in SoCal is hot, and seems to be getting hotter each year. Spark enjoys the cooler weather, and has plenty of green lawn, hillsides, and nice beaches to run and play. He's voiced no complaints about the relocation. He seems to be as happy as Darrell and me.
Feeling frisky.
Happy to be free.
He loves the cooler weather, but hasn't swam yet.
Spark is always by my side. Whether we take a ferry to check out a nearby island, drive to a favorite lake, or hike one of the many trails in our community, Sparky loves exploring the Pacific Northwest. To date our exploring has been limited to our car or a ferry. Scrimshaw is still in SoCal, and we are anxious to bring her north. Darrell and crew will start the journey in May. There are an abundance of marinas, including this one in our neighborhood.
Just the right size for a marina.
While our local marina looks darn good, we have surveyed other options within a few miles from our home. This is the John Wayne Marina on Discovery Bay near Port Townsend. The Duke loved this area, and cruised the waters of the Pacific Northwest from Washington to Alaska to Mexico. Sounds familiar, yes!? His 136-foot yacht, named the Wild Goose, was converted from a Navy minesweeper. Today, the Wild Goose is used a charter boat in Newport Beach. We have visited a lot of wonderful marinas, but our local marina with its view of the Olympics is hard to beat.
The Olympic Mountains shine with fresh snow in the background.
There has been no storage of sun around here.
We have had lots of crystal clear, crisp fall days.
We are new members of the local yacht club.
One of my favorite surprises about living in the "Rain Shadow" of the Olympic Mountains is the dramatic skies. The play between light and shadows, the bellowing clouds, and their reflection upon the water is an unexpected phenomena that provides ever-changing entertainment.
Light and shadows dance upon the water.
Tall pines, water, and sky in perfect harmony.
Idylic.
A beautiful mural at Finnriver Cidery.
There is a sense of purpose and hope that comes from collective accomplishments. Young and old have left cities to reclaim a closer relationship to nature, guided by a deep understanding of the responsibilities and the joys of stewardship. Children are raised thoughtfully, with emphasis of interacting with kindness toward one another, and with their world. The beauty of the Salish Sea, along with rural farmlands to the statuesque Olympic Mountains, impacts the community's collective consciousness and shapes our relationship with our environment daily. We are more alive, more awake, and more grateful than we could have imagined. 
Jack. PURE JOY. Finnriver Cidery.
After a lifetime of "vagabond-ness", we have come home.
Darrell surveys a boat launch for Viva Yo.
A fishing boat rests at anchorage.
Local scenery evokes a sense of well-being.
And, everywhere, there are B O A T S.
E V E R Y W H E R E.
A Peterson 44, like our Tango, years ago.
A tranquil life, messing about with boats.
Can't resist one more shot of the marina.
More sky drama.
A curious kind of watercraft serves up a pretty reflection.
The sun sets over the marina, lighting up the magnificence of the Olympic Mountains.
Another mesmerizing sunset reminds us, life is sacred.
A good spot to watch the sunset.
No words necessary.
Regardless of weather, and it was a pissy wet Sunday in Seattle, we happily surround ourselves with boats. Lots of California folks complain about the Pacific Northwest weather, not us. We love it all. And we love the GREEN that comes with rain.
A wet, but perfect Seattle day, showing boats to a friend.
Best decision we made in years!
Nothing could have been better that sharing this spot with Jack and Hana last month.
Port Gamble looking towards the Hood Canal Bridge.
QUAINT. CHARMING.
Fall days are perfect for long walks.
Port Gamble is the sweetest little town.
All that walking makes us really hungry.
The Best Peanut Butter cookies, anywhere!
Better walk that off!
One of our favorite walks is across the Hood Canal in Poulsbo.
There are 3 marinas on Liberty Bay.
We couldn't have dreamed up anything this good!
Sparky enjoys a stroll near the marina offices.
The view under the pier near the office, reveals the extreme Salish Sea tides. Something we will have to learn about before navigating around the islands in Scrimshaw.
More colorful scenes in Poulsbo.
A perfect town for strolling.
Or simply sit, and people watch.
Viking heritage is evident everywhere around the town.
There are several Poulsbo celebrations throughout the year honoring the Vikings, many of which include fur capes, helmets with horns, bonfires, ale and bratwurst. Dancing under tents in the rain is also a common event. Needless to say, its a fun town with a lot of Velkommen spirit! For many, Sluys Bakery, offering The BEST Danish anywhere, is reason enough to visit Poulsbo. Don't go on a Saturday - it's crazy busy with a long line forming outside, and sometimes down the street, of hungry tourists and townsfolk. Aside from marinas, Vikings, and pastries, my favorite part of Poulsbo is the public walkway along Liberty Bay, with a stop at the local cafe.
Spark and Darrell lead the way.
Fall is exquisite.
Our typical view crossing the Hood Canal Bridge.
Everyday, boats, shoreline, islands, mountains, and sunsets.
I haven't mentioned the abundance of flowerings plants in the PNW.
I can finally have my English garden on the west coast!
On our walk, we often stop for a cappuccino with a view. I have no idea why it took us so long to move north.
Everyday, boats, shoreline, islands, mountains, and sunsets.
I haven't mentioned the abundance of flowerings plants in the PNW.
I can finally have my English garden on the west coast!
This bouquet was a welcome gift from my neighbor the day we moved into our house.
These lovely blooms lasted weeks!
This is the Lemon, Blueberry Cake she brought with the flowers!
Best neighbor award goes to Anne!
It didn't last as long as the flowers.
Y U M !
My friend and neighbor, Anne.
Beautiful, smart, fun, kind, and she BAKES too!
More on my intrepid local guide later......
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