Considering the year we have had, we decided not to miss going on a vacation this year. Even though we would not have our little dog with us. Idaho didn't seem to appealing considering the circumstances, so we decided on the Olympic Peninsula. We have lived in Woodinville for over 6 years now and we still hadn't made it over to the Peninsula -- and all we do is keep hearing about how wonderful it is.
The decision to go was a last minute, so we based it on where we could stay and when. That being said, our first leg of the trip was to leave from Edmonds, WA and go over to Kingston, WA via the ferry. During the summers, the ferry lines are very long and require waiting in line...we weren't really excited about that possibility, so we got up and dark thirty and made our way to Edmonds. We successfully (and easily) made the 7:10 am ferry with no fanfare.
After arriving in Kingston, we headed towards Sequim/Port Angeles. We had reservations for Saturday and Sunday night at Eden by the Sea in Port Angeles. It is a super cute bed and breakfast right on the water's edge. However, we were due to arrive there until after 3 pm (to check-in). We were WAY ahead of schedule, so we decided to make our first detour...Port Townsend, WA.
Port Townsend, WA is a cute town. Since it was early on a Saturday morning, the town was just waking up, but we got a rock star cup of coffee and a hot chocolate at Velocity Coffee. After getting something warm in our hands, we walked up and down the main street in Port Townsend. Most stores were still closed, but you could see through the windows how quaint the shops are. Plus, all of the Victorian buildings were fun to look at and imagine during a different era. The water's edge was nice too -- lots of wooden boats around and people rowing.
About the time we were nearing Sequim, it was lunch and we were fairly hungry. The Dockside Grill at the John Wayne Marina came highly recommended, so we stopped and had lunch. It definitely didn't disappoint. We had a marina view and wonderful food to go along with it. Kristina had a wonderful seafood salad with all kinds of yummy crab meat, shrimp, and scallops. Jared had fish and chips -- by far some of the better fish and chips he has had for a while.
Our next stop was Purple Haze Lavender Farm in Sequim. It was a clear day and lots of sunshine, so it was a good day to stop by the lavender farm.
The decision to go was a last minute, so we based it on where we could stay and when. That being said, our first leg of the trip was to leave from Edmonds, WA and go over to Kingston, WA via the ferry. During the summers, the ferry lines are very long and require waiting in line...we weren't really excited about that possibility, so we got up and dark thirty and made our way to Edmonds. We successfully (and easily) made the 7:10 am ferry with no fanfare.
After arriving in Kingston, we headed towards Sequim/Port Angeles. We had reservations for Saturday and Sunday night at Eden by the Sea in Port Angeles. It is a super cute bed and breakfast right on the water's edge. However, we were due to arrive there until after 3 pm (to check-in). We were WAY ahead of schedule, so we decided to make our first detour...Port Townsend, WA.
Port Townsend, WA is a cute town. Since it was early on a Saturday morning, the town was just waking up, but we got a rock star cup of coffee and a hot chocolate at Velocity Coffee. After getting something warm in our hands, we walked up and down the main street in Port Townsend. Most stores were still closed, but you could see through the windows how quaint the shops are. Plus, all of the Victorian buildings were fun to look at and imagine during a different era. The water's edge was nice too -- lots of wooden boats around and people rowing.
About the time we were nearing Sequim, it was lunch and we were fairly hungry. The Dockside Grill at the John Wayne Marina came highly recommended, so we stopped and had lunch. It definitely didn't disappoint. We had a marina view and wonderful food to go along with it. Kristina had a wonderful seafood salad with all kinds of yummy crab meat, shrimp, and scallops. Jared had fish and chips -- by far some of the better fish and chips he has had for a while.
Our next stop was Purple Haze Lavender Farm in Sequim. It was a clear day and lots of sunshine, so it was a good day to stop by the lavender farm.
While the lavender was past its prime, it still smelled wonderful and there were plenty of other pretty things to see.
After the Lavender Farm, we still had time (and daylight) before our check-in at the B&B. The weather didn't look like it was going to cooperate the rest of the time we were in Sequim/Port Angeles, so we decided to head to Hurricane Ridge - and we were not disappointed.
Hurricane Ridge is a 17 mile drive UP. As you can see from the sign above, it is at 5242' -- or at least the visitors' center is. So we drove up, parked, and did a little hiking. Look at the spectacular view. If you look closely, you will notice some smoky haze, there were active fires, but they were being let burn out because of the rugged terrain of the country.
Here's a shot of Jared posing at the visitors' center.
We headed across the parking lot to some very quick little loop hikes just to see the views. You can see the San Juan Islands, Victoria, BC, and all of Sequim/Port Angeles. On a clear day, it is truly a spectacular view.
At one point in time, there was a ski lift there as well. The remnants are still there!
After a quick hike around, we hopped back in the truck and headed to the B&B...it was time to check-in and we were ready for a rest.
The B&B was truly an Eden by the Sea. It was right on the water and the views were spectacular. On a sunny day, what a place to relax and recharge.
Even the bald eagles find it restful and relaxing...
After checking in and getting settled, it was about time for dinner. Not knowing the area, we leaned on the B&B and we were not disappointed with their recommendation, Alder Wood Bistro located in Sequim.
After a long day of driving and exploring, it was just nice to sit down and have a wonderful meal. It was a delightful meal and a perfect way to end a day. We had seen lots of different sights and just truly enjoyed the day away from the real world -- or at least our real world. We turned in around 9:30 pm that evening...we were exhausted. It was a good way to start our vacation...
