I recently made the dreaded trip over Snoqualmie Pass to visit my sister and family, and participate in Sam & J’Neil’s fantastic scavenger hunt.   I say dreaded, because I drove….  and it’s a long drive (4 hours)….  and I drive fast….   

In fact, here is a picture of the badge of the officer who gave me a ticket just outside Ellensburg.   Is 82 in s 70 mile an hour zone REALLY that fast? : )  

Every trip to Kennewick, which is on the southeast corner of Washington, is a study in contrasts.  Here’s what it looks like on my side of the state (taken at Snoqualmie Pass). 

I call it “Eden”

And this is what it looks on Kristin’s side of the state. 

I call it the “lone and dreary world.”  Taken near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.  Need I say more?

Fortunately, once I arrive in Kennewick I get to enjoy the company of Kristin, Craig, Sam and J’Neil.  The scavenger hunt was a ball – Kristin and I had a great time coming up with ideas for crazy things the kids needed to find or do, and then she put together an incredible (and organized, of course) adventure for the kids.  I think she should package and sell it!  Best scavenger hunt ever!  I keep hoping she’ll start her blog and share this stuff she creates… 

But in the meantime, here is a picture of J’Neil’s team meeting one of their “action” requirements…. 

                 

  Sam’s team won (I wish I had video to share of the eulogy he gave at the funeral for a dead bug) and found the final clue first, leading them to the biggest treasure chest where they divided the loot.  The silly string was a big hit.  But J’Neil’s team was pretty happy with their bounty as well.  Needless to say, a good time was had by all.  Don’t you wish Kristin was YOUR mom?

And now, part 2 of our
British Invasion adventure…. 

Journey to the San Juan Islands

On Sunday Kathleen and I took a somewhat leisurely and scenic drive north to Anacortes Washington (stopping only for brunch at the Swinhomish casino). 

The rhododendrons (which are Washington’s state flower) were in brilliant display in a rainbow of colors.  

After a ferry trip through the beautiful islands we pulled into port at Friday’s Harbor – a charming little town with a lively waterfront – shops, art galleries, restaurants.  Just sailing over, even without a car, to spend a few hours in Friday’s Harbor would make a fun day trip.

For the educational part of our journey, we decided to visit the English Camp we saw on all the maps.  Here is Kathy on the road to the camp, saluting in memory of fallen comrades, perhaps?  

Frankly, I’m not quite sure what Kathy was doing, but it was along this road that we waved to Patricia, a lovely woman simply going for a walk (back toward the main road).  Wondering how we knew her name?  Read on.

And here is Kathy at the marker which tells the story of the Pig War between the British and Americans. (click photo to read it)  Did you know that San Juan Island was the last American soil held by the British? Me either.

It was at this point that we met an older gentleman, returning from the path to the bay, with whom Kathy engaged in conversation…

Kathy: Hello, how are you today.
Man:  (seeming a bit despondent) Oh, I’m doing ok. I just lost my wife.
Kathy: (consolingly) I’m so sorry.
Man:  Oh, I’m sure she’ll turn up sometime.

LOL.   I spoke up and told the man we had passed a woman, who was probably his wife, walking up on the road.  So he called out “Patricia!?“  I pointed out that she had been WAY up the road… far enough she probably wouldn’t hear him calling.

He headed up the road after her, and we took the path to the bay…. but for the next 15 minutes we were heralded with sounds of Patricia!?   PATRICIA!!!!   PA-TRI-CIAAAAAAA!!!!!!!   We could hear him clear down by the bay.  

From there we headed to Roche Harbor for dinner, but made a stop at the Wescott Bay Sculpture Park.  VERY COOL.   There are about 108 sculptures in the 19 acre park.   This piece is called “Broken Melody.”

If it had not been so hot, we’d have explored further – but the weather was warm and after our hike (for most people it would be considered a walk, for us it was a hike) around the English Camp, we were a bit overheated and worn out.  

We drove into lovely Roche Harbor, which is a charming resort town.  Dinner was so-so, the water tasted funny, and the service slow, but the view & ambiance were spectacular.   

After dinner we took a stroll through the beautiful formal Victorian garden, filled with peonies, forget me nots, lilies, wisteria, clematis, hydrangea, poppies, and many more…  including this really interesting plant.  I have no idea what it is.  Do you?   More pictures at the link at the end of this post.

We stayed at the States Inn & Ranch – a working alpaca ranch bed & breakfast.  They also had chickens, sheep, and a friendly cat.   Although it was a pleasant stay (& the lavender shortbread cookies were delicious), I probably wouldn’t stay there on a future visit.  The most memorable part for me was the wonderful frog chorus which sang us to sleep.  Yes, I recorded them   Listen and enjoy….

The next morning, we woke up to breakfast in the dining room with the other guests -  made from locally grown produce and their own farm fresh eggs.  The scones were particularly yummy.

In addition to the farm animals,  we saw quite a bit of  wildlife as we drove around the island.  There was a fox sitting near the road, with two smaller foxes tumbling and playing.  I really wish I’d stopped in the middle of the road and taken a picture (a car was behind us, and no where to pull over).   

We also saw several deer – including a doe and two small fawns hiding in the trees, along with a pheasant, a bunny, an eagle, and a fat lazy seal.

On our final day we made a visit to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse / State Park.  We met a family from Minnesota (or Winconsin?) who have traveled and spent every summer for 15+ years volunteering at the lighthouse – which is one of the best places to watch for whales.  
 

 
We didn’t stay long enough to see the orcas that were making their way up the coast that day…  we had a lavender farm to visit!

We stopped by the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and store.   Of course we bought more lavender shortbread cookies.  Even though the lavender was not yet in bloom, it was still a beautiful farm.  And don’t you love this huge pi sculpture sitting in the middle of the field???
         

After spending an hour or so browsing art galleries, gift shops and book stores, we grabbed a bite to eat at the Rocky Bay Cafe and then hopped on the ferry for the trip home. 

Look – a marshmallow farm!   On the drive back, we were lucky enough to capture a picture of this new and extremely rare crop of giant marshmallows.

   

We left for the airport the next morning where I bid farewell to Kathleen and sent her back to SLC….  it was so fun to have you here – come visit again soon!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF OUR ADVENTURE

I recently spent 10 days in Salt Lake, celebrating my birthday and enjoying time with family and friends.   Of course I haul my suitcase of camera equipment with me so I can photograph my favorite subjects.   Here are my three grandaughters at our Spring Party / Easter Egg Hunt…  Aren’t they cute? 

It was so much fun spending time with them – though when the three of them get together they go nuts!   They enjoy each other a lot, and wear all of the adults out with their enthusiasm. 

Their parents are pretty cute too…