Washington Trip 8/19/12 - Day 2 Part 1

Day 2 and we made our way to Diablo Lake.

We woke up early in Bellingham at the motel. They had a free continental breakfast so we ate that before we left. It was drizzly and wet out and cold when we left. But as we took Mountain Loop Highway and made our way into the mountains, the son came out.
We bought tickets ahead of time to do the Diablo Lake tour. 

"Many partners work together to preserve the beauty that is the North Cascades. In 2006 the North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light combined efforts to create the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on Diablo Lake. This unique facility, which features a holistic design, sustainable architecture, and environmentally responsible operations, is a learning opportunity in its own right. A number of classes and field trips provide day trippers and overnight guests with the chance to discover and explore the North Cascades in a variety of ways. Dining at the ELC completes the experience of learning about sustainability and environmental responsibility."

We made our way to the parking area right on the water. We met Diane there. She is a lady from Bellevue by way of Bellingham and about my mom's age. She hung with us the rest of the tour. 

When we first arrived we were treated to an organic, locally sourced, buffet luncheon.

We made our way outside to gather up and get oriented.

We walked to the boat dock, a half mile in 45 minutes. Three was a lot of stopping to learn the histrory of the area.

My car is looking good.

Sourdough Mountain

Our tout guide.

She even taught us the five kinds of salmon and I still remember it! 

Looking at the dam from the boat.

Our tour guide.

The water is so blue.

Our little stop at the north end of the lake.

Heading back.

Our boat.

Our new friend, Diane.

Diane decided to stay at the Environmental Learning Center over night. Very cool! 

You can tell by my big grin, that I was having a blast and in my element on this tour.

Now time to head off to Twisp.

Washington Trip 8/18/2012 - Day 1 Part 2

Deception Pass to Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive and then scenic spots.

So I did not capture the drive up Chuckanut because it was too scary to take pictures. You see, it was the second day of the RSVP, The Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party. 1,400 bicyclists were on the two lane highway with little bike lane. Many of them were struggling just to stay on their bikes and swerving into traffic. It was all very harrowing.

Anyway, when we got to the hotel in Bellingham there were backpacks behind the counter with numbers. The bicyclists were staying at out hotel! So we left the hotel to go to Whatcom Falls.

I love this city park. I think it is so pretty! 

We went for a pretty long walk through the park. 

There is a hatchery at the park. 

And fish in the hatchery. 

So we left the park for The Oyster Bar back on Chuckanut. It was way further out than we remembered and we ended up wandering around a bit but we got there in plenty of time.

There were seats outside but too cold out for me.

Great food. Very expensive. I had oysters for the first time. Jerry had swordfish. 

We headed back to the hotel. Ran out to the grocery store for dessert and I took a bath, in the hotel's retro pink bathroom!
Next up -- Day 2!

Washington Trip 8/18/2012 - Day 1 Part 1

For our 27th anniversary Jerry and I went on a road trip. There was a lot of Washington State Jerry had never seen (even though he has lived here since he was seven.) We did slip into Oregon for a bit of the trip too. I took a bunch of photos so you all could follow along. My saying was, "Well, pictures are free!"

So here is the first leg of our trip: Everett to Coupeville and then Deception Pass.

Headed to the ferry dock.

In line for the ferry.

Strawberry cream cookies from Taiwan. Yummy but messy.

Mukilteo Lighthouse 

On the ferry

Finally on our way...about two hours behind schedule at this point, but this is vacation.

Crummy weather for August! 

Then we got off the ferry and drove north about 35 minutes to Coupeville. It is a super cute town. Very old timey sailory. Anyway, Jerry had picked out this little restaurant on the waterfront "Mosquito Fleet Chili." We were planning on eating breakfast there but ended up there for lunch. Jerry had chili. I had quiche. (The last piece left from breakfast.) It came with a really wonderful salad. The waitresses seemed to be sisters and their mom made the quiche.

I like to take pictures that show the difference between my healthy food and what Jerry is eating! 

Steps to the restaurant.

We stepped out onto the wharf to look at Penn Cove. The tide was way out.

Coupeville from the wharf.

So, we ended up parking in the lot used for the Saturday Farmer's Market. I got an apple and Jerry got a nectarine. (We had a cooler in the car for snacks.) 

We continued north and pulled off to see the water at Deception Pass State Park.  

What is that?

Jerry doesn't like to narrate. 

Crossing the bridge at Deception Pass.

At this point on the trip the weather was still overcast and foggy. We couldn't see much off the bridge.

Well, there is Part 1. Much more to follow.