After a wonderful day at the zoo, the mall and enjoying more birthday presents we decided that some relaxed sightseeing was in order. My sister, who has only had the chance to make quick and focused visits to Seattle, has never been on a ferry, so we thought that a ferry ride across the sound would be a great idea! So off we set for a day of fun and we would go wherever the wind decided to blow us.

Once again it was a BEAUTIFUL day in Seattle. The sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the weather was cool but perfect. The ride from Edmonds to Kingston was windy but stunning. To the north you could clearly see Mt. Baker. To the southeast you could see Mt. Rainier and to the west the Olympics were stunning. I was so happy that it was such a clear day for my sisters first ferry ride.

The Olympic Mountains on a gorgeously clear day.

Auntie Jillian, my sister, on her first ferry ride across Puget Sound. I’m just glad that the sound was calm and she didn’t get seasick.

Shaun with his girls… Love these three with all my heart!

Hello Taylor Family! Its windy but beautiful out. You can see Whidbey Island behind them.

Shocked that we could even get a picture together at all. This rarely happens with anyone! I have yet to capture even a semi-family picture with Grandma Zoe or Grandpa Pat and Nana Fiona. It is my mission to do so. The one big thing missing is my handsome Shaun, who is behind the lens for this one.

After a beautiful ferry ride we headed out from Kingston and decided to make our first stop in Port Gamble. I wanted to show everyone one of our favorite stops, The General Store, and take a little walk around the small park and main street. The girls had the chance to pet and admire two beautiful horses who were waiting patiently for their riders over by the park. We shopped a bit in the general store making sure we didn’t leave without their amazing hot chocolate and mocha in hand.

As we walked along the little park and garden, my dad and Shaun noticed something swimming out in the water. Further investigation revealed that there were not one but two things swimming around in the waves and they were Sea Otters! We hopped into the car and drove down to an old logging dock and lot close to the water where they were swimming. The pair was swimming very close to the shoreline and I was able to snap a quick photo of one before they caught on to us and headed back out into the small bay that Port Gamble sits in.

Watching, feeding and petting the beautiful horses.

Our adorable little otter friend. They were fun to watch, playing in the waves along the shore. Its been a while since I have seen Sea Otters in the wild.

After the Sea Otter excitement, we decided to move on and head to Port Townsend. The sunny day would allow for us to actually get out of the car and do some exploring, which is something we have been waiting to do. Upon our arrival we decided that lunch was in order, so we stopped at the Nifty Fifties Cafe for a bite to eat. The food was simple and easy but very yummy, especially their malts, shakes and root beer floats.

After lunch we set out to explore the streets and look around a few stores that had caught our eye as we drove in. We found a lot of adorable boutiques, toy stores and more. We didn’t buy much, if anything, but it was great to get out and see some things. One of the stores I really enjoyed was a steam punk boutique and I know Auntie Jillian really enjoyed it too. There were a few things I would have loved to take home, like a beautiful leather jacket and some Toms style shoes that had the Union Jack on them, but they were not meant to be and certainly not a necessity to life. Although I almost bought some adorable boots for Abby and Ellie but my realistic side knew that they were novelty items and had zero practical function for them. In laymen terms… They would never be worn.

We walked for quite a while, shopping and taking pictures of the old buildings and charms of Port Townsend. In the late afternoon we made the decision to pack up the car and head out to Fort Worden before the sun went down.

Just one of many lovely and old buildings in Port Townsend. I love this little town!

My lovely sister and family walking the streets of Port Townsend. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day!

As we arrived at Fort Worden, the sun was beginning to set and sporadic clouds were starting to blow in. This made for an amazing and beautiful sunset along the water. We drove around, looking at the lighthouse and more. We stopped along the point where you can see Canada (Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria) on a clear day and drove through the old fort itself, looking at the old buildings. I love this spot, as it reminds me of a much smaller version of the Presidio in San Francisco.

Once the light started to fade we headed out of Fort Worden and back to the ferry. This time we decided to take the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle so that Jillian could see the city lit up at night. As we crossed, the skyline was perfectly clear and it want too cool or windy to go out on deck for a few pictures.

This sea gull just sat there and watched us as we watched him.

Looking northwest towards Vancouver Island. It was a clear enough day to actually see the island itself!

Gorgeous sunset along the sound in Fort Worden State Park

Picture perfect sunset along the Sound in Fort Worden State Park.

Sunset along the Sound as we crossed over the Hood Canal. This is one of many reasons as to why I love Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Sunset over the Olympics

Seattle Skyline at night.

Jillian and the Seattle skyline.

Ellie and Daddy being super silly. Those big cheesy smiles never fail to make me smile!

My beautiful Abby and the Seattle skyline. Love that beautiful face!

After another fun crossing from Bainbridge to Seattle, we stopped for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory in downtown and then headed home. The Taylor crew had to leave and head home the following morning, so a late night was not in the cards. Oh well, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed the time that we did have together. It may have only been a weekend, but it was a weekend packed full of wonderful new memories.