Tag: Port Townsend

4th of July Across the Sound

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In my very humble opinion, I feel that the best way to enjoy the 4th of July and beat the holiday crowds is to head away from the city and out to the smaller towns on the Peninsula. While I know there are plenty of great celebrations for the 4th near Seattle, we just didn’t want to deal with the crowds. So we headed for the Bainbridge ferry and took off to the smaller towns on the Peninsula.
The ferry was busy but not bad. Unfortunately, we were the last car on and my parents and sister were right behind us. So we took the ferry and then we had to wait for the them to catch up. The day was a bit cloudy and cool. To most people, that would be a huge bummer but for us it was heaven. Despite the delay in catching up with everyone, our 4th was off to a great start.
Patiently waiting to head out the door.
Rainier from the ferry to Bainbridge.
Seattle skyline on the way to Bainbridge Island.
Seattle skylines and ferry boat trails.
Snuggles with daddy
Kisses for daddy too!

Once the troops were rallied and potty stops were made, it was off to Port Townsend for some fun! We walked through some shops, enjoyed the beautiful afternoon and then needed to stop for lunch. We found a new little spot to enjoy and the food was AMAZING. Hillbottom Pie in Port Townsend has some of the best pizza, soups and salads I have ever had.The Clam and Corn Chowders were perfect for the slightly cool day and I didn’t want my bowl to be empty.

After lunch we continued our walk around town and through more shops. So many of them were decorated for the 4th. It was so charming and perfect for the day. To me it was far better than spending the day in a crowded spot.

We wanted to make a stop in Port Gamle on the way home, so we eventually had to pack ourselves up in the car and go. As we drove, the clouds that had hung on for most of the day had started to part and the sunset over the Olympics on the drive home was stunning. Who needs fireworks when you have Mother Nature on your side?!

The perfect clam chowder that I wanted to take home in vats.
All smiles and having fun!
Feeling festive and enjoying all of the decorated shop windows.
Love it!
Silly girl enjoying a break from walking.
Perfection…
Happy 4th of July!

Most of that statement about needing fireworks is true however, after our ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds we were treated with a fireworks show by the city of Edmonds. We stopped along the street and watched. Sure there wasn’t any music or anything to accompany it because we were too far from the park, but it was still pretty and a perfect end to a fun night. Ah, the adventures!

Adventures and Unexpected Suprises

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This morning we set out for what we hoped would be a lovely day. Breakfast at Salish Lodge, a walk down to Snoqualmie Falls overlook, ferry rides, Port Townsend and more. But just as we started to hit the road, Ellie puked all over herself. Both girls had coughs for the last week and she was coughing when it happened, so we turned around, changed her clothes, checked her temp (she didn’t have one) and then headed back out. We figured that was the last of it, but boy were we wrong. 
We sat down for a lovely breakfast at Salish Lodge and a few minutes after she started to eat her food, Ellie leaned her head under the table and proceeded to throw up all over Shaun’s leg and the floor. Luckily the restaurant was super nice about it, we got Ellie and Daddy cleaned up as best we could and we finished breakfast. After that, Ellie seemed like her normal self again. So we carried on! 
She ran down to the falls and we enjoyed the beautiful view.  The day was perfect, sunny and warm for Spring in Seattle. We enjoyed every moment that we could. Soon we were heading back home so that Shaun could change his shorts and we could meet up with Auntie Kelli and Keith. They were going to join us for a ferry ride and a trip to Port Gamble!
Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls

The Barger, the Goofball and the photo-bomber.

So pretty and green!

The ferry ride over was beautiful and it was so exciting to have Keith and Kelli with us. Kelli was able to introduce Keith to my parents and we all had the chance to hang out. I don’t think we could have picked a better day. I am starting to think that my parents are the good luck charm for amazing weather!

Kelli and Keith, the Happy Couple!

Picture perfect day and a clear view of Mt. Rainier

Hello Everyone!

Feeling better with a veracious appetite!

Everything is blooming here in Port Gamble.

After a ferry ride and stop in Port Gamble, we parted with Keith and Kelli and made our way to Port Townsend. By the time we got there and drove out to Fort Worden, I was starting to feel pretty yucky myself. At first I thought it was hunger but it wasn’t. Once we were back at the ferry and ready to head home I was very under the weather. What a bummer! I can only hope I feel better by tomorrow. No fun being sick with family here!

Mukilteo, Crazy Ferry Rides and Plenty More!

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We are closing in on winter in the Pacific Northwest and the weather has turned to its usual clouds, rain and cold. Cabin fever was starting to set in for us, so instead of sitting around we decided to head out for an adventure even if it was a bit stormy out.
Instead of our usual ferry ride from Edmonds to Kingston, we decided to take the ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island and then head from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend. As we waited to board the ferry in Mukilteo another portion of the storm started to blow in and it certainly made for an interesting ride. The waves out on Lake Washington were big and the ferry rocked a lot. From the car we  watched the waves and stayed safe. That is, until, the ferry hit a big wave and water splashed all the way up and over the side to the second level and manged to hit Shaun and the girls in the back seat. I had to laugh a little. 
Mukilteo Lighthouse just as we departed from the ferry dock.

The trip to Clinton (Whidbey Island) was a short one, less than 20 minutes but it was bumpy. The drive from Clinton to our ferry stop for Port Townsend was pretty uneventful and very wet. It poured the entire drive up which stopped us from getting out and doing a bit of exploring. That and the power was out in a lot of locations!

Our ferry ride from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend was just as interesting. We got out of the car and went up to the main passenger deck. Just getting there was interesting as the ferry was rocking enough to keep you off balance. Once on the passenger deck, a person needed to stay seated for fear of getting knocked over and some people were quickly heading for the bathroom. It was one heck of a ride I tell ya!

Stormy waters out on Puget Sound heading from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend.

Ellie thinks all of the rocking and bumping around was funny!
Once we landed in Port Townsend we took a walk and enjoyed the stormy Fall day. In our travels we found a yummy new place to eat, a great Chinese noodle restaurant. We walked to a few of the shops and then decided to go for a drive. All of the excitement on the ferries tuckered out the girls and it was time to let them rest.

Walking down the streets of Port Townsend.
Autumn Leaves are falling!
Puget Sound on a stormy day. The beautiful beaches out at Fort Worden.

After a peaceful drive around Fort Worden State Park and a stop to sit and watching the stormy seas we slowly made out way back to Kingston and then home. Luckily when we got home the power, which had been out when we left, was back on. All that fun but now it was time for laundry and bed!

A Gorgeous Day for Ferries, Port Townsend and Port Gamble

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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.

A Party, Ferry Rides and Fun Road Trips

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 Today was yet another day of fun and excitement for all of us. It was a day of fun, adventure and a party. A party, you ask? Yep, it was Abby’s very first Birthday Party since moving to Seattle! Her new friend at school was having a party and Abby was invited. She couldn’t have been more excited about it.

The party was at the local YMCA and had a princess theme. Everyone was to wear their best princess dresses. . They played in the big playroom, pretended to running through the castle while being chased by dragons and bad guys and did some arts and crafts. After playtime it was food, cake and presents for the birthday girl, Isa! When it was time to go, Abby was a bit sad to leave but so happy that she had been invited and had such a fun time. As a parent it makes me happy to see that my kiddo is settling into to her new home and making friends.
All decked out with her goodies from Isa’s birthday party. Such a happy and excited little party goer.
Even though the party was over, the fun was not! Daddy, Grandma Zoe and Ellie picked us up from the party and we were off for an adventure together in the car. Today, despite the rain, we thought we would take Grandma across the sound to Kingston and over to Port Gamble. We wanted to show her a new favorite spot of ours and do a bit of exploring too. The ferry ride was wet and choppy, so we opted to stay in the car most of the way over.
We stopped in Port Gamble expecting it to be busy but to our surprise it was quiet. The Lumberjack Festival that was supposed to be running had been canceled. The storm that weekend created some problems and high winds the night before, knocked over one of the carnival rides. The town had to pull the plug on it for the safety of its patrons. A bit disappointing but we still made our time there fun. We went into the General Store, which is full of fun treats and the best hot chocolate and coffee drinks EVER. Grandma Zoe did a bit of shopping and when we had had out fill we hopped back into the car. We had planned to spend more time there but since plans had changed we opted to do some exploring and head to Port Townsend. 
Port Townsend is another beautiful little town with lots of historic charm. Shaun and I had been there once before, back during our first adventures in Seattle before the girls were born. Our real estate agent was having an open house for our home that was now on the market, so we took Jack and head out for the day to do some exploring. Our travels took us to Port Townsend and we thought it was a beautiful place. Since our plans today had changed, we thought it would great to head back that direction and it wasn’t too far away.
One of the old ferry docks that still stands in Port Townsend.
Low grasses along the sea edge in Fort Worden State Park
Looking out into the sound towards Whidbey Island and Vancouver Island in Fort Worden State Park. Quite a choppy day but so beautiful
A doe with her two little babies came out of the woods into some of the grassy areas for the evening. The little ones were still young enough to have their spots.
The whole gang enjoying the early evening hours. Too cute!
Port Townsend City Hall and Court House
Lighthouse home on the hill, Port Townsend, Washington

The trip out to Port Townsend was beautiful. It was stormy but the clouds were starting to break up a bit. We drove down Main Street to see the historic buildings and look at the shops. We had hoped to stop and walk through town but because it was later in the afternoon on a Sunday, most of the shops and restaurants were closed. So, we enjoyed what we could see and then drove out to Fort Worden State Park, which has some beautiful scenery and views. We headed down to the lighthouse and stopped along one of the beaches. On a clear day you can see Vancouver Island from that spot. Abby thinks its pretty neat that she can see Canada from there.

After our drive through the old fort and military outpost, (think the Presidio but on a much smaller scale) and spotting a little family of deer, we headed back out and over to Bainbridge Island to take the ferry into the city. We stopped for a bite to eat at the Madison Diner where things got interesting near the end of our dinner. Another storm was blowing in and the power was knocked out while we ate! Ellie could have cared less but Abby was not to thrilled about. Luckily it was out for only a minute and soon we were on our way home on the ferry.

We were all exhausted by the time we got home, but it was for a good reason. We had such a lovely time together! Starting tomorrow its back to reality and school. But good things are ahead of us. Shaun starts his new job this week! More on that later though…