Tag: Random Drives

Snow for the New Year

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The first few days of the New Year brought snow here in Seattle! The girls were thrilled. As usual we hit the road for some lunch and a drive, assuming that it would be a light and less than worrisome snowstorm. However, the weather had other plans. Within 10 minuutes of our drive the snowing was coming down heavy and fast, causing us to head back home due to slick roads. The snow lasted a few hours and then started to melt, but it was fun while it lasted! 
A fun start to the New Year!

Memorial Weekend 2014

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I took Memorial Day weekend off from work and at the time, we didn’t have a thing planned.  We talked about it, threw ideas around but never set anything up. Friday night the travel bug started to get to us and after doing a little research we decided to get up in the morning, pack an overnight bag and just drive. We didn’t have reservations anywhere and didn’t plan to make any until we knew where we were heading.
So we did just that and hit the road. The wind carried us out to the Peninsula and out to Ocean Shores and Westport. The drive out was spectacular and the day was gorgeous. Off and on clouds, cool breezes and just enough sunshine to keep us warm and happy. We didn’t find a place to stay in Ocean Shores but the small little town of Westport, just across the mouth of the bay had a great and clean little hotel for us to stay.
Happy to find a hotel and then get out and explore.
Our view of the Pacific Ocean from our room. So pretty and nice and cool too!

After checking in, we took to the road to explore Westport, Ocean Shores and the surrounding areas. Ocean Shores is really where the fun is at. The girls really wanted to play on the beach so we found a place to stop. Much to our surprise our stop was on the beach! Yep, we parked our cars on the beach. Pretty fun and Abby and Ellie couldn’t stop giggling about it.

It was nice to get out of the car and see the Pacific Ocean. Not the Puget Sound, not a lake, but the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful afternoon and we took in as much as we could, including lots and lots of sand.

Look at us, we can park our car on the beach!
We cant stop giggling and smiling!

Hello Pacific Ocean… we missed you!
I dont think this day could get any better or more beautiful!
Drawing in the sand.
Love that little smile and the joy she has for being on the beach.
My beautful Abby. Love this face and all her joy and love.
Sisters
Little tiny butt crack
Sand time!
My wonderful and handsome hubby!
One of only a few pictures you will see of me!
Birds of a feather
Horseback riding on the beach

After some playtime on the beach which included lots of sunshine and fun, we decided we needed something tasty to eat. Ocean Shores is a small town with only a few laces to eat but we certainly picked an awesome place. Pegasus Pizza was a great little hole in the wall, family pizza and pasta place and we loved it. As we we left the restaurant, Ellie asked if we could come back to eat next weekend and its almost worth the 2+ Hour drive.

Ugh daddy…
She does this face all the time and it makes me think of a little old man. What a goofy little girl.
Silly Abby making faces at mommy. We had a lot of laughs!

With full tummies we made our way back to the hotel in Westport. The drive back was at dusk and we saw a lot of little critters along the roads, like deer and racoon. We also watched as the clouds and fog rolled in. While we get fog from time to time over where we live, its nothing like livign right on the ocean and getting fog nearly every night. I think we all slept really well that night, especially with a little rain coming down.

The next morning we got up, had some breakfast and headed back out on to the road. Since we were already out on the Peninsula, I thought it would be fun to drive around the long way and go through Olympic National Park. Shaun and I have not been out that way since 2005, when he took me to Seattle for the first time just after proposing to me. I was excited to stop at one of my favorite places, Ruby Beach!

Good morning sister snuggles
Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park
Walking with daddy in the rain along the mossy trail down to Ruby Beach.
Among the Cedar trees
Throwing rocks into the ocean and searching for crab shells.
Love the beautiful rock formations along the coast in the Pacific Northwest. Ruby Beach does not disappoint.
The rain cannot keep people away from this beautiful beach.
The girls found a cozy and dry spot in the roots of an old fallen tree.
It might be rainging but these adorable people still love to get out and play in the rain.
Blackberries are starting to come out on the Peninsula.
Love that Pacific Ocean
Sisterly love!

After a good hour playing in the rain on Ruby Beach we had to continue on our way so that we could make it home at a decent time. We drove in the rain and took in all of the beautiful green around us. Our drive took us through Forks, Washington… a little town made famous by those vampire movies… oh what were they called???  Oh yeah… Twilight. I was never a fan so this didn’t mean much to me, but it was interesting to see how much the town had grown since the movies made them famous.

The biggest Rubber Ducky I have ever seen lives in Port Angeles!
The remainder of our trip was quiet and peaceful. We took the ferry home and hen snuggled down for a cool and rainy night. We may not be all that spontaneous anymore, but when do have the opportunity to do so, its worth every single moment!

Day Trip to Friday Harbor

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All work and no play makes Jocelyn and Shaun very cranky people! So we took a weekend off and decided to try another something new. This time, Shaun decided to make it a bit of a surprise and wing it. The results were pretty awesome.
We woke up and headed out the door at a Shaun approved day off hour, so like 9am and hit the road. I had mentioned maybe heading to Bellingham or a little further north. Ultimately I would have loved to go to Vancouver for the weekend but we still need to get passports for the girls. But I digress…. 
For a day trip we decided to check out Anacortes, at least that is what I thought. We drove there and had a few laughs, remembering our honeymoon and the whale watching trip that we never made it to. We were all ready to go, Dramamine in our systems, sleepy but excited and when we arrived we learned that no one called us to remind us to be there 45 minutes prior to get live vests and head to the boat. I think we still have the free tickets to use! Just when I thought we were going to leave and find something else to do, Shaun heads to the ferry terminal. He decided we should take an adventure out to the San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor!!!
On the ferry and having fun. Its a longer ride for all of us!
Beautiful ferry ride through the islands

Watching the cars and people below.
Watching the seagulls follow the fishing boats.
All little Starburst to pass the time.

After the beautiful ferry ride, we arrived in Friday Harbor. It was gloomy and misty but the rain was staying away. We decided to do a little exploring and came upon Lime Kiln Point State Park. From what we could tell the hike from the parking lot down to the overlook was manageable for the girls, so we hoofed it. The walk down was beautiful among the trees, moss and greenery. The coastline was stunning and pretty soon it would a wonderful spot to see whales migrating back from Baja, California and other locations. We were a few weeks too early though. Not to worry the views were spectacular, with or without whales.

Nature hiking with their favorite guy.
Green and mossy
San Juan Island Coastline

After we were worn out from our hike, we headed back to the car and did a bit more exploring from inside. The area is so diverse. You move from mossy coastline to rolling open pasture land within a matter of minutes. The misty day made it feel like we were driving though England rather than San Juan Islands and it was spectacular. As we passed by one farm house we noticed several large birds near a grove of trees. After a few looks we realized it was a bald eagle with several of her young. ALl of the young birds lacked their white heads, but you could see that they would soon be getting their white feather. What amazing birds and so breath taking. Luckily I had my camera and longer lens, so I was able to catch a few photos!

Juvenile Bald Eagle enjoying a “snack”
Mama bird with her so called… Babies.
Such a beautiful bird and very aware and watchful of us.
Those white feathers will be coming in soon!

After our adventures we headed back to the ferry terminal and made it just in time for the next ferry. We have awesome timing like that. Once again the ferry ride home was amazing and we enjoyed every moment. I know where I will be heading again soon! Love Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands!

Exploring Pikes and Some New Places

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Now that I am back to work, time is a limited commodity. When we do have the weekend to ourselves, we head out to find some fun things to do and spend the time together. Today we decided to be tourists in Seattle and check out Pike’s Market and then discover the Fremont Troll. 
Pike’s market was fun but a little busy. The rain kept the crowds away, but it also meant that everyone spent time inside the market and off of the streets. We would have been fine had we not decided to use the stroller. Pushing that thing through a very crowded Pike’s Market was a blast! We survived and still had a wonderful time. The girls even enjoyed a trip to one of the stores to buy some beautiful fans. One in pink and one in purple of course!
I love the old signs down in the market.
The name speaks for itself.
The rain let up so it was out to the streets to check out the shops.

After the market we decided to find another Seattle treasure, the Fremont Troll. This spot would be new for all of us and I was very excited for the girls to see him. Fremont is a very artsy and free-spirited If you have never heard of the Fremont Troll you can learn a little more about him here and here.

While the girls found him to be a bit intimidating at first (it was pretty dark and gloomy by the time we got to him) they soon warmed up and wanted to play and explore. You can climb to the top and explore all around the troll and they certainly got a kick out of it. Once again the rain kept people away, so it was nice to explore without the crowds. Score another one for the Wharton’s!

Daddy, Abby and Ellie hanging out with the troll.
Walking under the George Washington Memorial Bridge, AKA the Aurora Bridge, on Troll Street

February Snow Storm!

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When I got off of work this afternoon, Shaun and I decided to take the girls for a drive and a ferry ride. We hopped on to the ferry, got off in Kingston and headed out to Port Gamble for some of our favorite hot chocolate.
Once we had our warm cups of chocolaty goodness in our hands we decided to turn back and head to the ferry. So glad that we decided to leave then because as we did, it started to snow. Knowing how icy the roads get here, especially during a first snow, we quickly made out way back home. 
The ferry ride was fun, watching all of the snow fly into the cargo area of the ferry. The ride home was a bit of a white knuckle ride as we watched people sliding all over the place and spinning out. But we took it slow, stayed steady and made it home without incident. We drove carefully up to the house and just as we started to park in the garage we ran into our one and only porblem, grade of the small driveway up into our garage was just steep enough to keep us from getting in. We slipped, we slid, we spun our wheels and nothing. 
We eventually got the car into the garage but it involved Shaun having to run into the house to get hot water in buckets. Quickly the snow and ice melted away and before it all could freeze up again we got enough grip and traction to get the car safely into the garage. Once again, each outing is an adventure with us!
In the gas station parking lot over in Kingston. The snow is starting to come down.
Finally back on the Seattle side and the yahoos out on the road were driving like it was summer in Malibu.
So close… yet so, so far away.
With the snow comes the stillness and the quiet. I love it.

P.S. So glad that I didn’t have to work tonight. It turns out all of my co workers had to have a slumber party at work because they were snowed in!

Christmas Lights

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Tonight we piled ourselves into the car, the girls in their jammies, with some yummy treats and drove all over the city see some Christmas lights. Just like most cities, Seattle has a Candy Cane Lane which was adorable and well done. Its located in some of the older neighborhoods near the University so the homes that were decorated had a lot of the old Seattle charm. Several other neighborhoods tout some spectacular lighting displays and we took a peek at those as well. 
Searching for Christmas lights has become a Wharton tradition with the girls. I am glad that even though we have moved away from California and the San Fernando Valley we can still carry on with those traditions. Makes my heart warm and puts a huge smile on my face. The girls eventually fell asleep, which allowed Shaun and I to enjoy a quiet drive too. It was a simple night but one we enjoyed very much.
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane
One of several neighborhoods near Green Lake all decked out for Christmas

Ferry Ride to Kingston

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Ferry rides are our go to thing to do when we need to get out of the house but its too wet and dreary to get to the park and play or to walk around downtown. They never get old, especially for Abby and Ellie. Today we needed to get out and take a break from the house, so off on the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry we went. We didn’t have anything planed other than enjoying the time out and we certainly did. It always makes for a decent photo session too!

Happy to watch the water and the world go by.

Sitting with Daddy, contemplating life and wondering if mermaids are in the Puget Sound.
Abby and Daddy always have something to talk about.

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!

West Seattle Fun

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Today was just too beautiful of a day to sit around and do nothing at home. So we decided to hop into the car and go for a drive. We didn’t have any thing planned and pretty much made things up as we went. Good thing I always bring my camera with me when we travel like this!
Because of the quick change into fall that was happening all around us, we decided to head over to West Seattle and check out some of our favorite and old neighborhoods over on that side. We knew the fall colors in those areas would be spectacular and it didn’t disappoint. We also knew that the sunny day would give for a great view of the city and of course, it did.
Sunny Seattle skyline from Alki Beach.
It may be sunny but the breeze is a bit chilly. Good thing sisters are great for snuggles.
On the ferry from Fauntleroy to Southworth.

After our stop at Alki Beach we thought about going home and then decided to make an adventure out of the rest of the day instead. So, we headed on over to the Fauntleroy ferry and headed to Southworth which is on the other side of the sound and south of Bainbridge. That was a pretty ride, especially close to late afternoon.

Once on the other side, we quickly stopped to get the girls sweatshirts (we managed to forget them at home and it ended up being pretty cool outside). After a little shopping we continued on and Shaun decided to take a different way home, one that Abby has been very curious about. This time, instead of heading to Bainbridge to take the ferry we headed to Bremerton. Abby always sees the Bremerton ferry during our travels from Seattle to Bainbridge and asks to go on it. Well this time, she did! Its a longer trip and goes past some pretty areas along the sound. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see much. By the time the ferry arrived and we were on it, the sun was setting. That’s OK though, we had a great time anyway! Once again, you never know what kind of adventure we might go on.

Mowich Lake Adventure

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Today we went on another family adventure! One that was a new experience for all of us. During some internet perusing, Shaun discovered some beautiful pictures of a small lake near one side of Mt. Rainier. Mowich Lake, which can have stunning views of the mountain from one side but also be beautiful covered in hanging clouds and fog, is off the beaten path and not a place that you find the average tourist. The drive can be an interesting one, with the last 15 miles or so on unpaved road but after some investigation we decided we wanted to check it out. Hoping that the labor day weekend didn’t attract too many people we took off for an adventure and ready for just about anything!
The drive up was beautiful, weaving through the low forests along the Carbon River and Carbon River Canyon. The road up wasn’t too bad. We did have to cross a one way bridge that was questionable, but I closed my eyes, held my breath and let Shaun drive and concentrate. Once past the bridge we had a bit more pavement and then it was dirt, gravel and some washboard road the rest of the way up. Up until we reached National Park boundary, the view was a tad depressing at times as due to the fact that most of these forests were used for logging but the closer we got to park boundary the more beautiful it became.
The lake area was a bit busy when we first arrived but the thunderstorm that was threatening to blow in pushed some people away. We decided to stick it out and see what happened. Lucky for us, the thunderstorms held off long enough for us to enjoy the few hours we spent there. 
Dipping toes into the lake and enjoying the beautiful day.
Throwing and skipping rocks along the shore.
Dipping her toes in. Ellie really liked how it felt when the water went into her shoes. 
Someone took a bit of a dive into the water, face first. Oh well, its summer and its warm still.
Admiring some of the late blooming flowers along the lakes shore. Pretty blues and purples.
Mowich Lake
Its tempting to just start walking when you are in scenery like this, but we were unprepared and I am sure the girls wouldn’t last too long.
Driftwood buildup at one of several streams that feed Mowich Lake.
Mowich Lake Fallen
On our way back home we spotted several Ptarmigan along the road. More than I have ever seen in one place. This guy took to the trees when we stopped for a photo op. Come winter these guys will turn white to blend with the snow.
Had the chance to snap a photo of the one lane bridge you have to cross to get up to Mowich Lake. This was on the way back and from this side it looks even more ominous. You cannot see the roadway but it was well worn and full of potholes. Had my heart beating pretty fast!

Mowich Lake is part of the Wonderland Trail which traverses around the base of Mt. Rainier. You can do some pretty serious hiking there, or you just enjoy some pretty walks around the lake. We chose a pretty walk around the lake with a few stops to explore and dip our toes into the lake. After a few hours of fun and play we made our way back to the car. Thunderclouds were getting bigger and bigger so it was time to get off of the mountain. The last thing you need up here is a sudden downpour that washes out the roads.

We made it down the roads just fine and into the sunshine again. We stopped for a treat at Sonic and then went home. The girls, tired from all the fresh air and hiking around the lake, passed out within a few minutes after leaving Sonic. It was a beautiful and very quiet drive home for Shaun and I. Fun days out exploring new places have lots of benefits, including tired and happy kiddos. And parents too!

Haircuts, Ferry Rides and A First Trip to Port Gamble

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Today was the day… a year in the making! Abby and Ellie would be getting their first haircut since the snip heard around the world, or Porter Ranch for that matter. If you need a reminder, click here for the story on that one. We found a small place in Inglewood-Finn Hill that was fabulous. Very basic and inexpensive but the ladies who do the cuts are great, especially with kids. The girls were great listeners and sat very still, which as we all know is important for a haircut!
In the chair and doing an awesome job!
Waiting patiently to get in the chair for her haircut.
Haircuts are serious things. So is sitting still so that the lady doesn’t mess up.
Abby was having a great time! Nothing but smiles and giggles!

After haircuts were finished, we treated the girls to another ferry ride. This time we decided that we wanted to take them to Port Gamble, a cute little town north west of Kingston that Shaun and I discovered during our first experience living here on a random drive at Christmas time. We drove through at night while the town was covered in white lights. It was adorable and so charming. Most of its buildings are historically preserved and recognized as well. This trip would be our first that actually involved getting out and exploring the area too!

Today was a bit of a windy one. The water was choppy but the sky was beautifully clear!
Ellie did get a haircut, but the wind is making it hard to tell. Oh well, she was enjoying the sun and the time on the ferry.
Picture perfect… Puget Sound, Ferries and Mt. Rainier.
The Port Gamble General Store. This place has a great little shop, restaurant and lots of fun snacks, ice cream and coffee. A new favorite place to stop? I think so!
The Port Gamble Theater, which has now been turned into smaller businesses.
The Port Gamble Theater, view from the front.
We walked across the street to a small park and picnic area. In one small spot they have a beautiful garden full of prize Dahlias. They were beautiful and in multiple shades of reds, yellows, pinks and oranges.
These Dahlias were my favorite. Loved the fading of colors.
A look up the main street from the park and gardens.
Geological survey markers from 1915. Love little pieces of history like this that remain.
Geological survey markers from 1915. Love little pieces of history like this that remain.
Beautiful and bright pink Dahlias.
Ellie fell asleep in the car, so while we let her rest Abby had the chance to get out and run around for a bit. Love this sweet girl.
Waning sunset on Puget Sound

After a full afternoon, we drove to Bainbridge and headed back to the Seattle side. We missed most of the sunset but, I was able to get a beautiful shot of Mt. Rainier in the fading sunlight. Like I keep saying, I love my new home and I love exploring and enjoying all that it has to offer. Yet another great day of exploring and fun!

Sunday Drive

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Today we had the itch to take another drive. The TV was being overrun by the Academy Awards and the girls were antsy, so we piled into the car and just drove. It was worth every minute. The evening along the coast was gorgeous and the sunset was just stunning. We stopped at Mugu Beach and Thornhill Broome for pictures and it was stunning. Our drive was a far better alternative to staying in.