Lisa's Visit

Post by Loretta

Shortly after my granddaughter, Jessica, came to visit us in Washington, her mom (my oldest daughter) came for a visit.  We picked her up at the Seattle airport, and dropped Henry off there to meet up with his backpacking buddies, who were flying in from Georgia and Florida.  It all worked out just right.  Lisa stayed the week with me and Henry spent the week backpacking.

As soon Lisa and I got back to Chimacum, we unloaded her bags and went to the local Finn River Farm and Cidery for the evening.  This was a happening little place, complete with live bluegrass music and dancing, brick oven pizzas, and fresh brewed hard cider.  This was a great start to her visit.

Finn River Farm and Cidery

The next day was a little drizzly, but that did not stop us from making a day trip to Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge.  Once while stopped to admire the view, a deer casually strolled right by Lisa as though she wasn't there.  Almost tame and a magical moment!

Hurricane Ridge Deer

The following day was an overnighter to Mt. Rainier.  We stayed close to Mt. Rainier so we could go to Mt. St. Helens the next day, making one big loop.

Mt. Rainier

As we headed toward Mt. St. Helens, we passed this farm with row after row of vibrant flowers.

Flower Farm

Once Mt. St. Helens came into sight, we stopped at an overlook to get a better view.

Mt. St. Helens from Afar

Mt. St. Helens
A Little Closer

Another highlight of her visit was our trip to Victoria, Canada.  This requires a ferry ride (and a passport).

Parliament Building
Victoria, Canada

Rotunda of Parliament Building

Where Parliament Meets

Ornate Stained Glass Windows
of
Parliament Building

Everywhere you turn in Victoria lies another spectacular building or scene.

The Empress

After touring the Parliament and walking the city, we were ready for lunch.  Lisa chose a wonderful restaurant, and we had a totally fabulous meal!  The setting and decor was rustic Italian, with several real fireplaces burning, which created a very welcoming and warm ambiance. And the food was a culinary delight!

Il Terrazzo

After our meal, it was back to the harbor to catch the ferry back to Port Angeles.

Beautiful Victoria Harbor

Washington State has so many quaint, bustling towns. And we visited several, strolling the streets and browsing through the shops.

Port Gamble was one of our favorites, basically one street which had refurbished houses transformed into shops.  And flower gardens galore!

Port Gamble
General Store

Upstairs in the Port Gamble General Store was an impressive collection of sea shells and bugs from around the world. This was fascinating to Lisa, since she is a science nerd.

Treasures of the Sea

Big Bugs!

Poulsbo is a city with a Norwegian heritage, which is apparent in the architecture of the city. And we found our new favorite bakery!

Poulsbo, Washington

Norwegian Influence

Sluys' Bakery

Another day, we took a ferry to Whidbey Island and visited Deception Pass.

On the Ferry

Fog Over Deception Pass

Whidbey Island View

Lisa and I had a very busy, fun, and exciting time in the Pacific Northwest.  And it was so good to have a mother/daughter 'vacation' in this unique part of the country.  We made memories, and that is something money can't buy...

Loretta and Lisa
Washington 2016