October 22, 2019

Orcas Island Ferry: Part of the Travel Adventure

Life is a journey, not a destination.

This quote couldn’t be more fitting when thinking about and reminiscing about traveling by ferry to Orcas Island, Washington. Yes, there are more logistics to worry about when ferries are a part of your travel itinerary. However, the hassle of reservations, arriving early, and waiting are worth the effort!

Especially with kids, I also breathe a huge sigh of relief.

We can get out of the car!

Stretch our legs!

And of course, take in the views. No matter the weather, they are always beautiful, and you just never know what you might see.

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October 18, 2019

You Have Exactly Enough Time +News & Inspiration//19

News::

We just spent a 4-day weekend on Orcas Island, one of Washington State’s San Juan Islands. It’s been several years since we last visited. Stay tuned for updates on our experience!
Weekend plans: Cheering on our Seattle Sounders in round 1 of the MLS playoffs.
The next national park fee free day is November 11th (Veteran’s Day).
Have subscribed to Think Outside Boxes yet? Now is a great time to start–they are running a 2-box special this month!

Inspiration::

Wondering how to talk to your kids about Climate Change? Outdoor Families Magazine has practical tips to help get the conversation going.
Keen Footwear having a Member’s Only sale (it’s free to join) with an extra 20% off selected styles OR you can receive $10 off with promo code: OCTOBER10DOLLARS or 10% off with promo code: OCTOBER10OFF
Book of the Week: I just finished an excellent book on goal setting, productivity, and building healthy habits called, Big Dreams, Daily Joys by Elise Blaha Cripe. I’ve read Elise’s blog and listened to her podcast, and used her daily planner for years now, and highly recommend this new book for those looking to jump start their dreams.
New on our You Tube Channel: Mother-Daughter Trip to Mount Rainier National Park.

Where have you adventured this fall? Let’s chat in the comments!

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January 25, 2018

Washington State Winter Destinations for Families

Where will you explore this winter? We are lucky to live in a region that offers so many amazing and beautiful destinations. From my own backyard in Seattle to every other corner of Washington State, there are countless places to experience what is most special about the winter season.

I’m highlighting just 5 Washington State winter destinations, places our family has traveled to in the past 6 years that we’ve enjoyed in the winter months, but I don’t want the ideas to stop there. Please add your favorites in our comment section!

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May 29, 2015

Washington State Travel: 5 Destinations for Families

Seattle area aside (since we live here and all), Washington State has so many amazing destinations for families to enjoy a getaway together. Here I’m featuring just 5 of our favorite areas to explore. So many more places await us though (and I’ll have another batch of 5 next month), from spots that we’ve mearly passed through to areas we haven’t even touched.

Of course not everyone lives in the Seattle area, but I also wanted to note that each of these destinations is within a 3 hour drive from the city, so if you’re based here or in one of our surrounding communities, these road trips are very family friendly!

Port Townsend

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September 19, 2014

Magical Moments We Can Make Happen: Seaplane Take-off on Orcas Island

When you see that a magical moment just on the horizon, you’ve got to take action.

Make it happen.

Don’t think, just go.

As we were leisurely packing things up in our rental house on Orcas Island on the morning of our departure, such an opportunity came our way.

A seaplane landed in Cascade Bay just across the way. And as we learned from our few days, as well as just being the Pacific Northwesterners that we are, it’s inevitable: If a seaplane lands, it’s surely going to take off again. They just don’t tend to hang around long.

We made a mad dash to the dock: Shoes, leashing up Norman and throwing on coats to shield us from the sprinkles happening outside. Thankfully we were already dressed and raring to go, otherwise it may have been more of an ordeal and knowing.

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July 30, 2014

Orcas Island’s Turtleback Mountain: Thankful for the Second Chance

When planning a return trip to Orcas Island (one of Washington State’s San Juan Islands north of Seattle), Slaed and I both made short lists. Short lists of places on the island we didn’t want to miss. Restaurants, hikes, shops, and other destinations that we loved so much the first time or didn’t get to visit because time or closure.

Neither of those lists included a visit back to the Turtleback Mountain Preserve, located west of the main town of East Sound. All Slaed could remember was the long uneventful climb along a gravel trail. Yes, if we veered off, there were a few spectacular views of the water and surrounding islands, but there were other hikes, other parks that we thought were better worth our time. We were content just visiting once.

Then I heard from one of the best local hiking experts in the state, Craig Romano. His latest book, Day Hikes in the San Juan and Gulf Islands was just released, and he was interested in having some Pacific Northwest area bloggers review it. Unfortunately the book wouldn’t arrive before we hit the road for Orcas, but I jumped at the chance to consult with him on his favorite picks, especially with a little hiker in tow.

His top recommendation and in his opinion the very best hike on the island? The Turtleback Mountain Preserve hike.

With a little more research I realized that yes, the first bit of the hike was a boring uphill climb, there was just no way around that, but if we remained patient and put in the work, we’d be rewarded.

[Read more…]

Orcas Island Ferry: Part of the Travel Adventure

Life is a journey, not a destination.

You Have Exactly Enough Time +News & Inspiration//19

News::

Inspiration::

Where have you adventured this fall? Let’s chat in the comments!

Washington State Winter Destinations for Families

Washington State Travel: 5 Destinations for Families

Port Townsend

Magical Moments We Can Make Happen: Seaplane Take-off on Orcas Island

Orcas Island’s Turtleback Mountain: Thankful for the Second Chance

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