Article Contributed on: 6/10/2009 8:57:45 PM
Growing up on the east coast of the United States, places like California, Oregon, and Washington were practically another country. My family never did much traveling out of the state unless it was by car up and down the coast. Those were wonderful times and I have vivid memories of places like Mystic, Connecticut and Charleston, South Carolina. But the west coast had remained a mystery in my mind until recently.
Even a few years ago I would have scoffed at the idea of vacationing in some place like Seattle, that although had the goodness to produce amazing music that set as the anthem to my teenage years, would have anything worth seeing. Now of course, you and I both live in lovely Colorado, so you know exactly what I mean. Our one and only failure as a state is that we are land-locked. And we have compensated quite well with beautiful reservoirs, lakes, and even the South Platte River.
But then my husband's brother took a job in Washington state and he and his wife decided to rent a house on Camano Island. We had no idea just how lucky we had become. The free lodging was only the beginning... the whole world of the Northwest had been opened to us. Mountains from every vantage point. Water (although some may debate if it is "ocean" or not) dotted with all kinds of aquatic life. Ferry rides, islands, fresh fish! A short drive to British Columbia and an equally brief trip into the metropolis that is Seattle makes the Puget Sound a great destination spot for families and adventure seekers alike.
Our most recent trip left us completely satisfied. Ask any local and they will tell you, the summer months are the best chance for blue skies and mild temperatures. Our late May trip was perfect "jeans and t-shirt" weather for us. We ventured to the Camano Island state park on our first major outing. The tide was low and the clams were squirting! The kids got a huge kick out of digging them up and seeing their big "tongues." Be sure to check signs to see whether it is clam season or not if you are thinking about taking some home for dinner. There was certainly no shortage of crabs of all sizes, shells of abundant variety, sea gulls and of course, seaweed. But to the land-locked, even seaweed holds a certain beauty.
During our week-long getaway, we also chose a short ferry ride from Whidby Island to Port Townsend. Port Townsend sits on the top corner of the Olympic Penninsula and gives you a great feel for some of the original buildings in that part of the country. Although I am sure there were chain stores to be found somewhere, the main strip of town right off the dock was dotted with one-of-a-kind shops and eateries. And for the public transit ticket price of less than $5 per person round trip, this is a great experience in itself.
Naturally, we also felt the need to visit the Public Market, or Pikes Market. Yes, we saw the fish fly and yes, we went to the Athenian for lunch where Sleepless In Seattle was filmed. It was a crowded Saturday in what is really a glorified flea market. You are smashed shoulder to shoulder with complete strangers... but, you will find the most beautiful flowers, the freshest fish, and truly delectable produce all at great prices and all on the same row of vendors. It is something to behold.
The beauty of the natural surroundings are absolutely breath-taking more than any of the other things you can "do" in the Puget Sound area. You find yourself with the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. If you decide to stay on one of the islands, you feel the sea breeze and see the water everywhere. The small town feel is relaxing and rejuvenating while still offering every opportunity to get out and explore. This can be a very inexpensive trip too if you opt for beach combing rather than whale watching or purchasing fish at the market as opposed to fancy dining.
If you have never been before, put it on your list. I have not even included a handful of other adventures we had! You will not be disappointed.