In a message dated 6/28/01 10:02:16 PM Pacific Daylight Time, xyyc@xxxxxxxx
writes:
> I am wondering if there might be any recommendations from list members
> who are familiar with the Pacific northwest and have any favourite spots
> in mind.
Gee, I hate to share my favorites, John... but if you want to escape the
crowds in the middle of July, you almost have to go out past Port Angeles on
the peninsula. Great beaches, sometimes all to yourself. Dunno about a fine
wine shop in Pt. Angeles. It's pretty much a logging town. But I could be
wrong. Maybe stop in Sequim on your way thru. Lots of refined retirees from
all over. I bet they have some wines there.
You'll pass through Pt. Townsend. Pt. Townsend Brewing Co. is in the far S.
corner of the marina (GOOD beer!), Safeway practically across the street.
Interesting old downtown buildings. Great homemade ice creams & desserts at
the Elevated Ice Cream Co.
To escape the madding crowds, go out, out, west. Unfortunately, that means
taking the Keystone ferry (from Whidbey Is.) to Pt. Townsend, which can be
quite a wait in summer. Get to Keystone early, or just get in line, and walk
the beach while you wait for your turn. Getting to the ferry is a scenic
drive, though, as you'll cross Deception Pass Bridge as you get to Whidbey
Is. (stop and gander and photograph). If you don't want to hurry all the
way to Pt. Townsend on the first day, you might consider staying at Deception
Pass State Park, just across the bridge. West beach, in the park, is right
on the sound. Great view of the San Juans, Vancouver Is., and Olympic
Peninsula. A favorite of the locals.
<A HREF="http://www2.whidbey.com/mnrfinch/passmain.html";>Welcome to
Deception Pass, Washington</A>
<A
HREF="http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Deception%20Pass&pagen
o=1">Deception Pass State Park (page 1 of 2)</A>
As you ferry across from Keystone to Pt. Townsend, have your camera ready.
Nice views all around. Don't panic as you come into Pt Townsend. You'll
have time to get down to your car as the boat turns in to the dock, slows,
and docks. You'll ferry right past downtown Pt. Townsend. Scenic. Think
early San Francisco.
It's worth driving out to Pt. Wilson Lighthouse at Pt. Townsend. Nice
beaches to walk both sides, and good scenery. The old Ft. Warden that you
drive through to get there is where "An Officer and a Gentleman" was filmed
(I'll be going there to the jazz festival end of July -- great atmosphere --
very "un-city"). Another nice State Park (Ft. Warden) right there near the
light, matter of fact!
<A HREF="http://www.aracnet.com/~jkandik/images/wilson.html";>Point Wilson
Lighthouse</A>
Brother-in-law was keeper of the light back in the early 70's. Many happy
family, Coast Guard, and fishing memories from that place and time. In fact,
bro-in-law & sister liked it so much, that's where they "retired" from the
Coast Guard.
Come to think of it, Pt. Townsend might be as far as you'll feel you need to
"get away". It's a beautiful old town in a beautiful location. You can sit
out on the beach at dusk in quiet contemplation, or jaunt into town to one of
several night spots (or ice cream!), depending on your mood.
O.K. that's too much "favorite" stuff.
Rich
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