Unusual Stay – Little Creek Casino……

Desperate to do laundry, we decide to stay a night at a full-service casino RV park. Not my first choice. And it turned out to be fantastic. Sometimes I really need to learn to relax and let it go!  Not only was there a huge, beautiful golf course nestled in the trees where we were able take an evening walk, we got all our laundry clean in an immaculate facility, and there was a large pool that no one was using. We haven’t swam in over a year and a half. It was exhilarating. One of the highlights of our trip so far.

Next, heading toward Port Angeles and into the Olympia National Forest. Oh wait, lets go into Port Townsend. Best laid plans…………….

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Port Townsend is an asmall port town. We decide to stay, get on our bikes and explore the town.

The approach in Port Townsend, Jefferson County, to the pandemic is the best we have seen in our travels. Everyone, everyone is masked. You may not go into a shop, store, any indoor space, unmasked and they are serious about it. It felt incredibly safe, we enjoyed browsing in quite a few little shops. It was the best “people” experience we have had. The really amazing part of all this is the local economy is thriving. The shops are doing well because people feel safe enough to frequent the local businesses.

We spoke to the owner of a local olive oil and balsamic shop. He opened his store 5 months before the pandemic hit. He was worried about the survival of his business. He told us the locals are very committed to shopping local and supporting the businesses. Great model for community success.

We dined out at a restaurant for the first time since the pandemic began. In order to eat indoors in a restaurant, you must show proof of vaccination. A Monday night in October, and the restaurant was busy. We chose to sit outside. I asked the waitress about the requirements, and she says they have very little disgruntling, most people appreciate and respect the regulations.

What a treat, the food was delicious: lobster bisque, wild mushroom bruschetta, beet salad and bacon wrapped shrimp. Of course, we ordered way too much food. Made for a yummy lunch the next day.

Biking from downtown to uptown we came across deer on the side of the road. We were worried we would spook them. No even a little bit. They crossed the road directly in front of us, just looking at us. Deer were everywhere in the neighborhood, nibbling in the residential gardens. They seem to be common place and are extremely familiar with people.

At low tide we walked the beach to Fort Worden, an active US Army base from 1902 to 1953. The center picture shows the expansive officer’s homes that are now available as vacation rentals in the summertime. The adjacent picture is the barracks and field where the enlisted men slept in tents!

From Port Townsend we took the ferry over to Whidbey Island.

Next, visiting more new found family members……………….