3 July 2002
Keyport, Washington

The effects of Canada Day were evident yesterday, as just about everyone I encountered was hung over to one degree or another. The drugstore clerk shared that he felt like he "took one for the country."

The hotel desk clerk gets bonus points for recommending John's Place on Pandora Avenue for my breakfast, instead of sticking to the party line and telling me to go to one of the hotel's eateries. John's Place had excellent food and a friendly staff, and didn't have to ask when I said "tea" whether that meant hot or iced. And it was dirt, dirt cheap, exchange rate aside.

I took a quick tour of Beacon Hill Park, then a glide through the Royal British Columbia Museum -- excellent museum, by any standards. I was still tired from my travels, so opted to spend the rest of the time before the ferry in the pub with a sandwich, soup, and a cider rather than shopping.

Victoria is a city to which I will have to return.

The ferry ride from Victoria to Port Angeles is not nearly as luxurious or scenic as the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, although it was still pleasant. My seatmates included a retired couple from Texas, another older couple who didn't talk much, a pair of sisters from California, and a single woman from New Mexico. The conversation made the trip go quickly.

My friends were waiting for me on the other side. It was so good to see them, and not just because of the friendly face factor. They are doing well here in Washington, and their house is a gorgeous little retreat on the water. Little Tommy, at 3-1/2, is a joy to be around.

Washington, at least in my 24-hour experience of it, is as beautiful and as gray as everyone says. Fir trees are everywhere, and hills, and clouds that look like they should be producing rain, but aren't. There was a bit of sun this afternoon, but I'm still in a sweatshirt and long pants and socks -- quite a change from Honolulu weather.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the 4th quietly here. Terrorism threats have wormed their way into people's consciousness around here, and everyone seems to be much more cautious about large gatherings. Quiet celebration is fine with me, since I had my fireworks and craziness a few nights ago.
- posted by Lori @ 9:40:00 PM | permanent link | |