Puget Sound

Mornings of wonder and gratitude

/ Rachel / Leave a comment

I love mornings in the Pacific Northwest. There’s something about the chilliness in the air, even in July or August, and the crisp, clean smell of evergreens mixed with salt water that just infuses my soul with thankfulness. After two years here, I still find myself borrowing a few moments just to take it all in, observe the scene before me, and send up a prayer of gratitude.

Each new day here reminds me why I love this place so much. I have to do weird things here, things I never anticipated when I lived back east, like check the tide tables so that I know which foot ferry I want to use. When the tide is out, the ferry dock a quarter mile from my home has such a steep gangplank that is like climbing up and down a ladder to get to the float and on the boat. It’s not fun, especially since I’m in a medical walking boot right now due to tearing the fascia tendon in the bottom of my foot, so I’ll choose to use the ferry 1.5 miles away in town as it’s in a marina and doesn’t require feats of strength to get on the boat.

Who could anticipate a Midwestern woman worrying about tides?

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Point No Point – Hansville, WA

/ Rachel / Leave a comment

IMG_0200I often say that nature is my holy place. When I’m stressed or sad about something, the easiest place for me to get centered, think, and pray is outside. I love going to the mountains because being surrounded by towering peaks and spiking evergreens is truly a religious experience. Now that I live on the peninsula, it’s a lot easier to make it to the water than it is the mountains.  Fresh air tinged with salt and seaweed, loud-mouthed seagulls, and crashing waves are medicine for me. Not the kind I can swallow, but definitely the kind I can feel.

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I adore you, Port Gamble!

/ Rachel / 2 Comments

30 miles further up the Kitsap peninsula from my home is the enchanting little historic town of Port Gamble, Washington.  This morning was our first trip to this town, but it will not be our last.  As we strolled down its main street (which is literally one block long, goes in one direction, and has a 10mph speed limit), I had visions of characters reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. It reminded me of the river towns of my youth due to its position of sitting on a small hill overlooking the mouth of Hood Canal, which is part of greater Puget Sound. The little town is preserved and pays homage to its history in the logging industry, and it’s filled with cute little shops, antique stores, and even a museum and cafe. Take a look at this cutie-pie town – there is a reason it’s on the list of US National Historic Landmarks!

Historic homes everywhere! Now they're being utilized as businesses and tourist attractions.

Historic homes everywhere! Now they’re being utilized as businesses and tourist attractions.

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Mountain View Monday

/ Rachel / 3 Comments

I have about twenty different blog entries in my head and very little time to actually get them down, but I wanted to post these pictures for what I’m dubbing Mountain View Monday. I bought my first DSLR camera – a Canon EOS Rebel T5. It came with two telephoto lenses, and I’m finally getting to take pictures that capture the beauty of this region. Still trying to figure all the settings out, but check out these views! (For reference, these mountains are about 15- 20 miles away from where the pictures were shot.) More to come!

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My dining room is complete!

/ Rachel / 2 Comments

Slowly getting this new house decorated.  Ever since I bought the vase now sitting on my new dining room table, I envisioned a maritime theme for my dining room.  I went to Olde Central Antique Mall down the hill in Port Orchard today and came home with the decorations I needed to complete my theme. I love it! Next to finish is the guest room, which will be done in a Pacific Northwest theme.

Come check out my dining room!

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“To dos” and gratitude

/ Rachel / 4 Comments

In our two weeks (plus one day) of home ownership, we’ve already learned a few things. Mainly, how to do stuff. Last night, I watched my husband, who was convinced just six weeks ago that we would need to hire someone to do every little repair around the house, fix a toilet that wouldn’t stop running. He spread the instructions to the replacement parts out on the sink, got out his toolbox, and got to work. An hour later, the toilet was working correctly and the satisfied, proud grin on his face made me laugh.

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Back from my hiatus – and as a homeowner!

/ Rachel / 10 Comments

We are officially homeowners for the first time in our lives, and after almost ten years of marriage!  We closed on our lovely little house in Port Orchard, Washington on 10/27, took possession the next day, and moved in Thursday.

Our new town!

Our new town! When we’re standing in our driveway, we can hear the seals barking down on the waterfront (of Sinclair Inlet, which is part of Puget Sound), which is about a 1/2 mile away.

 

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