Coffee, PJ's and Sharp Pencils - Things We Love

This week for things we love our focus is on living here in the beautiful northwest.  Our state has long been associated with rain, rain and always raining.  I wont argue that we get our share of rain (sometime more than our fair share) but without it we would not be called the Emerald State.  Our list this month

Green Grass, Water and Hiking

Yip mowing season has begun.  Nearly every morning we wake to the sound of lawnmowers and the smell of freshly mowed grass.  Green Grass - mowed or long and natural is a beautiful sight -bonus, it attracts many species of wildlife - we see bunnies and birds daily enjoying lawns and parks.  

For our second favorite thing, we couldn't all agree on one source of Water - from our numerous lakes, to abundant ponds and streams to our salt enriched Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean.  We are certainly blessed with water.

For spring break we took several hikes on Mt. St. Helen's.  The nice part about hiking in the pacific northwest is you can do a small .75 mile hike - more like a walk - and see a beautiful waterfall or you can hike 3-5 miles to a beautiful secluded lake or you can hike and camp to the tops of mountains or along the pacific ocean. 

If your planning a trip to this area, check out Washington Hiking Guide -->  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes  This guide is the most comprehensive database of hikes in Washington, and comprises content from eight guidebooks, user submitted info, and data compiled by WTA.

Join us next week for Coffee, PJ's & Sharp Pencils.

Thanks!!

Our Waterfront Vacation - What happened the third day surprised us!

Waterfront Vacation Rental – Port Angeles/Sequim, WA

That’s what we typed into the search bar on VRBO (vacation rental by owner), the image above caught our eye!  We have been visiting the Sequim area for several years, so re recognized this picture to be the cliffs that over look the Strait of Jaun de Fuca.  

Chair made from a log

We arrived Thursday, Nov. 27th and settled into our cabin in the woods.  The kids explored the surroundings while we unpacked - they came running into the cabin to tells us about the trails leading down the cliff, the chair made out of a log, and how awesome the cabin is!! After getting some supplies in Port Angeles we decided to take the hike down the cliff to the water before the Seahawk game starts.

looking toward Port Angeles

walking the private trail to the beach

The owners built this trail on their property, its 1 of only 2 trails leading to the beach in the entire area!!

Here we are!!

the tide was out enough to walk the beach

looking toward Sequim

The trail is a little slippery with fall leaves and mud from the rains the day before.  It started to rain on us so we headed back to the cabin.  Our first day here was PERFECT...and the Seahawks won!!

The second day we woke to deer in the field next to us then we drove to Rialto Beach (about an hour away).  When we left the cabin it was raining and cold.  At the beach it was SUNNY!!  We love this beach, flat skipping rocks are everywhere, the waves are big, dramatic and sound like a train hitting the shore,  and beautiful giant driftwood trees litter the coast.  If you go, don't bother going to La Push - in our opinion its dirty, nasty and no parking.

I said it was sunny, I didn't say it was warm :).  We had a great time climbing the driftwood, searching for shells & rocks and dodging rogue waves!  

Our third morning we woke to SNOW!!!!  Most of Washington got snow this same morning,  however we just didn't expect is at this low of elevation.  We bundled up a little warmer and headed to Lake Crescent, we wanted to walk the Discovery Trail and hike to Marymere Falls.  The roads were a little icey in places through out Port Angeles, but the scenery was wonderful!!

see the deer?

deer

A perfect vacation - thank you Stewart for taking me to my favorite spots, and for letting Kyle bring a friend!!  

If any of you are interested in the cabin we rented, follow this link.  If you have any questions, comments or just want to know us, please like us on FB :)

Watch For These Blog Titles

Whats next?

Blogs Coming Soon

• Chipotle  Raspberry Jam  (January)
• Gluten Free Flour Tortillas  (January)
• Featured Art from Sherman Street Design  (Dec. 15th)
• Sequim/Port Angeles Vacation  (Dec. 12th)

Wenatchee Wineries - 2013

Great Friends * Delicious Wine *Beautiful Scenery

That sums up our summer of 2013  winery tour vacation!  Nothing is better than relaxing with friends, sipping wine and looking out at beautiful scenery surrounded by the sounds of birds and the smells of blossoms in the air.

If you've been to Wenatchee you know there are a lot of wineries in the area!!  However, many of them are indoor tasting rooms without views, some are in industrial areas or in warehouses, as we discovered last year.  This year we knew we wanted to just sit back, relax outdoors with our friends in a "winery" sitting, while being able to bring our own cheese, meats and chocolates and stay for awhile.  Below are three of our favorite wineries that are worth a visit.

Silvara Vineyard

This one is my favorite, and the first winery we go to every year.  Sitting on a hill top looking over the Wenatchee River and the valley beyond. The view here is the best!  A beautiful lodge-style tasting room - with plenty of room to cozy up to the fireplace in the cooler months.  Or sit outdoors under a shady umbrella and enjoy the view. 

Silvara Winery - Leavenworth, WA

Enjoying the view at Silvara Winery

Silvara Winery - Lodge Style Tasting Room

Silvara Winery is located at 77 Stage Road in Leavenworth.  Visit their website for hours, details and view their photo gallery.

Icicle Ridge Winery

Off the beaten path and along the Wenatchee River you'll find Icicle Ridge Winery, a log-cabin style tasting room with great views of the pear orchard and a large pond.  This is one of our stops every year for its relaxing atmosphere and laid back country feel.  

Icicle Ridge Winery - Peshastin, WA

Log Cabin Style Tasting Room

Icicle Ridge is located at 8977 North Road in Peshastin.  Visit their website for more information, photos and more.

Saint Laurent Winery

This is a must go to winery in Malaga, just outside of Wenatchee.  Excellent wine, large grape vineyard, ponds and they have games to play on the lawn!!  

It is with a sad heart I tell you the owners are closing this winery on September 1, 2013.  I understand they sold the name to a business in Seattle, it is my hope they will re-open this tasting room, so keep checking back at their website - or here, if I hear anything I will update this post!! 

Saint Laurent Winery - Malaga, WA

Tasting Room - Lawn for games!

BEST WINE

Beautiful Grounds at Saint Laurent Winery

Ponds

Saint Laurent is currently located at 4147 Hamlin Road in Malaga.  Keep checking their website for more information regarding their pending retirement. 

Do you have a favorite winery in the Wenatchee area?  Comment & share!!  Hope you enjoy your next Wenatchee Winery Tour!! 

Twin Falls Hike

Looking for a day hike?  Twin Falls

South Fork Snoqualime River

Seattle area is expected to be 68 and sunny this weekend, if you are looking for a cool get away, take a look at Twin Falls.

You start off along the South Fork of the Snoqualime river on a wide path, the trail passes through moss-laden forest along the shores of the river for about a mile.  This part of the hike is very easy and has plenty of places to stop, take pictures, let the dog run or the children explore!

Trail starts off wide and easy

At about a mile the trail leaves the shores of the river and you begin to climb up hill.  There are a few switchbacks, as we walked along this on Saturday my husband and I both thought it has the look and feel of walking in the Olympic Peninsula rain forest, with absolutely stunning old growth trees, boulders and lush forest growth.

It was lightly raining, humid and muddy

You finally reach the (first) top of the hill where there are two big benches to rest and get a glimpse at the 150-foot lower fall.  From here you experience very narrow trails and steep switchbacks as you ascend and descend.

Overlook of the lower falls, 150-foot waterfall

Eventually you come to a wooden staircase to your right, this leads to an overlook of the lower falls.  After you climb back out of there you'll continue for another 1/2 mile or so to the bridge where you can now see the upper fall on your left and on your right you will see the water just before it plummets down the lower fall.  You can continue on to the end of the trail for other vantage points of the upper falls.

Upper Fall - view from bridge

Things you need to know:

• Bring your camera, its beautiful
• You need a Discover Pass (or you can purchase a day pass at the trail head)
• The hike is 3 miles round trip
• This hike is open year around
• Dogs on a leash (scoop poop)
• Kid friendly - we saw ALL ages on this hike

rain, humidity and hair...not a good mix - for me!  Look at him, he looks GREAT!!

 While you are so close, get a coffee at the Snoqualime Falls gift shop!!

Snoqualime Falls

Lake Martha Retreat

     My husband and I had been talking about getting away for the weekend for a couple weeks.  Considering how unpredictable the weather is in April, we have a hard time deciding where to go.  I searched craigslist everyday for a week and found tons of great places and awesome deals, in fact I found too many!  I couldn't decide which place so I turned over the decision to my husband.

     We knew we wanted a place that was no more than an hour from our house, water front and a HOT TUB!!  If your not familiar with our area, an hour radius from here gives us a anywhere from the Pacific Ocean beaches, Mt. Rainer to more of a drier climate of Eastern Washington.

     Stew ended up deciding on a lake front rental house just outside of Marysville where we could also enjoy the beaches of Puget Sound.

Picture Gallery

view from the house

to the left - hot tub

Entry looking toward the garage and main road

Kyle, from upper deck looking down

from the dock looking at the house

My boys on the lake

Up stairs sitting room, fire place

Kyle

The boats

Our family

Puget Sound, just 5 minutes from rental house

Puget Sound near Marysville

Lots of driftwood

Beach

Beach, tide is coming in

The beach is on a cliff, it is always falling down

Huge tree

      Stew grew up around this area so he knew the beach to take us to that would not have many people at it - walking along this stretch of beach was my favorite part of the trip!  We even ran into old friends of his at the local grocery store.  THANKS HONEY for a great vacation!!

     If you are interested in renting this house, here is the link to their website.  Their ad says it sleeps 6, that is true, however there is only 1 bathroom that is next to the bedroom upstairs.  I'm mentioning that because I would not want to "share" that bathroom, its not very private feeling, there is a second door that does not close all the way.  I suggest just a couple, with or without their children, stay here.  

     The other issue is the hot tub.  They must have a maximum temperature set to 104, because it never got "hot" just warm like a bath, kinda disappointing especially considering the weather was a little chilly and their ad specifically said "enjoy the Hot Tub that is nice and Hot!" (#fail) 

     This home is very clean, cozy and beautiful.  We enjoyed seeing deer and eagles, beautiful scenic drive and a quiet, relaxing vacation.  We enjoyed our stay and hope to return.

craigslist ad - helps to find it

 Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway to unwind and enjoy the Hot Tub that is nice and Hot!
Private full waterfront home with a New Hot Tub. The fishing, and waterfront views from this home are worth a stay. This cozy getaway is close in with a beautiful scenic drive and is located on one of the most peaceful and quiet lakes in this area. Here on Lake Martha, you will give yourself that much needed quiet time, read a book, or watch a movie.
Super clean, and quiet lakefront home, and there is NO JET SKIING, OR WATER SKIING on this beautiful lake, Electric motors only... If your up for just unwinding after a long drive, sit on the deck and watch the Eagles fish right off the Lake, and cozy up to the nice wood burning fireplace. In warmer months, swimming is great!
We so enjoy this lake for being a safe and fun place to be out on the water with the kids and NO worries of Jet Skis or Fast Motor Boats wizzing by! Go out on a relaxing paddle boat tour of the lake, or a row boat is available for anyone who wants a little cardio workout!
View from just about every room in the house. Build a fire on the beach or you can fish right off the dock and there is YEAR ROUND FISHING!
Neighbors appreciate quiet after 10:00 P.M. > R.V. PARKING is available in gravel parking area > NO R.V. Hook-ups available. R.V. Parking Space is 43 ft. L Ã--Ã--13 13ft. 9 in. Wide.