Sunflowers and Wine

So, we've been fortunate enough to have several days of pampering here in Union. Sunning on the deck, massages, reading, hot tub soaks, and on our final evening, with one more beautiful sunset to watch, Linda and her husband, Greg, invite us for a little wine tasting. Can it get better!?










As morning dawns, we reluctantly ready for our next adventure. Columbo, their very sweet dog, looks a little sad, as well. We know he'll miss us as much as we'll miss being here. We take one final stroll around our little haven with Linda and Greg, Columbo and coffee, and realize that, of course, Linda has placed fresh sunflowers in her side patio the morning before we arrived.













They each grab a shovel and watering can to aid in a very special planting this morning. Linda is wearing sunflower yellow for the occasion. In their beautiful garden, we are sure to have a sprouting, no doubt!


















Goodbyes are especially difficult this morning. But, in the continuing vein of helpfulness, Linda has connected us with a friend of hers who has a little beach cottage on the Oregon coast. We'll have yet another special place to call home for our initial trip into Oregon. It eases our departure having this comfort. And, we'll be in touch with these special folks for a very long time coming!
















As we exit Union, it is a must stop at the winery that produces the delicious wine we sampled the evening prior. Walter Dacon Winery is en route to the coast, just outside of Shelton, Washington. And, what a lovely place we find. Holly is our hostess as she shows us about and allows us to taste many of their beautiful wines, including the 2006 C'est Syrah Magnifique. (Be sure and click on this link, the website is really special as it includes several videos created by our new friend, Linda. They are really good! Especially take time for the Appanage and Robin Hood Restaurant video, you'll see why we loved it so!)


It is incredible and we purchase this and a few other for our long road trip ahead. The perfect finale for our Washington experience. This is a state certainly asterisked on our list. And, the Hood Canal area a dream spot. With all it offers, and Seattle less than two hours away, we will be hard pressed to find a more special place!

At Home in the Hood

Our plan in Washington is to make our home at the Hood Canal in the quaint artsy town of Union. The drive from Port Angeles along 101 south is every bit as beautiful as we've been told. Arrangements to stay at a little carriage house have been very easy as our hostess, Linda, has been more than welcoming in all of our correspondence.











And, what we find when we arrive is even more than we've been promised. Our little 2 BR place is adorable, stocked with all sorts of goodies and boasting a water view that's stunning. We are welcomed to Pebble Beach Place with a little tour around the property while we sip wine. A peaceful zen garden provides a quiet retreat, a gorgeous deck offers a hot tub and fire pit, and a wonderful dock sits and rocks on the water. We plan to spend many hours in all three places!


After a day of travel from Canada, we welcome our cozy respite, and rest very very well in wonderfully comfortable beds.



Fresh and ready, the morning brings yet another sunny day - we're being very spoiled with all this amazing weather - and enjoy a bountiful breakfast that has been provided as one of our many creature comforts.

Fortified, we venture out just a few miles to Twanoh State Park for a breathtaking rain forest hike. The trail traverses along a babbling creek and slowly climbs through the huge trees to the top of the mountain. We virtually have the path to ourselves this morning and savor the beauty that reigns in every direction. It's truly one of our favorite hikes. The beach across the street provides the perfect spot to set up our chairs and have a little picnic as we watch several sail and power boats have fun on the water.

As the afternoon warms, we saunter back to our little dock back at the house, sit, read and soak up the sun. We are so relaxed by day's end. A short drive for dinner at the Robin Hood keeps the day perfect. Lemon drop prawns, stuffed squash blossoms, grilled ceaser, and curried lollipop lamb chops provide scrumptious tapas tastings with a wonderful french wine. Excellent service and a darling atmosphere makes this one of our all time favorite restaurant finds. One more excellent recommendation by Linda!

A late night soak in the hot tub brings one of our most perfect days to a blissful end. Needless to say, we love Union, Washington. We may never leave!