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!

Strait to the Mountains

Our final evening in Victoria brings a beautiful golden moon posing beside the magnificently lighted Parliament House - a perfect send off.




















The Coho Ferry whisks us away this morning and bring us back home to these United States. The route takes us across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, crossing the same waterway we've walked and beached for the past week and we arrive in the city of Port Angeles, gateway to the amazing mountain range at Olympic National Park.









A climb up Hurricane Ridge for a picnic in the same mountains we've eyed across the waterway is a surreal experience. The clear skies offer a view which feels like we can actually reach out and touch these soft peaks. It's breathtaking. The only way for a picnic!

Oh, Victoria

As our time comes to an end in this beautiful city, we reflect on all we've been able to experience in our brief stay. This is truly one of the most lovely places in the world.














The gorgeous gardens, mountain vistas, and inner harbor create a truly magical setting. We have been so fortunate to have stayed in a spot that highlighted the best Victoria has to offer.












On one of our prettiest afternoons, we hiked the coast line showcasing the magnificent Olympic range beyond the strait. Absolutely amazing! We pulled our chairs from the Vue and grabbed our books, soaking up the magnificent sun and breathing in all that coast was providing. It was a spectacular moment!



















Our beautiful home couldn't have been more perfect as it's modern conveniences and incredible location provided more than we could have hoped for.

Only pause was the "EARTHQUAKE" button on the elevator - what exactly was that for!?!

Castles and Waterfalls

Good weather fortune continues and a small journey to Hatley Castle seems to be in order. The beautiful grounds overlook the sound and the magnificent Olympic Mountains, a breathtaking setting.

















The gardens here are just as impressive as the ones we visited yesterday, just smaller and quite serene. There is not the throng of visitors that Butchart garners, and the peace is extravagant.

Before touring the castle itself, we stroll through the gardens, again enjoying the different venues it allows. The rose garden is in full bloom, housing heirloom roses dating back to the 1500s. Incredible. Balance in the Japanese garden is palpable and meandering through the area, complete with tea house overlooking ponds and arched bridges, is pure heaven.


Peacocks prance and hens with their babies are spotted often along our stroll.







































The castle itself is quite impressive.
"Money doesn't matter, just build what I want." This is the quote of the original owner, James Dunsmuir, and is apparent in the spectacle we witness today. Taking only 18 months to complete is much more understandable when cost is no option whatsoever.


Today the castle and it's beautiful gardens are part of Royal Roads University and the castle actually serves as administrative headquarters. This would be a very nice place to come to work each day indeed!


We have one more excursion this afternoon before we call it a day. We've heard of a little waterfall called Niagara. A short drive brings us to the beautiful Goldstream Provinal Park where it's found. Just a 15-minute hike brings us to an area of such bliss, it's hard to imagine. The fall is almost as high as it's famous namesake, but quiet and serene. Hidden in a corner of this park where it's not even marked, we have to inquire several times to find it's location. It is, indeed, a magical and mystical spot. We are fortunate to have witnessed it's beauty.

The day has been filled with special moments and the glory of Victoria has been fully appreciated.