May 28 - June 5, 2008 - Sidney, BC to Seattle WA - visiting friends and relatives

In 2008, my friend Diana Birchall invited me to join her on a backcountry hike and camping adventure at Bearpaw Meadows on the High Sierra Trail.  I jumped at the opportunity and built a month long holiday around this destination.  

On my way, I visited friends and relatives in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and parts of California.  
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Starting out near Sidney BC.

Near Sidney, BC

June 2, 2008 Sidney-Anacortes Ferry to Seattle.

Leaving Sidney

Washington State Ferry

Stop along the way in Friday Harbour

On arriving in Anacortes, I drove to Seattle, where I spent the first night with my cousin, who took me on a great walk around Green Park.

Flowers in Green Park

We also went to a rather unique little restaurant called "Little Coney's on Seaview Avenue" - quirky place with great food and an old fashioned flair. 

June 3 - 5, 2008 Seattle, WA - South Aliki beach - very low tides.

The following afternoon, I traveled across town and visited with online friends Susan and family, who live near Lake Washington.

Although the weather was cool, wet, and foggy, I was absolutely blown away by our trip out to South Aliki beach on the lowest of low tides where we saw all manner of wonderful sea creatures. 

Overpass to the beach

Rock with amazing sea creatures

Um - a sea creature

Purple Starfish

Orange Starfish

Barnacles, limpets and seaweed

When in doubt - ask a Naturalist

I also spent quite some time taking photos of the birds that come to their backyard feeder including this flicker, which is almost as big as the feeder itself.

Flicker at Susan's backyard feeder.

The following day I spent a fascinating morning in the Museum of Nordic History.  My friend has lots of Scandinavian history and it is told wonderfully well there.  I had a wonderful stay, thank you.