Lake Quinault Lodge in the Winter Months

The last time we visited Lake Quinault Lodge, it was summer, and the day was warm, and the breeze off the lake was fragrant with summer smells.  There were swimmers and walkers everywhere, and the summer chairs lined the shoreline.

Today, in mid-winter, we were the only ones outside in the light drizzle, walking along the lake, and peering through the mist.  The furniture had been put away, and the canoes were stacked together, their bright colors reminding me of crayons emptied from their box. The Adirondack chairs were lined up in quiet rows, waiting for visitors to spend summer afternoons whiling away the time, talking and gazing at the lake.

Soon spring will emerge from the winter slumber, and the Lodge will once again come alive.  However, even on a wintry day like today, you can feel the promise of summer and all it holds in the air, waiting.

Sleeping Dogs

...and when dogs are not riding in cars and running on the beach, they are resting and sleeping in front of a nice fire...

Dogs on the Beach

When we arrived at Seabrook Sunday, Nala and I headed to the water to check things out.  We had the beach all to ourselves--I guess an overcast day in the middle of February means no crowds!

This little Australian Shepherd loves traveling and staying with us in new places.  We had a good run/walk on the beach, and she scared off about 100 seagulls (and was very proud of herself!).

Here's a picture of her with her "Salty Dog" bandanna on--the Salty Dog is the dog boutique here at Seabrook.

Dinner at the Mill 109 Pub Last Night

Valentine's Day is coming!  We had dinner at the Mill 109 restaurant at Seabrook last evening, and the weather was lovely--high 40's, no wind, and a great view of the ocean.  The tables were decorated with old canning jars filled with red roses.

A Winter Vacation on the Washington Coast

We're headed to the beach this week for a well-deserved vacation.  The trip from Snohomish was fun, and we enjoy the ride a lot more once we get off the freeway and head east from Olympia to Pacific Beach, Washington.  This picture taken at Copalis Beach on the way to Seabrook sums up the slow life on the coast.  This week,  I'll have time to sleep in, savor my coffee, have leisurely breakfasts, take long walks on the beach with the dog, and make time to catch up on my reading and writing.

A Classic Camping Treat Goes Sophisticated

We had a wonderful dinner at Arnie's in Mukilteo last week to celebrate my Mom's 84th birthday.  It was a mild, clear evening, and the view from Arnie's is always spectacular.  While waiting for dinner, it's fun to watch the ferries come and go, and to see the lighthouse with its red tile roof down on the beach.

The Three Seafood Louie salad was the best I've ever had, with crab, salmon and shrimp, and the best Thousand Island dressing around.

Here is the special dessert for that day--S'Mores made with rich chocolate mousse, fancy Graham Crackers, and marshmallows that were seared with a dessert torch (normally used for Creme Brulee).  It was SO good!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Pear Salad with Anjou Pears

For a cold winter evening one day last week, we made this salad from ingredients delivered in our Mother Nature's Organics bi-weekly bin.  The red leaf lettuce, the tomatoes, and the pears joined the baby carrots for a tasty and colorful side dish to our main course.