North West Adventure || Fort Casey

I have a lot of favorites from our time in Washington.

But, this place is near the top.

I had not seen a place like this before.

Fort Casey was a fort built right on the Ocean as part of 3 forts built to protect this Inlet.

It dates back to 1898.  

Barricks are still inhabited today.

That gun/cannon was built as a disappearing gun in a carriage that lowers into that area.

From the sea none of this can be seen - AMAZING.  They used the sloping sea wall to create it.

They explored and explored. Ran and played hide and seek.

The views were endless

Lots of places it looked like you were walking 'on the end of the earth'

A ferry ran out of the port just to the left to access this Island, Whidbley Island.

And that campground, bayside!

These were huts built hillside with narrow open areas used for far out sightings they would call

the switchboard who alerted the gunners on the front line.

Joe's selfie, of course this Fort was a favorite of his.

He wrote down tons of notes after we left.

And to the right of Fort Casey sits this gorgeous light house.

I think Joe could have spent a bit more time here but it was towards the end of our day.

Don't worry he signed the guest book and collected some maps

and a post card.  

Whidbley Island has my heart.  It's FULL of charm.

North West Adventure || Riedesel Home

During our adventure to the North West we stayed with the Riedesel family

in some super sweet accommodations.

Mount Baker is in view from the road leading to their home, so it was in sight 

every time we came and went, gorgeous!

Nicole and I were on a walk to pick some wild blackberries along their drive.

Blackberries are not a cherished in the North West because they are invasive,

after she pointed them out, I realized she was very right.

They were every where - along road ways - everywhere.

But, Sam sure enjoyed them all week!

Kids spent several evenings in the pool.  Fun time cooling off and splashing around for sure!

And this morning I had coffee in  Fiesta Java mug.

Now this wasn't any coffee, fresh ground beans made in a coffee press, I was spoiled all week. Ha.

Oh and a perfectly ripe banana - this is how the boys and I eat bananas. Nicole disagreed said it was time to make banana bread.  Tee hee.

Sight in a sleepy town near their home.

Those mountain views!  I LOVE this shot, but it's from my Iphone so I'm not sure I can make it big enough to frame.

Fresh fruit and flowers from Nicole (and her vacationing neighbor)

Kabobs  ready for the grill - you see octopus?!?!

And ready to eat.  They boys ate these up. We had shrimp, octopus, cod and halibut, I believe

This poor pup, Frankie.  We might have traumatized him.  

We tried but he just couldn't get use to us.

He was particularly guarded with Joe, the smallest of us, ha!

He sure loves his mama, Nicole and is so handsome.

We found a new game Otrio.  Tons of strategy.

Very thankful that we felt at home all week. We slept well, ate well, and enjoyed great conversation!