The Whisler Life

WOW!  It’s hard to believe we’re already half way through the first decade of the 21st century!  Seems like the Y2K madness was just yesterday…  Well, it sure looks like 2005 has many challenges, changes, pleasures, and excitements in store for us - and I welcome them all.

To bring in the New Year, Patrick and I headed off to Port Angeles, Washington for the weekend with Heather, Barney, Lindsay, Chad, and Gail (my mom).  As many of you will know, my family lived in P.A. in the early 80’s for four years while my dad was stationed at the town’s Coast Guard base.  During our stay, my parents aquired a couple parcels of raw property which has allowed us to maintain a connection to the area.

We headed up Thursday the 30th and met Heather, Barney and Lindsay at the hotel.  On Friday we did some of the typical tourist activities and showed Chad (who had never been to P.A.) some of the sights.  We made our traditional stop for breakfast at The Oak Table  which was wonderful as always.  We also ventured to the Dungeness Recreation Area which offered a brisk yet beautiful hike out to the Spit.  That evening we hung out in the hotel room to bring in the New Year by drinking heavily (at least Patrick and Chad did anyway) and playing poker.  2005 arrived with little incident, except a few "drunk dials" Patrick made to his sisters and mother!

Saturday morning we boarded the ferry to Victoria, B.C. to spend the night with a dear family friend who owns a B&B there.  We arrived in Canada only to discover that the country is CLOSED on New Year’s Day… as if that’s an actual holiday or something!?!?!  After driving around aimlessly for a while, Heather and Barney decided that it was probably in their best interest (and Lindsay’s in particular) to head home to Bellingham.  We said our goodbyes and they were off.  As for Patrick, Chad, Gail and myself, we drove "up island" for some sightseeing, climbed to the top of Mt.Douglas, ate lunch, etc.  After a lovely dinner and some visiting with Shelagh (friend and owner/operator of the B&B) we retired for the evening.

Sunday morning we were greeted with the smell of frying bacon (which, even to a vegetarian like me, caused my mouth to salivate uncontrollably).  Breakfast was huge and delicious, followed by a quick escape to try to make the 10:30am ferry.  No luck, it was full!  To make a long story short, we had to drive up North further to take a different ferry, only to then make our way South into the States.  This afforded us the chance to meet Heather, Barney and Linsay once again for a meal at one of our favorite cafe’s in Fairhaven, WA.  After a few potty stops and some hellish traffic, we finally arrived home around 9pm last night - pooped and ready to sleep in our own beds!  It was a wonderful weekend and a great mini-getaway had by all!  I hope to have some pictures up soon.

….So into 2005 we go!  Full steam ahead!