Things I’ll Miss About Washington

I’ve been writing this post in my head for a few weeks now, but with less than a week until we move, it’s about time I get the thoughts out there before they end up lost in moving boxes.

We’re moving away from Washington, and it’s bittersweet. This is the longest I’ve lived somewhere since starting this blog, and I’ve grown to love so much about this place, made some kick ass friends, and man, there’s so much I’m going to miss.

So, I thought I’d list out a few, because this place and region are special. Also, if anyone else is moving up here from someplace warm and sunny, just know, even if it might take a while to get adjusted, you’re in for a treat.

Let’s call this the “miss list” (I might add on even after we move)…here we go.

• Summertime – Summers in Washington are magical. They make up for all the other three seasons’ crankiness at times, and then some. Dock jumps, bright deep blue skies, hikes to mountain lakes you can swim in, there is so much daylight so can cram a ton into a day, if you know someone with a boat – boat days. Or just playing catch at nine and it’s still light out, followed by a minimal bugs camp out and backyard movie. Summertime is sublime.

• Bald eagles. Looking up and seeing those massive bad ass beauties soaring never gets old or failed to stop me in my tracks.

• How dog friendly it is – Kili has lived her best years up her thanks to Sniffspots, creeks, trails and daily walks in the forest. Ok she’s a fan of the squirrels, bunnies, ducks and Bald Eagles too. and I’m pretty sure she’s sniffed out some bears nearby.

• All the cultures – My son had classmates from alllll over the globe. Every continent but Antarctica. It was such a special part of his school I adored. Thank you Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile and all the other massive global companies based here. Oh yeah, Pokemon, too.

• Little coffee stands everywhere. I counted 25 on one route up to the mountains one day. All quirky and all delicious.

• The forest. So many little untouched forest nooks with trails that weren’t necessarily hikes but places to wander, walk, relax and easily get away from people or feeling like you’re in a big city.

• My hair stylist, Erica. 6 years of live in bronde and mermaid shag brilliance. Without a single bad hair day. She reads my mind. She’s one helluva talented gem.

• The four distinct seasons. I already touched on Summer, Fall is as fallish as fall can be. Winter can kick my ass at times, but the foggy drizzly days were like a soul hug, and when it snowed its sublimely stunning. All the flowers in spring gave me hope and pep in my step, and out of the blue massive rainstorms in any season were so impressive. I also learned Meterologists really can’t predict stuff that accurately up here.

• Dahlias, peonies, lilies, flower stalls, pop up flower stands. Ohh the flowers.

• Mt. Rainier just showing up. I mean you drive on a highway and a massive volcano is sitting there showing off in all her beauty.

• The hiking. Oh the hiking. Hiking was my jam up here. And served up some of my favorite memories: Snowy solo hikes in the winter. North Cascades with my son last summer, Blue Lake on my birthday in the snow, waterfall hikes where I got completely drenched, or just my go to’s for a decent stress relief/mind clearing workout or fresh-air-what-a-view therapy.

• The Orcas – Ok, I never saw any in person, nor did I ever make it up to any of the islands. Which is a massive reason to come back next summer.

• How much there is to do and see. We lived here for over six years and I barely scratched the surface, even though I still got out and about and did stuff all the time.

• Seaplanes. I always get pumped whenever I see a seaplane.

• Sunsets in the Winter. Driving out to Alki Beach and seeing some of the most vivid sunset’s ever over the Olympics. I guess the tiny frozen crystals in cold winter air made them extra vivid.

And finally (even though I cold go on a bit more with this thing)

• Our big front window at out home. I’d sit and look out that sucker morning, noon, dusk and at night. It was my reading and writing nook, and it was Kili’s window to the world where she sat all day. It was a simple joy to both of us where life slowed down, I stayed cozy after running in a downpour, drifted off for an unplanned power nap, or just wondered where life might take us next.

More on that soon.

But in the meantime, Washington, I sure am going to miss so much about you. I know we will be back, but lets see if I can squeeze in one more mountain lake hike and dock jump before we hit the road.

Life’s a wild ride. Wear a helmet, and if you’re in Washington be sure to also pack your hiking gear, and grab a drive through coffee.