Light Houses and Pirates

I have been so impressed with how friendly everyone we have come into contact with. It almost makes me question if the south really is the friendliest place in the country... almost! :) Everyone is welcoming, answers questions and always greets us with a smile on their face. This morning, after our meal in the dinner where Tom Hanks first learned about tiramisu, we walked around the market making purchases for our week on Orcas Island. I got free samples of honey and cheese and I enjoyed listening to the advise and opinion of the vendors.

We decided to go over to West Seattle, sort of what we stare at from our hotel. It is accessible by a thirty minute or so cab ride, or, as we chose, a 15 minute ferry, from which, you have a beautiful view of the city.

We enjoyed strolling down the sidewalks surrounded by people on skateboards, bikes and roller blades. In many ways, the sunny weather, the people watching, the ocean water and the exercising, it reminded me of Venice Beach in LA. After we began walking towards the central part of the area, we began to realize we were in for much more than we had expected. A pirate festival was going on! Pirates had come onto shore, bringing with them giant inflatable ships, hats, eye patches, swords and of course an interesting crowd of people. The people watching today was well worth the cost of the ferry!

Also on this peninsula was an old, but preserved light house. I have always had a fascination with light houses. Perhaps it is their beauty, and the fact that they somehow look regal, but I think for me, it all goes back to hope. Maybe, on a dark night, this light house has provided hope for a lost soul out in the water. Something about the power of light and hope on a dark night, just brings a smile to my face.

On the peninsula, I also saw a two-person bike, like the one that my friends and I had rented on Lido last year. It brought back some wonderful memories of trying to steer the odd little vehicle down narrow streets, the steering wheel that in fact did nothing and the difficult task of pedaling up even the smallest of inclinations. Yes, even just seeing that bike made me laugh to remember all of the good laughs we had together last summer.

Traveling helps me to relive and remember my other travel experiences; I guess that is why I will never stop traveling!