As much as we enjoyed the quaint peacefulness of Langley it was time to move on. Continuing on our journey south we landed in the town of Everett. What we thought was going to be a short two night stay turned into a full week. Why you ask? Several reasons: provisioning, getting a new microwave, gale and small craft warnings and we bought a camper van. That's right we are now proud r.v. owners. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you all about it. When we first arrived in Everett we were happy to be in a town and anxiously anticipated our new microwave being delivered the next day from Home Depot. This was the first city that had big box stores where we could replace our 13 year old microwave that all of a sudden decided to die. Exciting times. We walked the very large basin full of restaurants and a park and even a West Marine. Other then the waterfront area there wasn't anything else near by. We decided to be brave and attempt happy hour at the Bluewater restaurant sitting outdoors far away from the other pestilent humans. The snacks and drinks were good but we were both on edge the entire time. Still not used to or comfortable being among human spreaders.
Kite Flying at Everett Marina Park
Pulling Into Everett Marina
Happy Hour Bluewater Grill
Sunset Everett
Fishing Fleet Everett Marina
Walking Path
I woke up the next day super excited for the arrival of the new microwave. We spent the morning catching up on boat projects until the microwave arrived. Then finally around 12:30 we got the call that the microwave had arrived. Jeff went up and met the guys and then we worked for almost 30 minutes trying to get it finesses into the current microwave slot. Some finagling and 4 new holes later we had her in there. Back in business. I can't say we did much else that day.
So as I stated earlier part of the reason we extended out stay in Everett was to go r.v. shopping. For a couple of months now we have been online r.v. shopping trying to figure out a way to get back to San Diego for Thanksgiving and then onto Ohio for Christmas. An r.v. seemed like our only safe option during the Corona Virus. Fortunately in the Seattle area all of the major r.v. dealers are located in Everett. Jeff did a lot of homework and had several in mind we could go and look at. So reluctantly we rented a car which I Covid-19 proofed thoroughly before getting in and we made our way to three r.v. dealers where they proceeded to tell us the difference between the different classes and what we want and don't want in a vehicle. We left feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by all the information and choices. What were we doing? The only way I felt we could make a good decision is to make a chart listing all of of the things we liked and disliked about each r.v. After this list we decided we needed to go back the next day and relook at our top choices - a class B+ around 24 feet that seemed manageable to drive and a camper van that wasn't really in our price range but would be good to see for comparison. When we returned the next day unfortunately the B+ had sold. So fast. The salesman said he couldn't keep B's and B+'s in stock everyone is buying them now. We saw this at another dealer that had one van that had sold from the time Jeff saw it online till we went to check it out. We got panicky. We decided to test dive the van. It drove wonderfully much like Jeff's SUV's of the past. The layout was perfect for us - small and manageable and ideal for just two people. The next thing we knew we were sitting in the showroom negotiating with the salesman and one thing led to another and now we own a camper van. We too are still in disbelief but very excited to start some land adventures.
We Bought a Van
The Dirty Dingy
Dirt Dingy
Inside the Van
The next morning we had to go back and sign the final paperwork and return our rental car. Everything happened so fast but we felt good about our decision and now can travel safely during the pandemic without having to get on an airplane or stay in infested hotels. Let the land adventures begin. The next day it poured the entire day and blew a gale so we decided to stay put another day. We deflated a bit by staying in p.js the entire day and watching football.
Finally provisioned, microwaved, weather safe and r.v'd it was time to move along. Monday morning we journeyed three hours to Port Ludlow. The sun came out and the wind had died down and it was good to be cruising again. While checkin in at Port Ludlow we inquired about how to get to town and any hikes we should know about. The lady said if we walked up the street there was a gas station and two restaurants and that was town. A little further along was a nice walk to a waterfall. We decided to check out both. It felt like awhile since we had stretched our legs so a long walk was just what we needed. The trail to the waterfall was gorgeous with lush green trees and winding paths along the stream. So peaceful and serene.
Walk to Waterfall
Walking to Waterfall
Waterfall
Port Ludlow Marina
Stream
Waterfall
Stream
Waterfall
Port Ludlow
We slept really well that night after our long walk. Jeff discovered a Mexican restaurant while walking to the waterfall that he wanted to go back to the next day for lunch. So we made the trek down the road and got a nice table outside alone on the patio at the Mexican restaurant. Along the way we saw four female deers eating grass along the side of the road. So adorable and not phased at all by Jeff and I walking by. The restaurant ended up being very mediocre but absurdly filling so we spent the rest of the afternoon digesting and deflating.
Deers Eating Plants
The night brought football and a Dornick family Zoom. Early to bed and off to the next destination in the morning - The Hood Canal.
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