Eric and Jane, old pals from RI, made the haul over to the PNW this past week and spent last weekend with us. Oregonian and former Rhode Islander Erik from Eugene also drove up to Anacortes and it was just like olde tymes. The first day we braved the crowds on the WSF to the Juans (we are starting to use the local lingo...that's the Washington State Ferries to the San Juan Islands). What a day out there! We saw orcas from a distance as well as plenty of seals and harlequin ducks. Erik even went for a swim in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to beat the heat. Later we grabbed a beer in Friday Harbor then heard some blues down by the waterfront. Day 2 did not go completely as planned due to a shady bike shop and some bike equipment problems (indirectly related), but we did get in some mountain biking in the Anacortes forest lands and some swimming in Whistle Lake. In the morning Julie roped us all into picking some cherries off our cherry tree, luckily no one got hurt. Burgers on the grill that night were a highlight. Day 3 was an adventure east to North Cascades Nat'l Park...new territory for all of us and quite a treat. Amazing that it is essentially our back yard, only 1.5 hours from home. We oohh'd and ahhh'd at the mountain scenery and did a nice little hike up to the snowline...Jane tackled it with ease in spite of being several months pregnant. We (dudes) rounded out the day with a quick dip in glacial-fed Diablo Lake, then headed to the Rockfish Grill in Anacortes (via Dairy Queen) for some brews and chews. Sadly, the next day Erik, Eric, and Jane drove down to Oregon and we were left to go to work feeling bereft and buddyless. But we have every reason to believe, bike fiascos and cherry-picking aside, that they will return!
Eric and Jane catching some evening glow on the WSF from the Juans
Dinner (burgers)
The Picket Range from North Cascades National Park visitor center, Newhalem, WA
Several entry techniques were employed to enter Diablo Lake
Erik with one of the culinary delights (surprises?) enjoyed over the long weekend
Cherry chicks
Cherry picking
Several entry techniques were employed to enter Diablo Lake
Erik with one of the culinary delights (surprises?) enjoyed over the long weekend
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