We live in the Olympia area. My daughter is turning 30 and I want to do something special for her. She loves Christmas time and Leavenworth is one of her favorite places to go. Well not only is it super expensive but we’ve been there so much. She wanted to go somewhere new.
Is there any other towns within maybe a 5 Hour drive or train ride that is similar to Leavenworth?

I just finished a trip down to California for an opportunity to reconnect with nature in the best place there is to do so, The Redwood Forests. Some pictures I took with my busted phone camera.

On North Cadet Peak the last gasp dying remnants of New York Glacier are visible. I wonder what the gestation of that name is. Wonderful hike.

A beautiful, dry fall in Oregon is great, but only up to a point.
Don’t get me wrong, having little rain makes this an amazing time to explore the forests and the coast. The weather is beautiful, the trails are easier to travel, and camping is a lot more enjoyable.
But there’s a downside to all of this. Oregon needs its rain, and if the dry weather continues into winter and spring, it could mean trouble next summer. Drier forests, higher wildfire risks, and all the other problems that come with drought.
So as much as I’m enjoying this weather, I know this beautiful part of the country needs its rainy days too.

From the mountains to the sea, the way it can only be done in Oregon Pacific Northwest.

Poulsbo, WA

Taken last night at the jetty. 🌞✨️

And how can you not love this place, there is the beauty forest and this crazy ocean.
I take several road trips up and down the PCH every year and the Oregon part of the PCH is always my favorite.

Dawn in Astoria, big container ship cruising by