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Just Head East
Blue skies and an open road...
What ever happened to the classic Sunday drives? As a child growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, I remember hopping in the car with my family, singing songs and ending up at all different types of places. Like Port Townsend, where we’d enjoy some window shopping, grab some lunch and go explore the barracks at Fort Warden.
Other times we’d pack a picnic basket full of goodies, travel to La Push and play in the mighty Pacific Ocean. Once in a while, we’d venture to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
I now have a family of my own and we recently picked up where my parents left off. Sure, we sing different songs and the landscape has changed, but the bonding is the same. We talk about school, life, family and friends. Our son fades in and out as he gazes out the window at the passing world as my wife and I discuss upcoming family trips, our businesses and whatever else is on our minds.
- 360 degree view from Artist Point
One of our favorite is the drive to Artist Point at Mt. Baker. It’s a strait shot east from Bellingham on State Route 542 to what is truly one of the most beautiful vistas in the world. You’ll travel through the foothill communities of Deming, Maple Falls and Glacier where funky shops and local eateries await. This past week, the Washington State Department of Transportation says crews will start clearing the road on July 6th and while it takes several weeks to clear all the snow from the final 2.7 mile stretch of the Mount Baker Highway, I still recommend planning a trip to the top late this month or early August. Bring a lunch, your favorite bottle of wine and a camera. This will be one of those day trips you’ll be glad you took.
So welcome back Sunday drives, I’m glad we decided to once again explore the beauty that surrounds us here in our own back yard.
