Day 5-Port Townsend Today, Hurray!

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Tuesday, Whidbey Island is 56 degrees and overcast (surprise) this morning, but the weather forecast is for 76 and sunny! We'll see. But we're on vacation so who cares. Alas, weather forecast in Surprise is 106 and sunny, a very comfortable day back home. But we figure, this is just a warm up for Alaska.

The Anchorage Inn was just up the hill from town so walking distance everywhere. Susan did the shops in short order, we had a comfortable nights sleep, and are preparing for breakfast before we take our ferry ride to Port Townsend.

My tip of the day is to bring a power strip when you travel. With iPad, two cell phones, and a Nook, 4 dedicated outlets for overnight charging is a must. What a way to travel. This is the first trip that I have not brought a real book, and camera, reading from my iPad, and so far it's not been a problem. I don't have to worry about losing my bookmark, it remembers the page where I left off. iPad is also a great camera, so Susan can't be upset about me dragging a book around. Actually, she gave up that concern after about 20 years of marriage (I think?). Everyone who sees the picture instantly on the iPad is impressed. So folks, Apple stock was down yesterday, go out and buy an iPad!

Our first stop today was Captain Whidbey Inn just up the cove from town. Placed on the National Historic Register in 1906, this log lodge was beautiful (see picture). It's a bit of a drive out of town, so am glad we stayed in town within walking distance to water front. Then off toward the ferry, since we arrived really early, we went on to Greenway Farm, interesting galleries, grounds, views (see picture) but pretty dead on Tuesday morning. By the way, we have enjoyed some very nice small wine tasting experiences on the way to and in Langley, so add them to your travel list.

Finally we were able to get on the Port Townsend ferry early and arrived in Port Townsend without a hitch. Guess what, the sun came out and it has remained a beautiful Tuesday afternoon. Met a couple from Port Townsend (lived here the last 12 years), and had big discussion about the reasons to live in Sun City Grand-they are familiar with Arizona and have thinking about relocating. In discussing health care and how accessible it is where we live, (plus 5 minutes to Trader Joe's), they had helicopter insurance so they can be transported into Seattle if needed. Never heard of having to have helicopter insurance, but when you're out in the Islands, makes sense. This is a really nice town with great water views, shops and restaurants. Definitely one to put on your list. Thanks for the tip Patti and Paul, who helped develop our entire itinerary and it's been spot on.

After an afternoon of you know who shopping, and there are lovely shops here in Port Townsend and lunch at another wonderful Thai restaurant (Banana Leaf Asian Bistro on Washington Street), we arrived and checked into our Inn (The Inn at McCurdy House). What a beautiful view from the wrap around front porch. I paid the price by slepping our 4 suitcases up 23 steps! But we are in and I'm blogging while enjoying a glass of wine.

For dinner, we had a real treat. Had intended to go to one restaurant on Washington Street, but heard cool live jazz coming from the Upstage Bistro (downstairs) and upon investigating what was going on, ate and listened to a jazz jam session. Students from around the world attending a jazz workshop held in advance of next weekends jazz festival were having a jam session and what a treat. Terrific jazz and yummy pizza couldn't be beat and ended a beautiful day. Tomorrow we explore the Olympia pennisula and (get gas at COSTCO, yeah!).

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