Joker hand again. A bizarre incredibly itchy rash up & broke out on the last 3 fingers/outside portion of my hand yesterday evening. No idea what that’s all about and it can feel free to stop doing that any time now.
Early Summer (Or Late Spring) In Seattle – Part 3
Day 3 found us in Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island is stunningly beautiful, even swathed in layers of Pacific Northwest water-laden air. On this day, we took the Mukilteo – Clinton Ferry onto the island and made our way leisurely up to Coupeville (taking whichever direction looked prettiest on the way), where we were staying the night.
This was our favorite part of the trip – everyone was relaxed, and had time to dream the ‘what ifs’.
I would highly recommend at least driving through the island if you’re visiting the area. Whidbey is a blend of breathtaking coastal scenery, shockingly vibrant farmland, little artsy enclaves, rich maritime history, and supremely friendly locals (actually the whole area is chock full of supremely friendly locals – the type of locals that apologize for being in the way on the sidewalk – bizarre behavior to an East Coaster).
Why Whidbey and not one of the 99999999 other islands peeking its head above Puget Sound? Whidbey is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, where the hubbs spent some time early in his Navy career. He had fond memories of the beauty. He wasn’t wrong.
Can’t get enough Pacific Northwest? See more here, here and here.
June 27, 2012
What is this, the food/dachshund/travel photo blog? I know, I know, he’s my picture of the day a lot. But… he’s cute …. and photogenic … and there (almost) every day … and my other dog refuses to pose for pictures – looks like someone is threatening to murder him if you get the camera out, in fact.
June 26, 2012
Carapace! I “collected” this guy in Seattle, along with half the round river rocks I came across (only the pretty ones of course), buts of shell and now broken larger crab parts. I have issues.
Early Summer (Or Late Spring) In Seattle – Part 2
This days’ exploration brought us to Discovery Park for some much-anticipated hiking, along the area surrounding Alki Beach for some cityscape-viewing, to Ballard for lunch at Sitka & Spruce, and to Seward Park for views of Mt. Ranier.
Discovery Park
According to Seattle Parks & Rec, Discovery Park is the largest city park in Seattle. It overlooks Puget Sound, with views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. This park features 2 miles of protected tidal beaches, open meadow lands, sea cliffs, forest groves, sand dunes, thickets and streams.
We walked along the North Beach path to the lighthouse, hooked around the South Beach path and looped back up on Loop Trail to the parking lot.
Alki Point
According to Wiki, Alki Point is the westernmost point in West Seattle. It juts out into the Puget Sound, marking the southern border of Elliot Bay.
Seward Park
According to Seattle Parks & rec, Seward Park is home to 300 acres of forest land, eagles’ nests, old growth trees, trails, shoreline, beaches, and more. We went for the hiking (which we were too tired to do), and the beautiful vista of Mt. Ranier.
Lunch In Ballard
We ate lunch at the lovely Sitka & Spruce in the Ballard area of town. Sitka & Spruce is a cheffy, ingredient-driven restaurant with a really cool setup – the kitchen is just a stove and a prep area and is right out front in the middle of everything. It’s a good place to go for creative inspiration, and the food is pretty great, too.
For more shots from this day (and others), check out our Seattle set on Flickr.
June 25, 2012
Beach Rocks
June 24, 2012
South Street Seaport
June 23, 2012
Jellies!
Pea and Pepper Quinoa with Lemon and Miso
This quick weeknight meal comes together in a flash. You get a great depth of flavor from the hit of miso and preserved lemon and a light, perfect-for-spring healthy meal.
Pea and Pepper Quinoa with Lemon and Miso
1 cup quinoa
2 c. vegetable stock
1 tsp. preserved lemon, diced
2 c. snap peas, tipped and chopped
1 tsp. white miso
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
S+P to taste
In a medium pot over high heat, bring the quinoa and stock up to a boil. Knock the heat back to a simmer, cover, and cook 20-25 minutes or until the quinoa curlicues open and the grain softens.
Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat in a large-ish pan. Add the pepper and sautee, stirring frequently, until the edges start to brown.
Add the peas and continue cooking until they are crisp-tender.
Add the miso and stir until combined.
Add the cooked quinoa and preserved lemons. Toss. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Serves 2 for dinner + 1 for lunch.
June 22, 2012
Intensive lunch cuddles.
Gastography 