Author: Kay

Brownie heaven is gone

A partnership between Bell Street Bakery and The Garden Bistro has unraveled and Bell Street Bakery has closed. The bakery side partner, Andre Barritelle, is quoted as saying “It’s been an interesting ordeal over the past three years.” The Garden Bistro partners, who most recently ran the restaurant side of the operations are hoping to raise operating funds to continue the bistro.

In the meantime, one of the sources of good, artisan breads sold in many local spots is gone. I mourn the loss of the best brownies I’ve found here so far.

The Cascades

Like Mount Baker, posted here on Thursday, the other mountains in the Cascades are often nestled under overcast. They are a beautiful and dramatic chain with sharp ridges. It’s always nice to see them. This is a view from the beach at the end of Sequim-Dungeness Road.

Today I’m remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 82nd birthday. He was assassinated at age 39. I respect the courage of people involved in civil and human rights struggles. Among many other things, I’m reminded to never take voting for granted.

Now appearing: Mt. Baker

Yesterday was a clear and sunny day. Mount Baker about 75 miles east of us made a dazzling appearance. It’s often hidden under clouds or haze so it’s a treat when there is a bright view of it, which I caught just before sunset.

Mount Baker is 10,781 feet high and part of the North Cascade Range. It is the second most active volcano after Mt. Saint Helens in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. The explorer George Vancouver named the mountain after 3rd Lieutenant Joseph Baker on the HMS Discovery who saw the mountain on April 30, 1792.

Clark Road barn


This is a hefty old barn on Clark Road. As the name suggests, the land was originally the property of the Clark Family, one of the pioneer families in the region. Bob Clark is the patriarch of this family and I heard him mention in a presentation on local barns that this one was built by his grandmother. I’m not certain if she was a Clark or if hers was a different family name. And, if I’m not mistaken, this was the site of some lively barn dances in its day.

Bob Clark’s son produces grass fed organic beef on the family farm nearby. It is well regarded and sold locally. The Clarks also operate a wonderful bed and breakfast at the family farm, Clark’s Chambers Bed and Breakfast. We stayed there twice before moving to Sequim and loved it and the Clark family hospitality.