Businesses – Page 40 – Sequim Daily Photo

Sequim Valley Airport

I’ve mentioned before that there is a lot of private aviation in this region. Today you get a tour of the Sequim Valley Airport.

It’s nothing fancy, but it’s better than some. It’s paved and there are lights on either side. In Sequim there are a couple of small, private landing strips that aren’t much more than large, well groomed lawns.

San Francisco International Airport, my basis of comparison, was rebuilt and expanded seemingly my entire adult life. There was always some new terminal opening, or an old one being renovated. I think they’ve stayed away from that here. The sign at the end of the building above says “Airport Office.” I’m betting that the waiting room is inside whatever vehicle you drive there.

Crab season

I heard someone recently pose the question, “What would you eat if you could choose your last meal?” I decided not to overthink it. Crab. Steamed and cracked. If there were time to get fancy I’d throw in old fashioned San Francisco sourdough bread and a big Caesar salad. This, for me, is a perfect Happy Meal.

Above is a commercial operation in Port Townsend, New Day Fisheries. Many people around here go crabbing and harvest crabs for themselves.

Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center

Here’s SARC, Sequim’s recreation center. When I first researched Sequim as a place to relocate, this was one of the first amenities that caught my eye. A large lap pool, fitness center, and classes all sounded very good, and still do. But I haven’t joined, at least not yet. It’s a 15-minute drive, which isn’t bad. But I’m steps from miles of walking trails. And I know, given a choice, I’ll always take the path of least resistance.

Clark barn

Sunset view of the Clark barn. The Clarks are one of the early pioneer families in Dungeness. Beyond the barn, in the right side of the picture, is a beautiful two story farm house that operates as Clark’s Chambers Bed & Breakfast. We stayed there twice before we moved to Sequim and loved the comfortable hospitality of the Clarks and the incomparable beauty of the setting. Our room was clean, comfortable, and had a spectacular view of the Strait and Mt. Baker. Family style breakfast with Glenda and Bob Clark was a delicious start to the day.

Black Ball Ferry

Here is MV Coho docked in Victoria, B.C. Operated by Black Ball Ferry and berthed in Port Angeles, the Coho can accommodate 1,000 passengers and 115 vehicles. Sailing time from Port Angeles to Victoria is 90 minutes. Want to plan a cheap thrill? You can travel free on Coho on your birthday.

Indulgence

Cobb salad lunch at Black Bear Diner in Sequim. I don’t think I’m fooling myself that this may be any more virtuous than a hamburger and fries. This is to a salad what a banana split is to a scoop of ice cream. There’s lettuce under there somewhere but most of the rest is pure indulgence.

Festival of Trees

The annual Festival of Trees was held last weekend in Port Angeles. It is the biggest fundraiser for our Olympic Medical Center and monies raised are used to purchase equipment and provide continuing education for staff.

The Festival of Trees is a big event supported by many local businesses. There are a number of events over the three day festival including a Teddy Bear tea for children and parents, a family breakfast, and family day viewings of festival trees. The centerpiece is the Festival of Trees Gala where decorated trees, many with bonus “premiums,” are auctioned at a formal gourmet buffet dinner. Details from some of the trees are shown above, lovely creations that are themed by local designers and sponsored by businesses and community members. This year roughly 50 trees were auctioned for well over $90,000. Premiums accompanying the trees included travel packages, wine, local services, sports and cultural events.