Island time

 Vashon ferry

It rained .02 inch on Saturday, barely enough to wet down the dust but enough to break the 55-day dry streak in Seattle.  Best of all, the mist and fresh ocean air scoured all the suffocating smoke from western Washington.   This week we're back to more typical, lovely summer weather, with cool nights and highs in the 70's. Still, no real rain in sight.

On Saturday, John and I spent the day on Vashon Island. The good man said he wouldn't mind tagging along with me for "Vashon Ukulele Day," hosted by one of "The Ukes" at her country home there. I go to Vashon often to ride Moe, so I gave John the full island experience.

First mandatory stop: the birthplace of "Seattle's Best Coffee" and very popular with the locals.

Starbucks bought "Seattle's Best Coffee" a while back and closed the Vashon Island operation in 2003, moving roasting production to Kent.  But the historic roasterie building, along with the original 1952 roaster, continues independently as the "Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie." 

Next, we delivered a bag of carrots to a happy horse, dear old Moe.

Then a walk through the Saturday farmers market in "downtown" Vashon, followed by lunch at The Hardware Store restaurant.  The best sweet potato fries with a veggie wrap.

Finally, the Gathering of the Ukulele Clans.  It was fun meeting people from different ukulele clubs and (trying) to play new songs.

After about 2 hours of this, I figured John had just about all the island fun he was going to have in one day, so we headed back to the ferry dock.  

On the short ride back to Seattle, the captain pointed out a whale spouting in the distance.  He said it was probably a Fin Whale, and we caught a glimpse of its tail.  How lucky! The Fin is the second largest creature on earth. Only the Blue Whale is larger.  A full day of Northwest fun and adventure.