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Farewell Summer and Hello Autumn in Seattle!

September 26, 2006 News: Sadly, I have to bid farewell to Summer in Seattle, but soon there will be Autumn colors, corn mazes, pumpkin carving and holiday festivities to keep things interesting. September was a full month, including the Evergreen State fair, the Bremerton Blackberry festival, an Anderson Island adventure, a backpacking trip to Ingalls lake and blueberry picking hikes to Tonga ridge and Mount Pilchuk - yum, yum!

See the complete round-up of photos and brief descriptions below from our Summer, 2006 festivals, parties and adventures.

Mount Pilchuk Hike and Views

This is my #1 favorite hike in the northwest. Why? Because the entire hike is enjoyable. The trail starts in a lush forest with occasional views, then opens up to tremendous views of Mount Baker, the Three Fingers and numerous peaks to the north and northeast. Delicious blueberries were ripe and ready to be picked. Large nearby rocks and occasional streams add to the variety. Near the top is some of the best rock scrambling around, along a ridge to the lookout. From the lookout, there is a 360 degree view, including all the major cascade peaks, the San Juan islands, Seattle, Mount Rainier,... It is unbelievable!

Ingalls Lake Backpack

This was our annual guys-only backpacking adventure into the mountains. Each year we meet up and head to the hills for a few days of moderately strenuous hikes with scenic appeal. There are always unexpected surprises, challenges and hours of laughs. Each year we get a little older too, which gives us more to laugh about. The forest fires in eastern Washington forced us to change locations with short notice, and I could smell the smoke from distant fires on occasion at the lower elevations. This year's surprise was snow! We woke up to 3-4 inches of snow, and visibility was limited. For one brief instant, Mount Stuart opened up, then it was gone again. Ingalls lake was pretty, but over-rated in my opinion. However, I would do it again on a clear day for the views.

Tonga Ridge Blueberries

This is one of the area's best hikes for huckleberries and blueberries. I found it last year on-line in an artical titled: "huckleberry heaven". Due to the very dry summer season, or perhaps an increased number of berry pickers, there were less berries this year. I still put in my time, and came home with plenty. Last year I had a close encounter with a bear. This year, I also saw evidence of a bear. Aha, maybe that is where the berries have gone. It is an easy hike. Most hikers were families with children who had blue fingers from picking.

Anderson Island Adventures

There is nothing like a warm summer day on the water with friends. Kayaking, biking, croquet, bocce ball, painting and lot's of laughs. It is always a special treat to recreate on Anderson Island.

Bremerton Blackberry Festival

There is just something special about this one. Could it be the scenic and cool, refreshing waterfront setting with a nearby battleship and Seattle ferries coming and going? Could it be the blackberry pies, scones and icecream sold by Kiwanis for fundraising? Could it be the cascading and intermittant fountain that invites kids to play and tempt getting wet? Could it be the local infusion of musicians, arts and crafts? How about that blackberry wine? Yes, yes, I think that was it! Janet's favorite from 2005 - It is always a winner in my book.

Evergreen State Fair, Monroe

It's a full fair experience with animals, agricultural displays, rides, imports, food and music. However, my favorite activities at this one are the logger show (with log rolling) and pig races. Unfortunately, neither of which we were able to see this year. Last year's photos captured them very well though. See: Evergreen State Fair, 2005

Same as last year, my favorite food booth was labeled "Chicken or Pork Sir Fry".

Long Beach Kite Festival

Larry's #1 favorite for 2006! Janet and I shared the delight of thousands of colorful kites on the longest beach in the world. The town was quite welcoming, there were demo kites to fly/crash and on-going kite competitions to enjoy. Get your reservations early for this one next year.

Angela's "CHER/SEAFAIR Farewell Party 2006"

This was the best party of the year, with Seafair clowns, Seafair pirates, Austin Powers and the Blue Angels. "This really is the last year though," claims Angela. Hey Angela, didn't you say that last year...? Ok, ok, I'll let it rest.

Anacortes Arts and Crafts festival

Larry's #1 favorite festival from 2005, was again an impressive and HUGE display of art, the prices were reasonable and the air was salty and cool.

Taste of Edmonds

We had to go back a second time to this one. It really has a lot more going on then just food. But on that note, I must mention that we fully enjoyed the contest winners for best entree (jerk chicken on a stick, from eloi, a taste of the Caribbean) and dessert (apple pie, from Phillies steak sandwich, feast from the east). Beyond the food, there were imports, art, crafts, live entertainment (with or without beer gardens), kids rides and a whole lot of local flavor. Nice job Craig, and the Edmonds chamber for really making this a fun festival for the entire family.

Coupeville Arts and Crafts festival

This was a spontaneous, and unexpected delight! It wasn't even on my festival calendar, but I received the tip from a few vendors in Anacortes, then confirmed it with our friends on Whidbey Island. There were an amazingly large number of talented, local artists, offering very reasonable prices! My how this one has grown in the last ten years. Larry's surprise, and close #3 favorite for 2006.

Gig Harbor Renaissance Fantasy Faire

Finally, we created a full day experience at this fun-filled, exciting and always entertaining fantasy event. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so much! Magicians, jugglers, sword fights, fire eating, jousting, dragons, nymphs, songs... Great for the entire family. Larry's #2 favorite for 2006.

Upcoming activities? There is still one more excellent festival - Issaquah Salmon days. Sometimes there is nice, warm weather during Salmon days. Other times, it rained so hard I was sure that fish were swimming up the street! Either way, it is a great festival, full of crafts, kiddy rides and local salmon flavor. See the festival calendar link below for more information.

Thanks to the continued nice weather, outdoor activities and mountain hikes are still great. You can also get blueberries and huckleberries if you know where to go... Expect this to change soon as the colors of Autumn begin to paint the upper elevations. Usually the 2nd week of October is best for a drive in the mountains (Mountain loop highway drive, anyone?)

Is the cooler weather and liquid sunshine getting to you? My massage offices in Everett and Kirkland are inviting and comfortable. Warmed by a blanket or hot stones, you can say goodby to stresses and tension! With over 13 years experience, I can do wonders for your recovery from weekend warrior activity and for the prevention of injuries.

To schedule your massage, click on contact@seattlesunshine.com

Plan your weekend fun with
Larry's 2006 Calendar & links .

I will continue to add to my festival and adventure photos from 2006, 2005 and some previous years. See: Larry's adventure photos .

To bring Seattle Sunshine massage to your Party or Company Event,
see: Seattle Corporate Massage

Want a therapeutic and relaxing massage with Larry?
See: massage therapy

Massage Gift Certificates are available for loved ones and friends.
Give the gift of good health for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. See: gift certificates

My Choir, The Jubilee Singers are available for hire year-round. We sing a unique blend of Spirituals, including many African-American songs that were passed only by word of mouth. For more, click on Jubilee Singers Choir

One of my favorite local organic farms is the South 47 farm in the Redmond valley. Throughout the year they provide seasonal festivities and quality organic produce that is delicious! See: The South 47 Farm

For more local activities, see: The What's up

Be sure to add this page to your browser favorites, and return here to get seasonal updates and more of Larry's adventure photos...

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