Stehekin to Poulsbo

This morning we were treated to huckleberry pancakes and they were such a nice way to start this day!

Rebecca, Mom, Tryfs, Will, Aunt Hobbie, Grandma Bucky, Rhods, Rhiannon, and Phoebe

We reluctantly flew downlake this morning so that we would have enough time to drive over to Seattle and make our way to Poulsbo, where Mom's cousin Susie and her husband Mick live for part of the year.

It was a stormy morning and our pilot was eager to get downlake before thunder and lightning filled the sky!

Getting on the plane, ready to zoom downlake

Rhiannon and Rhods, ready to fly

It was absolutely pouring rain as we got off the plane and scrambled for cover while Rhodri ran to get the minivan so we could load up. We piled in and drove over to Seattle and the weather cleared as we drove west. We had a bit of a job finding the ferry terminal to cross from Edmunds to Kingston but we got there in the end, and we even treated ourselves to some hot dogs while we were waiting to drive on board.

We drove another 20 minutes or so until we found Susie and Mick's lovely house. It was so nice to see them after all these years!  After they gave us a tour, they kindly let us borrow their kayaks for an evening paddle before dinner. Mick took these photos of us in the bay by their house

We were treated to delicious cheeseburgers, fries, salad and wine, with ice cream sundaes for dessert. What a feast!
First thing in the morning, Rhiannon and I went for a paddle together (each in our own kayak) in the bay when the rest of the world seemed to still be sleeping, and it was so special.  We left in the late morning to take Mom/ Grandma Debi to the airport.

Susie, Mom and Mick

On our way, we drove over the famous Tacoma Narrows bridge. If you've never heard of Galloping Gertie or seen this footage, check this out....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw

It was sad saying goodbye to Mom/Grandma after these two great weeks with her, and it was also a bit frantic because we were in the "No Parking" zone at the airport! But we are grateful to have had all this time together, and she was very kind to look after the kids so that Rhodri and I could go play in the mountains and fish without them. Thanks, Mom :-)

After dropping her off, we went to the REI flagship store and spent several hours there before going to catch our own flight back to London at 7pm. It has been a really great trip! We are so grateful to have been able to spend so much time with long lost friends and family.