Well I’ve put it off for three years, and now I just can’t wait anymore. I’m taking a break to have knee replacement surgery. I’m allowing myself about six months to recover, so I will be laying low at home. Our next international travel isn’t until September 1st.
Looking forward to being back on my mountain and healthy
Putting My Health First
I want to continue to be active well into my 80’s. I also want to continue to travel well into my 70’s. So I take my health seriously. We eat healthy and lead a very active life. After my 2021 surgery for diverticulosis, I swore I wasn’t going to put my body through a major surgery again. But, here I am. Ces’t la vie.
Taking a Break
So while I focus on my recovery through the summer, I am taking a break. You will continue to see book reviews, at least for a while as I have several already written and scheduled. But as for travel blogs, there won’t be many. Possibly a few local Pacific Northwest posts once summer is underway. It also is a good time for me to do a little background work on the blog, cleaning, fixing and updating.
Please Don’t Forget Us
We will be back. We have a wonderful itinerary of international travel planned September, October and November. You won’t want to miss it as we visit new to us places like Greenland, Svalbard, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Azores and more. So please don’t forget us.
Healthy is the goal
Until Then
Until then, I’m taking a break. Thanks for all your support, and we will talk soon. See last week’s post Let’s Talk Tamales here.
As an adult I look back on so many fond memories of my 1960’s and 70’s childhood, including Halloween. As soon as school began in September we began thinking about and planning for that big day. We always made our own costumes just from found things around the house…never sewing anything elaborate and NEVER purchasing anything from a store.
Halloween When I Was a Kid
Unfortunately my parents were not big photo takers so I have only one photo I know of, of me with my siblings on Halloween. That was the year my sister proclaimed she was going to be the Fairy Godmother and I was going to be Cinderella in rags. Okay fine. My brother was a “hippie” and my littlest brother was a cowboy. It was a time in life when it didn’t take a lot ot make us happy.
With my siblings, maybe around 1970
In high school and even college we celebrated the holiday with homemade costumes but the trick or treating gave way to parties. Here I’m sharing a few photos I pulled up from those days.
1979 College
1975 High SchoolAt my job 2005
1983 Newlyweds
Halloween When My Kids Were Little
When my kids were little I made their costumes most years and we had a lot of fun with Halloween as a family. In the 1990’s when my kids were young, trick or treating was still safe and the school always had a special event with costumes.
1988
19941987
1995
Today fewer kids wander the streets, but neighborhoods often have gatherings in safe places.
The History of Holidays
I’ve always been fascinated with how our holidays evolved into what we accept today as normal, ever since I discovered that Santa Claus is a fairly new invention. So I have over the years gathered lots of fun information about holiday rituals and their evolution.
Halloween Began 2000 Years Ago
The origin of Halloween can be traced 2000 years ago to the Celtic festival called Samhain. This festival was a celebration to ward off ghosts and included costumes and bonfires.
Ghosts were responsible for death and havoc
In the 8th Century Pope Gregory III declared that November 1st would be All Saints Day to remember all Catholic Saints and the Samhain festival the day before became known as All Hallows Eve.
November 1st was also considered the New Year to the Celts and was marked as the end of the harvest and bounty and the beginning of the dark days of winter, a time of hunger and death.
People believed black cats were witches in disguise
The Druids (Celtic Priests) gave the Celtic people guidance during this time, when all believed the ghosts were responsible for failed crops, poor health and bad weather. The Druids built bonfires and everyone dressed in costumes to scare away the ghosts. Crops and animals were sacrificed.
Rome, Of Course, Intervened
When the Romans conquered this region, the Samhain festival merged with Feralia, a Roman festival similar to Day of the Dead; and Pomona, a celebration of the apple harvest (assumed to be where bobbing for apples comes from).
Christianity
By the 9th century the Celtic lands had become Christian and the November 2nd Christian holiday All Souls Day merged with All Hallows Eve (Alholowmesse) and the costume tradition expanded.
Ritual bonfires helped ward off evil
Welcome to America
Colonial America celebrated this holiday, despite the New England Protestant objection due to the pagan origins. As immigrants from many nations came together, the American version of the holiday emerged.
Early Jack-o-lanterns were carved from turnips
Outdoor parties, bonfires, scary stories, fortune telling, pranks, games, music and dancing were all part of the early American celebration. By the early 1800’s most communities celebrated an Autumn festival but Halloween as we know it was still a ways away.
Irish Americans Bring the Tradition
As Irish immigrants flooded America in the late 19th century, with them came many of the traditions we today associate with Halloween in the USA. This included costumes, Trick-or-Treat for food or money, and the focus of the holiday became more about children.
Bobbing for apples is an ancient game still practiced today
But in the 1920’s and 30’s vandals hijacked the holiday with pranks and sometimes drunken violence and many gatherings stopped. By the 1950’s local towns redirected the holiday back to family-focused and encouraged family gatherings. Trick-or-Treating was revived.
Today’s Halloween
Small homemade treats gave way to store bought candy in the 1960’s when parents feared for their children eating anything they didn’t know the source of. Today 6 billion dollars are spent annually on Halloween and it is the biggest candy buying time of the year in the USA.
Halloween candy
Both children and adults dress up annually, with many adults wearing costumes to their jobs. Halloween parties for kids and adults happen in the weeks ahead of the actual Halloween night.
Halloween is the second biggest commercial holiday after Christmas in the USA.
And now you know – the history of Halloween.
We love it when you pin and share our blog. Happy Halloween!
Note this post has been updated for summer 2025. It was originally posted August 2, 2024.
I’ve been a big fan of Thomas Dambo ever since I visited the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and was introduced to his magic there. The blog post I wrote about the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular I’ve ever written. Check it out here. I also visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens while in Georgia and enjoyed more of his recycled art work there. I was really excited when five of these amazing nature themed sculptures came to the Seattle/Puget Sound region (a 6th is in Portland Oregon). So I went tracking trolls in the Pacific Northwest.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Taking a nap at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
I love this one at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Who is Thomas Dambo
I am intrigued by this man and his mission. In his own words…
I’m Thomas Dambo, Danish recycling artist. Our world is drowning in trash while we are running out of natural resources. In 2011 I quit my job to become an artist and follow my mission to ‘Waste no more’.
Today, I spend my life showing the world that beautiful things can be made out of trash. I give new life to discarded materials by turning them into large-scale artworks. My journey has led me to create artworks in 20 countries across five continents, including my giant Trolls, plastic works, birdhouses, and Happy Wall exhibitions. All these projects are realized using hundreds of tons of recycled materials, working in and with local communities, who are co-creators of the art that I make because the mission I follow needs the involvement of everybody. I also host talks as a speaker, such as TEDx talk, and sometimes I host workshops to teach people how to reuse and upcycle.
Before visiting the local trolls in the Puget Sound region you really need to visit the amazing website NW Trolls. You can learn a lot of interesting information and find a map of the trolls too. I was intrigued to learn why the Scan Design Foundation chose to present this outdoor art exhibit to the region. Here is more…
Oscar the Bird King, Vashon Island
This ambitious public art project is presented by Scan Design Foundation, whose mission is to support Danish-American relations with a focus on environmental sustainability.NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King features six giant hand-built troll sculptures by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. The publicly-accessible sculptures are located around the Pacific Northwest where each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story. The project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions. Thanks to our funding partners and host site partners, there is no admission fee to visit any of the trolls.
Everyone loves Pea the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island
Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest
I started my treasure hunt a year ago. The six trolls (five in the Seattle area and one in Portland) were built on each site during the spring and early summer of 2023. We visited our first troll on Bainbridge Island, which is about 40 minutes from my home where we spend our summers.
I loved Pea’s hair made from found sticks in the nearby forest
Last September on the day we were headed to the airport to begin 8 months of travel, we took some time in West Seattle to find our second troll. One of the smaller trolls in the collection, Bruun is hiding in plan sight near the Lincoln Park waterfront.
Back in the USA for the summer I made a commitment to find the three remaining trolls close to my home. I won’t be able to get to the Portland one this year. Since our adult sons live in the Ballard area, it was easy to find this little man, standing sentry outside the amazing Ballard Nordic Heritage Museum.
Make day trip to Vashon Island to find the next troll, which is exactly what we did on a beautiful July day. Three ferries make their way to the close yet remote island; Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma and Southworth in Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula. Vashon may seem far away, but it really isn’t and meeting magnificent Oscar the Bird King is worth it. I think this one is my favorites.
I made my way to the beautiful community of Issaquah to find my last troll of my Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest Journey. I lived and worked in Issaquah 35 years ago…wow just saying that blows my mind. But still today this community and it’s people hold a special place in my heart. And now so does Jakob.
Jakob Two Trees
Rainier Trail, Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah
What a wonderful surprise to find Nordic Northwest, a place I had never heard of before. We went in search of Olle Bolle, the last of the Pacific Northwest Thomas Dambo trolls I wanted to see. And “ya sure ya betcha” we found him – at Nordic Northwest. What a wonderful spot for food and education and heritage of the Nordic history of the region. Olle Bolle is located about two and half hours from Seattle, in the iconic Pacific Northwest town of Portland Oregon. Learn more about Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Portland Oregon here.
Troll Life
The trolls stay in their respective homes for about three years…some longer depending on if they are being cared for. Since each troll is constructed from natural and recycled material, the local weather will determine their life length. A couple of trolls in this list have already required some maintenance, due to abuse and inclement weather. You should see them soon, while they still are in their mostly original state.
Seattle’s Original Troll
Still holding court, now for more than 30 years, is Seattle’s favorite son – the Fremont Troll. A favorite of locals and some visitors too if they know where to find him. I couldn’t write a troll post without mentioning this one-eyed monster we all know and love. Have you visited the original troll under the Fremont Bridge?
The Fremont Troll more than 30 years guarding the Fremont Bridge
The Fremont Troll
Find the Fremont Troll N.36th Street at Troll Avenue N., under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also known as the Aurora Bridge).
Still looking good!
What’s Next?
Dambo’s popularity continues to grow around the United States. Many communities are now home to his whimsical trolls. I’m personally hoping for more Dambo Trolls in the Pacific Northwest over the next few years. They just make me happy!
Tacoma. Much maligned and looked down on over the decades (mostly by Seattleites) today is one of the Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest. And many Pierce County residents would like to keep it that way. But Tacoma is definitely worth a visit for a bustling food scene, multiple amazing museums, performing arts, history and one of the best parks in all of Washington State. Here are my recommendations Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma Washington.
Tall Ships in Tacoma
History
Tacoma’s history is deeply intertwined with its selection as the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus in 1873, which spurred significant growth and led to its incorporation in 1875. The city, originally known as Commencement City, became a crucial transportation hub where “rails met sails” on Commencement Bay. This strategic location allowed Tacoma to develop into a major port city and a center for industry.
The area was inhabited for thousands of years by Native Americans, most recently the Puyallup tribe. Today the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a federally-recognized tribe from western Washington State.
Tacoma Union Stations (Canva)
Today’s Tacoma
Nestled on Commencement Bay with stunning views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma has transformed itself into a modern hub with a thriving economy and cultural scene. Key industries include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and a strong maritime presence thanks to the Port of Tacoma. The port is one of the largest container ports in the US and a significant economic driver in Pierce County, supporting over 42,000 jobs and contributing $3 billion in labor income.
Tacoma Dome at dusk (Canva)
Beyond economics, Tacoma embraces a lively food, arts and culture scene. The combination of a dynamic economy, rich cultural scene, and access to natural beauty makes modern Tacoma a desirable place to live and visit. So let me share with you some of my favorite things about Tacoma. There is more too, so be sure to check out Visit Tacoma Pierce County.
The infamous Tacoma Narrows Bridges
Theater Gem
The Grand Cinema
The Grand Cinema is a non-profit art house theater in downtown Tacoma, dedicated to enriching the community through the art of film. Since its inception as a non-profit in 1997, it has grown to include four screens and offers a diverse selection of independent, foreign, and documentary films. “The Grand” as it’s affectionately known, is also home to the Tacoma Film Festival. Hands down one of my favorite things in Tacoma.
The Grand Cinema
Tacoma loves this independent theater
Outdoors Gem
Locals love to ask “is The Mountain out?” and no one needs to ask which mountain they are referring to. In fact ‘THE MOUNTAIN IS OUT’ is a local branding phrase, and a perfect one for Tacoma, where you can have the most incredible Mount Rainier views nearly anywhere you go.
“The Mountain” Tacoma claims
Point Defiance
Hands down one of my favorite hidden gems of Tacoma is Point Defiance Park. A sprawling 760-acre urban oasis offering diverse attractions and natural beauty, it features the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, historic Fort Nisqually, an incredible Rose Garden, beaches, and extensive trails within old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Puget Sound, Vashon Island, and the Tacoma Narrows, making it a popular destination for recreation and exploration
We love to hike the trails at Point Defiance
Something for every kid at heart
My mom at the Point Defiance Rose Garden
History and beauty in Tacoma
Re-developed Ruston Way
Ruston Way has been an integral part of the fabric of Tacoma for nearly as long as the city has been in existence. In the 1800s, the Ruston Way area was developed as a mining town during America’s industrial revolution.
In 1968, the city purchased more waterfront property to support the idea for Ruston Way as a “quality waterfront attraction.” It was this forward thinking that allowed Ruston Way to be a key facet of the city’s waterfront amenities, even to this day.
Throughout the 20th century, city representatives have made various attempts to broaden the appeal and usefulness of Ruston Way. However, only in the last decade has Ruston Way finally begun to evolve into its own, distinct character.
Tacoma forebears would not even recognize the Ruston Way of today. Cleaned of pollution and one of the city’s favorite gathering places for strolling, running, viewing marine wildlife and of course dining at one of dozens of restaurants.
Tacoma’s Antique Row, located on Broadway between 7th and 9th Streets, is a vibrant district filled with unique shops offering a wide array of vintage and antique goods. This area is a treasure trove for those seeking one-of-a-kind items, from furniture and clothing to jewelry and memorabilia. One of my favorite places to just browse, but occasionally I will bring home a treasure.
I only recently discovered this hidden gem…and now I will be back. Tucked into an upstairs shop on Broadway, this store offers a stunning collection of used, new and vintage pieces in top condition and fairly priced. So glad I found it.
Both new and vintage at Tacoma Furniture Consignment
The Washington State History Museum, located in downtown Tacoma, offers a comprehensive look into the state’s past through interactive exhibits, dynamic storytelling, and a vast collection of artifacts. Changing exhibits and permanent collection, the museum is housed in a part of the historic Union Station.
Washington State History Museum
Changing exhibits at Washington State History Museum in Tacoma
McMenamin’s Elks Temple originally built in 1916 as a fraternal lodge, has been meticulously restored to its former glory, preserving its architectural details while adding modern amenities. It now features 45 unique hotel rooms, multiple bars and restaurants, a brewery, a theater, and event spaces. A must visit.
Museum of Glass is a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glass making (Dale Chihuly is from Tacoma). It features a large studio where live glassblowing demonstrations take place and hosts a variety of exhibitions and art installations.
Tacoma Art Museum focuses on art and artists from the Pacific Northwest and the broader western region of the United States. Founded in 1935, TAM has a rich history rooted in the community and has grown to become a nationally recognized regional museum.
Tacoma Art Museum (Canva)
Restaurant Gems
Saved the best for last here, because the restaurant scene in Tacoma is insane. Here I list many of our preferred places to dine – some new and some long-favorites. This is by no means all the dining options in tasty Tacoma. Oh no. But this is some you should not miss.
Woven Sushi & Chophouse unbelievable menu of delicious local food with a spectacular view. I love this restaurant and can eat there again and again.
Oysters at Woven
My birthday at Woven
Wooden City get a reservation for this popular and tiny spot in downtown Tacoma for their unique menu and great service.
Bone Marrow at Wooden City
Unique and beautiful food at Wooden City
Burger Soul (sometimes listed as Seoul) this take out burger joint is the real deal. Giant portions, delicious burgers and more.
Burger is amazing at Burger Soul
Dirty Oscars Annex some of the best food in Tacoma at this 21 and over dive bar on 6th avenue. I love it for breakfast but there is much to love all day long.
Giant portions at Dirty Oscars
Over the Moon a true hidden gem and one of my all time favorites in Tacoma. Special occasion or any day, get a reservation at this tiny and delicious Tacoma jewel.
Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma Washington
GPSMyCity has several Tacoma walking tours, check it out here. Tacoma is a great destination for a day trip or a longer visit. Add it to your hidden gems bucket list before the secret is out!
The ferry runs between Point Defiance and Vashon Island
Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Tacoma Washington. More hidden gems coming soon! We love it when you pin, share, comment and spend time on our website. Thank you!
Port Gamble, Washington, at the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, is a historic mill town. Founded in 1853 by Pope and Talbot’s Puget Mill Company. Originally known as Teekalet, the name was changed to Port Gamble after the bay it is situated on. Let me tell you about one of my favorite Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.
Stroll around this preserved mill town
History
Founders Josiah Keller, William Talbot, and Andrew Pope developed the company town reflecting the New England style of East Machias, Maine. Port Gamble served as a lumber community, shipping lumber worldwide. After 142 years, the mill closed in 1995. The town has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark District, showcasing its unique 19th-century architecture.
So many historic buildings to admire
Entrance to the Historic Museum
Registered Historic Landmark
Where is Port Gamble
It’s a perfect stop for travelers headed to the Olympic Peninsula via Bainbridge Island or the Kitsap Peninsula. An unincorporated community, it is part of the Port Gamble Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. Port Gamble sits on the west side of of Port Gamble Bay and near the shores of Hood Canal. The Port Gamble S’Kallam Reservation is on the east side. It is definitely a Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.
A perfect place to order a take away lunch and wander down to the picnic tables with a view. Easy to order ahead on the website. There are a few tables inside too and a great espresso stand.
Butcher Baker Provisions is housed in a historic service station
Shared this giant fried chicken sandwich with my mom. It was amazing
You must spend some time in this unique shop with a wonderful selection of unique items. For gifts or for yourself, it’s hard to leave the Port Gamble General Store without a treasure. A small cafe in the back serves sandwiches and ice cream. A new restaurant is slated for late 2025 as well.
With extra time you should visit this lovely forested 3500 acre park. Trails for walking, biking, and horses, and access to water for kayaks. Just south of the town of Port Gamble.
Port Gamble Heritage Forest Park
Make a Visit
Port Gamble is close to many other fabulous Kitsap Peninsula destinations like Poulsbo and Bainbridge. It is also an easy day trip from Bremerton, Tacoma, or Seattle. Make a visit to this true hidden gem, and step back in time for a perfect day. It is a favorite Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.
Summertime! In the summer we enjoy our time at our tiny house located on the Kitsap Penninsula in Washington State. It’s a respite from world travel, and a place we re-energize and prepare for winter travel. My husband and I both grew up in the great Pacific Northwest and when we are here we make a point to get out and be tourists in our own backyard. A few years ago this prompted my local series of blog posts. So today we begin again with Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom.
Steilacoom Town Hall
Where is Steilacoom?
Steilacoom is a small city in Pierce County surrounded by Lakewood, Tacoma, and DuPont, as well as Joint Base Lewis-McChord on it’s North, East and South borders and the Tacoma Narrows waterway on the west. This historic little village is only about 2 square miles and has a population of around 7000. It is about two miles from Chambers Bay Golf Course. From where I live in Port Orchard Washington we travelled about 40 minutes over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to make our way to Steilacoom.
Steilacoom was founded twice in 1851. Two land claims were filed in this best place on the South Sound, as Captain Lafayette Balch established Port Steilacoom with a 315-acre donation claim on January 10, 1851, and the lawyer John Chapman filed his own land clam for the adjacent 312 acres in October of the same year and named it Steilacoom City.
The two were merged by act of the Territorial Legislature on April 22 of 1854, but are still divided by Union Avenue, where the angle of the streets changes.
The Steilacoom Tribe was an independent group inhabiting a geographic area now known as the Tacoma Basin. There were approximately 600 Steilacoom Indians living in five bands within the basin. They spoke a separate subdialect of the Puget Sound Salish language. Unlike their closely related neighbors, the Puyallup and the Nisqually Tribes, the Steilacoom did not have a glacier-fed river within their territory for freshwater resources. The principal feature of the Steilacoom territory was a group of spirit-inhabited lakes.
Historic Byrd Mill Road
Beautiful Historic Homes
Steilacoom is home to many “firsts” in the region, and you can discover a wonderful self-guided walking tour to learn more about the history with the help of the city’s Steilacoom Walking Tour.
Pierce County Ferry to Anderson Island
Historic Railroad Depot
Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom
This was not our first visit to Steilacoom; we used to ride our bikes from Gig Harbor to Steilacoom on sunny days. Today we traveled in my ’67 Mustang, as a weekend day trip we try to do as often as possible.
Walking Tour
Walking Tour
Our main destination on this day was The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware, a fabulous little breakfast and lunch spot in an incredibly well- preserved historic building built in 1895. Most of Steilacoom is made up of beautifully well-kept residences (many historic), but there are also a handful of businesses and restaurants. The Bair can get busy on a sunny summer day, but the wait is usually not too long. On the Saturday we visited, we walked right in.
Bair Drug & Hardware
Breakfast at The Bair
The Bair is like a museum inside. Great coffee too.
You might also enjoy the Steilacoom Taproom and the always popular Topside, with great views of the Narrows.
Topside Restaurant
Steilacoom Taproom
Recommend
Steilacoom is small, and there is usually lots of parking. Stroll and enjoy. Walk down to the ferry dock where the Pierce County ferry to Anderson Island operates. Here you will also see the old train depot and likely see a train fly by…as they do about 70 times a day. If you are in Steilacoom on the weekend, visit the Historical Museum (open Saturday and Sunday afternoons).
Steilacoom Historical Museum
Orr Wagon Shop Steilacoom Historical Museum
Steilacoom is home to several parks you can enjoy, and if you have time a visit and stroll on the paths at Chambers Creek Regional Park next to Chambers Bay Golf Club is fun. Just a short drive away.
With my ’67 Mustang at Sunnyside Beach Park Steilacoom
Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom. Make a visit to this hidden gem, and definitely don’t miss The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware. Stay tuned for more hidden gems coming up. Read my last post Traveling in France by Rail here.
We love it when you pin, share and comment on our blog posts. Thank you.
I always get this question as we wind down any long adventure like the one we have been on. Four months and seven countries, we have really had one of our favorite travel experiences. But, it’s back to the USA now, so let me tell you what’s next for My Fab Fifties Life.
Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park Washington State
Home to Washington State
Home Sweet Home. I love our tiny house we call Villa de Verano and I am looking forward to working in my yard. We have a couple small projects around the house this summer…in our never ending effort to upgrade this thirty-five year old home. I am especially excited to see my kids and delve into helping with wedding plans for the upcoming fall nuptials. It will be great to be home – we love summer in the Pacific Northwest.
Home
Ten Days in British Columbia
If our Canadian friends will still allow us entry, we are headed to British Columbia for a road trip. We made these plans many months ago and well, things have gotten a bit crazy since. But it is our intention to visit Canada in July, our first time back in that beautiful country since before Covid.
Spring in my yard, Washington State
Cross Country to Upstate New York
In late September we plan to drive cross country to the destination of our sons wedding. Along the way we hope to visit friends in Michigan and Illinois and do some fall leaf-peeping in Vermont and New Hampshire before the wedding. Possibly a quick visit to Maine before returning to the Pacific Northwest by late October.
New Hampshire (Canva)
Viking River Cruise on the Rhine
Jumping on the river cruise bandwagon, we will do our first river cruise the week after Thankgiving. We are not huge cruise fans (although we have had some good ones and will likely cruise again) but a river cruise is new to us. Many of our friends have enjoyed this activity so we will give it a try. Our seven day cruise starts in Basel Switzerland and goes up the Rhine to Nuremberg, with a Christmas Market focus.
European Christmas Market (Canva)
And that will wrap 2025
We will finish the year at home for the holidays with our family. Departing January 1st we begin our next adventure. 2026 includes Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica or Panama as well as more of Europe and Scandinavia. This is all still developing so more on all of this later.
In the meantime, I have one more France blog post next week, then I plan to take a little break from posting for a few weeks. Time to enjoy my family, my friends and my home. Summer in the PNW is one of my favorite things in the world. Thanks for reading my post What’s Next for My Fab Fifties Life. Come back next week to read about our week of train travel in France. See last week’s post My Favorite Day Trips from Bordeaux. Merci!
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