Just got back from the TulipFestival outside La Conner. Sunny but windy day, skies clear and not a cloud, a bit on the cold side. Perfect day, since the crowds is likely otherwise unmanageable (traffic was bad in spots regardless).
Parents had planned to go to Amsterdam, but that fell through, so they crossed the polar ice cap for their third visit to Washington State - and the tulips here. Not a bad choice, heh?
Colors seem to be predominantly red and yellow, and they make for impressive scenery with the snow capped Mount Baker in the background, all under the watchful eyes of the neverending blue sky. Pretty, and we get a lot of good pictures taken. My guess is that some will show up on a Christmas card...
After flowers it is time for the obligatory visit to "downtown" La Conner. We're all hungry, so how come most (food) places in La Conner closes at 6 PM - on a Saturday - in the middle of their peak tourist season? An architect we know has designed one of the new places, nice deck towards the water, and even a little "doggie watering station" next to the entrance. It looks great, but when we try to pull the door, it is locked. At 6.05 PM? See people inside cleaning up, pay no attention to the "stupid" tourists at the door.
Lesson learned. If you are going to La Conner, eat first, bring a picnic, or realize that they really don't want you to visit at all. After some strolling, we eventually find a little neat wine store where we sample some wine and some cheese. Parents not too eager on the wine thing, we walk down the street to a local diner. It is "regular" American style food. Setting is maybe not the prettiest, but the wait staff is friendly, the prices are really reasonable and the portions huge. I think there will even be enough left over to feed dogs hiding in the car. And, most importantly, I get my micro brew - finally!
La Conner (apart from closing early...) has changed a bit since our last visit. Many buildings seem to have vanished and there is now a nice Lodge straddling the waterfront. I really like its design, and take tons of pictures, hoping to be able to incorporate some of that (design) at home.
In front of said Lodge, an old wooden yacht that has seen better days is moored. Looking closer, I see it has a Swedish flag at the mast. Walk down, but find no one home, apart from a sign telling us the 65' "ship" is for sale. I hope it goes to someone with both funds and a good heart, since it'd be waste to see such a beautiful vessel end up rotting away in the hands of a well meaning owner w/o money for its upkeep.
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