Sequim Town News May 2008

After we enjoyed hot summer weather for hiking in cooler mountains of the Olympic National Park and soaking in the hot springs at the Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort, Sequim and we got blessed with another hot spell with blue skies and sun all over this weekend. Just perfect for extended Memorial Day weekend and the festivals and events in Sequim and beyond!

Sequim had its Saturday Open Air Market in Cedar Street. The market with farm products, fine arts and high quality hand crafted products attracted a big crowd of residents and visitors alike. Live music and food stands make the visit to the market complete not only for those on a Sequim vacation.

The nice weather across the entire Olympic Peninsula was enjoyed by everybody who visited the Shrimp Festival in Brinnon. We really recommend to any visitor in the area to go visit Whitney Gardens & Nursery in Brinnon. It's right now an overwhelming view of colorful blooming rhodies, all styles and shapes and sizes, even tree size. We bought our 8 rhodies there. For the first year in bloom, they are doing quite well.

Port Angeles, which is just a short 25 min drive from our house, has its Juan De Fuca Festival of the Arts with lots of vendor booths, music and dancing. It will continue tomorrow with more happenings around the Vern Burton Center at 4th St and Peabody.

We took the sunny weather to do more gardening around the house plus continue on our project for adding real grass to the outdoor sitting area for our top amenities/affordable price 1Bd/1Ba 'Bell Hill View' vacation rental. It's getting together! Tomorrow, we will buy the grass and roll it out. We think that our visitors will enjoy nature more than tile or rocks. So, see for yourselves. We would love to have you as our guests when visiting Sequim on vacation.

p.s.

Don't think we only worked on Memorial Day weekend. We enjoyed bike rides each day and sitting outside on our balcony for lunch can't be beat. Great that we have this wonderful adjustable awning to give us just the right shade.

Tags: Sequim vacation, best of Sequim

Hiking at Sol Duc Hot Springs

After our last post about our visit to the Sol Duc Hot Springs we wanted to add some valuable information for those who want to do the same right now. When in the area, most visitors also want to get some hiking done once they entered and paid the admission fee to the Olympic National Park. We are lucky our Golden Eagle Pass - you got to obtain it at the Park's Visitors Center - allows us entrance to all the National Parks in the US. Some nice benefit for being older! For those, who want to read more about hiking and camping in the Olympic National Park, I found the Olympic Park National Camping Page most helpful. OK let's get to our recommendations when visiting the Sol Duc Hot Springs right now.

When you want to do the hike to the Sol Duc Falls right now, don't take the trail from the Campgrounds A Loop (A Loop just opened last weekend when we were there) and B Loop (was still closed last week). The trail needs a lot of work done to remove the fallen trees and winter debris. This is currently not a trail for family hiking. If you want to walk, take the street to the trailhead. There is no heavy traffic or just drive your car to the parking for Sol Duc Falls. It's a 0.8 mile walk from there. There was still one big tree laying across the trail when we went, which made it hard on those people who are not in athletic condition but one can walk around it.

This area is offering lots of longer hikes to mountain lakes. Overnight camping is possible. Be aware that the trails can be buried under snow which often lingers into late summer. Route finding skills may be necessary. When we asked at Solc Duc Hot Springs Resort about the access to Lover's Lane (6 mile loop) and Mink Lake (2.6 mile one way), we were seriously discouraged and advised not to do those hikes yet. You may want to call the Wilderness Information Center 360-565-3100 for trail conditions before you head out. We tried our cell phone at different locations in the Park and had no connection whatsoever. So, don't rely on your cell phone for emergency situations.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park worked perfect for us. And the price was right at $25/nt. You got to have a self-contained unit. There are no showers or restrooms on the parking ground but water and electric plug-ins come with your lot. However, it's just a short walk to the hot springs with the cleanest showers and bathrooms - everything gets cleaned 4x a day! - we have ever seen. Pool hours are 9am - 8pm at $11/ adult, children 4 - 12 yrs $8 and seniors (62 yrs and older) $8. You will get a wristband for the day, so you can walk in and out of the pool area at your convenience. For those who are not coming with an RV, cabins with kitchen $172 (2 pers.)/nt. and w/o kitchen $141 (2 pers.)/nt. can be rented. Not cheap but they are very nice. And remember you pay for a unique location! We will be back at the Sol Duc Hot Springs soon!

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Tags: Sol Duc Hot Springs, Best of Olympic Peninsula, Sequim Vacation

Visit Sol Duc Hot Springs

Well we dusted off the motor-home from its long winter hibernation and took our first trip of 2008. Maybe motor-home is too strong of a description, its more a 19' camper van with all the conveniences of home just a bit more compact. We have had a long winter here in the Pacific Northwest, so spring is a bit late and the nights are cold, but last week the weather changed for the better and we got the urge to travel.

With the price of gas we didn't want to travel far and we only had 5 days. Of course on the Olympic Peninsula there are many beautiful places within a 2 hour drive too get away to and we chose the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, its located 50 miles west of Sequim and then 12 miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Olympic National Forest.

We paid $25 per night with water and electric and $8.00 a day for us old guys to use the hot springs pools and facilities. We arrived late afternoon on Wednesday and after setting up the camper decided to take a walk, eat dinner and jump in the hot pools the next day. That night the electric came in handy as the night was a bit on the cold side and our heater from home keep us nice and toasty.

The next morning we went for a walk and then discovered the pleasure of relaxing in the hot mineral pools and then diving into a cold fresh water pool fed by the Sol Duc River. We spent the rest of that day except for a nap in the afternoon hanging out by the pools as the weather was warm and languid. We met quite an interesting group of people around the pools. Families from many east European countries on holiday found our neck of the woods as did many folks from around the state of Washington.

The next day we decided to first hit the hot springs pools and then take a hike up toward the Sol Duc Falls. There is a trail leading from our RV park through the forest that's about 2 miles and a 45min hike on a normal day. We started hiking and maybe got a fourth of the way there when the trail ran out crisscrossed by huge fallen trees and many patches of snow still 2 feet deep in spots. Lucky or unlucky for us, Brad the life guard from the Hot Springs Resort, came up behind us and talked us into continuing to climb trees and slough through snow to make it to the falls. There were a few times when I began to wonder if the trail still existed, though we finally made to the falls trail head and the falls were spectacular and the hike was an adventure to remember.

We could have driven to the falls trail head in 10 minutes and after that hike we were lucky to find a couple from Bainbridge Island who gave us a ride back to our home away from home. Thanks again, Janet and Larry. I tell you the hot pools never felt so go as after that hike, we spent the rest of the day lying around and relaxing. We headed home the next day, it's amazing how a short 3-day vacation close to home can make you feel. But of course we are lucky we live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula with the most spectacular countryside and lots of fun festivals!
p.s.
Brad, the life guard from Sol Duc Resort, actually took a photo of us at the Sol Duc Waterfalls. We hope he will email it to us some day for including it here on our Sequim Town blog. Thanks Brad for guiding us through the bushes, over and under fallen trees and through the snow! We will hopefully see you at the Hot Springs on our next visit, which is planned for the near future.

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Tags: best of Sequim, Sequim vacation, visit Sol Duc resort

Sequim Irrigation Festival 2008 Photos

Before starting our new post about our visit to the Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort, we have to show you our photos from this year's 2008 Sequim Irrigation Festival. The festival had been a big success as usual and even Sequim weather showed sunshine for the Grand Parade on Saturday. We had the best seats for Friday night fireworks at Carrie Blake Park, right on our balcony. I took some photos but was always pushing the button too late. Too bad the firework photos did not come out the way I expected it but most important the firework itself was a great display of colors and shapes on the Sequim night sky. Hope I will be more experienced next year to take firework photos. Well, here is our display of photos of the Grand Parade of the 113th Sequim Irrigation Festival. Washington Street was all lined up with lots of chairs and families, old and yound, cheering to festival participants. We noticed the same enthusiasm and excitement by participants and spectators alike as we saw the last 2 years of our moving to Sequim. We love living at small town Sequim with big town amenities. Our premier location between water and Olympic National Park makes Sequim a top vacation destination for hiking, biking, berrie picking and just relaxing. Plan your Sequim Vacation today.

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Sequim Vacation Rental open for Irrigation Festival

For all those, who come from Seattle for celebrating with us our 113th Sequim Irrigation Festival, our fully equipped 1 Bd/1Ba vacation apartment at peaceful location, with walking distance to QFC and Carrie Blake Park, has still a vacancy for this weekend. Take a short weekend Sequim vacation and stay at our 'Bell Hill View' Sequim Vacation Rental...2 nights at $85/nt. 1 Night at $99/nt. Tax is included. Call us at 360-504-1157!

We just received the May 2008 Senior Center News. It's amazing what trips and tours are available for this month. Here are a few dates which seem really fun to attend:
Tuesday May 13, Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs $35/member, $50/non
Wednesday May 21, Tacoma's Three Meseums, Glass, Art and Washington State Historical $50/member, $65/non
Friday May 23, Brinnon, Whitney Gardens $20/member, $35 non

Here are a few Sequim Senior Center Social Events you might want to plan your vacation around:
May 20: Parents' Lunch
July 3: 4th of July BBQ
July 16: Aloha Luau Dinner
More information from our our Sequim Town blog and of course the Sequim Senior Center website down the road.

Stay tuned for photos from this year's Sequim Irrigation Festival parade!

Tags: Best of Sequim, Sequim Irrigation Festival 2008

Sequim Irrigation Festival -113 years old.

You may have missed the beginnings of the Sequim Irrigation Festival however there is much more to come.. On May 8th & 9th, the Funtastic carnival begins at 5pm on the Sequim High School green field.

On Friday May 9th you can attend the Crazy Days breakfast at the Elks Lodge on Port Williams Rd starting at 7am. Not sure of the cost on this one however businesses and individuals come in costume and perform skits so should be lots of fun and a breakfast to boot.

Friday May 9th also has the Logging Truck and Tractor Pull. This is an event for all ages featuring axe throwing,pole climbing, lawn mower races, tractor pull and more. Plus food stands.

Hang around after the logging show for the Fireworks display at 9:30pm

Saturday May 10 is the best Salmon Barbecue on the Olympic Peninsula, being served from 11am to 6pm at the Trinity United Church next to Carrie Blake Park.

May 10th also features the Super Cruzz Parade and Car Show. The parade starts at 11am down Washington St and the car show is in the Walmart parking lot.

Last but not least to round out the week is the 113th Irrigation Parade with entries from all over the Peninsula and beyond. Get your family together and find your best spot along Washington St, it starts at noon and is good fun.

Hopefully we will have some that fine weather I mention in my previous post.
Enjoy the festivities.....Keoki

Tags: Sequim Irrigation Festival, Best Sequim Events

Sequim weather-It can't be beat!

This a post about the weather in Sequim and the reason I'm writing this is because its raining outside and unfriendly.

Now don't get me wrong I love Sequim including the weather but every now and then the clouds come in and just hang around making for a grey day and on occasion we have rain. That's the kind of day I like to sit in my nice warm house and read a good book or as now write a post.

The one thing nice about Sequim weather is how mellow it is, no SEVERE weather for us, oh no.
When I sit at home watching CNN and see all the SEVERE weather that hits other parts of America and the world I say to myself "lucky you live in Sequim".

We don't have tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or extreme cold or heat. Sure we might have a grey day once in a while but I've never been hurt by a cloud and as far as rain goes we average less than 15 inches a year.

In the winter we have very few days that are below freezing and in the summer we have hardly any days that get up to 90 degrees. If it sounds to you that I like Sequim weather, you are right, I don't know of anywhere in our country with a more consistant weather.

Check out our post on fall weather in Sequim.

Enjoy your weather wherever you are.....Keoki

Book your Sequim Vacation Rental Now

For all those Sequim visitors, whether getting away from the big city for a short weekend vacation on the Olympic Peninsula or looking for Sequim real estate for moving to Sequim, if you still want to experience snow on Hurricane Ridge, as we did at Easter, you might want to book your Sequim Vacation Rental for April or early May NOW.

Be aware that our busy week for the Sequim Irrigation Festival 5/3 - 5/11/08 gets booked fast. Even more desired are the dates for the 2008 Sequim Lavender Festival, taking place 7/18 - 7/20/8, when thousands of visitors come from all parts of the world to visit Sequim the Lavender Capital. It's a unique experience! You can easily combine visiting one of our two most famous Sequim festival with hiking in the Olympic National Park, visiting Victoria and famous Butchart's Gardens, biking the Olympic Discovery Trail or just enjoying some lovely walks through Carrie Blake Park watching the wild life.

Best part of your Sequim vacation is of course the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center SARC with an olympic lap pool, water slide, fitness center for aerobic exercise, weight room, sauna (hot air + steam). How better can you relax after a day of hiking or hunting for the Sequim real estate bargain?! Afterwards, come home to 'your home away from home' - Bell Hill View Sequim Vacation Rental - for a nice dinner. If you don't feel like cooking, pick up a great meal at Sequim Costco with a bottle of their delicious wines. And voila your evening is all set. Sit down with your honey on your love seat and relax with a movie from 120 cable channels. Book your Sequim Vacation Rental today. Call us at 360-504-1157 for your Sequim vacation.

Here is an update on Olympic National Park information 3/25/08

Heart O' The Hills campground and Sol Cuc Road will reopen this Friday.

The Olympic National Park Visitors Center is open 10am - 4pm Thur- Mo. It will reopen daily from May 1st.

The Hoh Road and campground are open. Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is open on winter schedule Fri-Sun.

All roads are open in the Lake Crescent area and Elwha Valley.

Deer Park Road is scheduled to open June 13.

Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort, 12 miles into Olympic National Park, opens for the season this Friday. The resort offers a 'Spring into Spring' Special Package.

Tags: Best of Sequim, Olympic National Park, Sequim vacation

Best Things to Do in Sequim - Hurricane Ridge

When we came to Sequim in September 2005 for our 12-night Sequim vacation to check out the town for moving there, we not only checked out 'Sequim Homes for Sale' but also visited Hurricane Ridge, which is on top of the best things to do in Sequim. It was quite an experience for us people from warm Hawaii. The first snow of the season made it even more impressive. We were not the only visitors who had not expected snow so early in fall but hey these are the Olympic Mountains with hurricane Ridge elevation of 5240ft. A lot of the tourists showed up in shorts and short sleeves. We were at least in long pants and wore anoraks, which allowed us to stay longer and enjoy the spectacular views! The below photos are all from yesterday!

Now being Sequim residents, you bet we don't only take our friends to Crescent Lake for some hiking, a visit to John Wayne Marina with a nice lunch (not cheap though) at the Marina restaurant overlooking Sequim Bay, nice walks or bike rides on the Discovery Trail and if it's berry season on a 'U-Pick Berry Tour', a visit to Hurricane Ridge is a must see on the list of things to do on Sequim vacation.

However, one thing can get in the way...it's the weather on Hurricane Ridge, which can be quite stormy. Why else the name?! That's why always make sure to call and check the 24-hr Olympic National Park Road and Weather Information Line at 360-565-3131 to make sure the weather has not shut down everything. Visit the Hurricane Ridge website for information on ski lifts, ticket prices and more.

We had planned a winter outing to Hurricane Ridge many times during this winter season but with only the weekends offering access to the mountain, it's a gamble to find the right weekend. Many times during last winter season chains were required for the mountain access road and even our snow tires would not do. Finally yesterday on Easter Saturday, when the weather forecast for the entire day had sounded really promising, we checked first time the weather for the Ridge at 8:30am. It still sounded good with temperatures on the summit at 24 F. Brrrrrr! We checked again 2 hours later. The road was all the way open to the mountain. Snow tires were still required.

11:15am we got on our way to Port Angeles, turned on Race St to Olympic National Park, showed our senior National Park pass - allows you free entrance to all National Parks for a lifetime - at the park entrance and went up the windy road to the summit, with lots of aaahhhs and ooohhhs. What vistas! The higher we came the higher the snow piled on the side of the road. We arrived on Hurricane Ridge around 12:15pm. The sun was shining. The open area at the parking area is kind of windy and makes it feel colder there but as soon as we walked - we did not rent snow shoes, walking worked fine - to the lifts, we felt very comfortable in our warm winter clothes with gloves and scarves and hats.

The ski lifts very busy with an amazing number of snow boarders versus skiers. Lots of young people seem to prefer the snow boards to skiing these days. We had a great time to watch everybody. There was even a slalom competition for kids going on, which might have been the reason that stands sold hot dogs and hamburgers. Of course, one also could warm up at the Visitors Center and buy some food at the restaurant there. We had brought our own sandwiches and some delicious tea, which we enjoyed with the great views of the Olympic Mountains.

When you come from Seattle for a weekend visit to Sequim, bring some warm clothes with you. You may be lucky for an amazing trip to Hurricane Ridge and afterwards relax at the Jacuzzi or saunas at SARC. A Sequim vacation can be quite rejuvenating! Happy Easter everybody!

Tags: Best of Sequim, Sequim vacation, Hurricane Ridge

Sequim Affordable Homes

We are back! After we articulated a few personal thoughts about 2008 Sequim Real Estate, I came across a few articles in our local newspapers like the Sequim This Week and The Peninsula Daily News, which I thought should be mentioned here on our Sequim Town blog.

As Sequim has developed into this attractive retirement town for people from CA, AZ, CO or even Hawaii over the past 20 years, a lot of them financially independent and thus building or buying quality homes at the most desired Sequim locations - ocean or mountain views being a must - it seems like the regular folks are left behind. Those people who work at Wal-Mart, Costco or HomeDepot for hourly wages around $8 can definitely not buy a house in Sequim at the current prices.

City Councilman Bill Huizinga, a former real estate agent, quoted the median selling price for Sequim in 2007 at $316,750. He concluded this number from an online search of last year's house sales. The average 3 Bd home on a lot was $230,000. These high selling prices for Sequim homes affect naturally the rents people have to pay for renting a house. When we lived in Sun Meadows, we did not see one of the 2Bd homes for rent under $1000 a month. Basically, it comes down to the situation that there is hardly any affordable housing in Sequim, whether to pay or to rent.

For all the Sequim residents or those people intending to move to Sequim and work there and who are in the low income range, the new apartment buildings 'Elk Creek' off Hwy 101 might offer a solution for finding affordable housing in Sequim. The article in the Peninsula Daily News about 'Affordable Housing in Sequim' does not only list features of the apartments, requirements for being eligible but also seriously reflects an the entire issue of promoting affordable housing in Sequim and integrating those into our community. Whether Mr.Huizinga as member of Sequim's affordable housing subcommittee, will be able to 'bring home prices down to earth' in Sequim, depends probably to a great deal on Sequim developers but also Sequim residents.

Remember the value of your house gets affected by the value of houses in your neighborhood, meaning not all Sequim residents support the idea of lower-priced homes in their neighborhood. Let's hope Sequim town will find a solution accommodating the needs for affordable homes and protecting the value of Sequim homes at the same time!

Tags: Sequim Real Estate 2008, Home Prices in Sequim