Walk with us in Sequim

Dear Sequim visitors and residents,
With the lovely sunny weather having arrived, everybody is trying to get out of the house into our beautiful nature in Sequim and area...for a first hike in the Olympic Mountains, an invigorating bike-ride on the Olympic Discovery Trail or just a relaxing walk starting at the Railroad Bridge at Dungeness River.

Guess what you won't be alone. There are different walking and biking events coming this June, for all those who want to enjoy some company. June 1st the First Friday Art Walk Sequim will take place, inspired by Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night painting. Just as van Gogh's painting has brought inspiration to many artists, this walk welcomes visitors to enjoy warm star-filled evenings in Sequim. The July 6 First Friday Art Walk's theme By the Lavendula Luna will get get us in the mood for the Lavender Festival. The free guided art walk is open to people of all ages. Visit the Sequim Art Walk website for more information.

Get out your walking and bikes shoes for the first walk-bike-a-thon in Sequim on the Olympic Discovery Trail on June 3rd. The walk or bike ride will begin at at 1pm at Railroad Bridge, east side of the Dungeness River. The donations will be used to support the upkeep of the Railroad Bridge Park and the Dungeness River Audubon Center. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring water or juice to stay hydrated. The 3-hour, 4-mile course ends at 4pm but participants can turn around whenever they want to.

We love our walks and bike rides on the Olympic Discovery Trail. It will all depend how much energy we will have after moving into our new Sequim home, which is supposed to happen this weekend, when things go according to schedule. We'll try to be there. Greetings from sunny Sequim
p.s.
We just added the new photos to our Carrie Blake Park post. Please, enjoy.

Thank you to our dear friends Steve and June from Hawaii for visiting us in Sequim on their vacation on the Olympic Peninsula. We enjoyed a nice relaxing walk starting at the Railroad Bridge leading along on the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Tags: Olympic Discovery Trail, Sequim, vacation, travel

Bus service from Sequim to Seattle, and SeaTac Airport

Guess what you don't always need to take your own car when going to Seattle, SeaTac Airport, hospitals or doctors visits. Especially when going on a trip from Sequim, it saves you the extra costs for daily parking fees in Seattle.

The daily bus service serving Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Discovery Bay, Kingston, Edmonds, Seatac Airport, Seattle Hospitals, Greyhound and Amtrak is convenient, comfortable and affordable.

We had told our friend about this great service who had to drop his moving van in Kingston and after that he was supposed to drop his son at Seattle Airport for his flight back to California. We gave him all the information about Olympic bus lines and things worked out perfect...the son got on the bus to Seattle and our friend took his car back home to Sequim. It saved him a lot of additional driving plus the expenses for the extra gas.

Advance reservations are recommended. Passengers may board without reservations if space is available. For reservations or information, including fares, luggage restrictions and connection, you may call Olympic Bus Lines 8am - 6pm at 360-417-0700. If you have a late night or early morning flight, you may even ask for special Seattle hotel rates!

With our next flight from Seattle Airport, we will make use of this great bus service on the Olympic Peninsula. Seems like the perfect way to start a vacation. We will let you know how it went. If you have used the bus service, please, share your experience with our Sequim blog visitors. Have a great extended weekend. The Sequimers
p.s.
Carrie Blake Park photos coming soon. Sorry with the delay but there was a further delay with moving into our new Sequim house as the carpet had some flaws and had to be sent back. Luckily, we enjoy living in our downstairs apartment but who can blame us that we long to move into the upstairs quarters after a house building time of over 6 months now.

Tags: Sequim Bus service, Olympic Peninsula Bus service

Sequim Carrie Blake Park

Dear fellow Sequimers and dear Sequim vacationers,

Most of you know that the Sequim Open Air Market is worthwhile a visit on Saturdays, whether you live in Sequim or just come annually for your Sequim vacation.

Today, we'd like to mention another place we'd warmly recommend to residents and visitors. First things first. We finally moved into our new house three days ago but only into the downstairs because upstairs is not ready yet. But to tell you the truth we are so happy to be here, not only because we are in our new Sequim Home but more so because it's peace all around us. Towards the end of our stay at the Sequim West Inn, the noise level from the Laundromat and car wash right behind our rental 'cottage' was getting unbearable. Remember what we said in one of our previous post...when renting one of the cottages, rent one on the left side, if you can.

As our new Sequim house is very close to Carrie Blake Park, we went for a walk to the Park, when the blue hole was there and the sun peeked though the clouds. We were pleasantly surprised. When we lived in our house in Sun Meadows (off West Sequim Bay Rd towards the Sequim Marina), we'd get on our bikes and bike through the Park and from there we mostly followed the Discovery Trail . We never paid much attention to detail, we just biked, enjoying the big picture. Well, this time we were on foot and were able to admire all the little details and the love which Sequim residents put into this wonderful park.


Most amazing was the Japanese Garden, which got developed in teamwork with our Japanese sister town. There are 11 blooming cherry trees and lots of other beautiful plants and bushes, a lantern island in the middle of the duck pond, a beautiful wooden Japanese gate and much more. What do realtors say? You must see to appreciate! Carrie Blake Park has a big stage for summer performances, a playground for kids and its most recent addition, a playground for dogs where dogs can play with each other without being on a leash. It was fun to watch! Obviously Sequim dog owners and the dogs, big and small, enjoyed their time in the open. Oops , I nearly forgot the fishing pond where children are allowed to fish. That's much more fun than a video game!

With the next sunshine, we will be out taking photos of wonderful Carrie Blake Park for our Sequimtownblog . See you in the park. The Sequimers

p.s.

Our post on Sequim Environmental Issues is still open for discussion. We thank Sequimers Jason and Patricia for their comments on our Sequim environment blog post. Thanks also to the editor of Sequim This Week for publishing our letter to the editor.

5/30/07:

As you noticed, the Carrie Blake Park photos are here. Enjoy a walk through the park in sunny Sequim.

Tags: Vacation in Sequim, Sequim Sights, Olympic Peninsula

Sequim Open Air Market

Dear fellow Sequimers,
Here is a short update on our initiative to make everybody aware of Sequim town environmental issues. We emailed our 'Letter to the Editor' of the Sequim This Week yesterday and hope it will be published with next week's issue. We also included the link to our Sequim Town Blog as a reference for starting a discussion what Sequimers think. We don't know whether the editor will include this link but we are quite sure they will include our email address and expect to get feedback through that.

The Sequim Irrigation Festival is in full swing by now. Sequim weather cooperates with its best sunny side. Welcome to sunny Sequim! Looks like it will last the entire week, so we all will enjoy a wonderful Grand Parade on Saturday. Best place to be to watch the parade is Washington St, in front of Hurricane Coffee company. We'll see you there. We will take our bikes!

Here are the next exciting news for happenings and fun events in Sequim this week. Saturday May 12 the the new season for the Sequim Open Air Market starts. It will take place every Saturday from May 12 through October 13th in downtown Sequim on Cedar Street between Sequim Avenue and 2nd Avenue. Market hours are 9am - 3pm.

From Sequim and the Dungeness Valley come fresh fruits, organic veggies, plants and cut flowers. We were impressed by the big variety of lavender products: soaps, lotions and much more, which make great gifts when on a Sequim vacation. Sequim visitors and residents alike can find a wide variety of arts and crafts, from fine photography to metalwork to woodwork to paintings. Live musicians entertain on-site starting mostly at 11 AM and continuing until 2 PM on the Professional Real Estate Music Stage. About 25 to 50 vendors are usually present at the Sequim Open Air Market. Enjoy spring in Sequim. The Sequimers

Tags: Life in Sequim, Sequim, Sequim Events, vacation, travel

Sequim Town Environmental Issues

Dear Sequimers and Sequim visitors,

Whether Global Warming is a myth or not, we all can and should do something for our Sequim town environment. When we chose Sequim as 'our' best US town for retirement, we were impressed by its cleanliness and well taken care store fronts and Sequim house fronts. We were impressed by little things like the beautiful flowering hanging baskets in Washington St and the bird sounds at traffic light crossings to let blind people know when they can walk...

Having lived in Sequim now for about 1 1/2 years, we became aware that each of us can actually do a better job to contribute to an even better, cleaner environment in our hometown Sequim. We don't know whether there are environmental groups who already pursue these issues. If so, we would like to hear from them and join efforts with all environment concerned people.

The fairly new Sequim weekly newspaper SequimThisWeek is a great addition to the Sequim Gazette. We welcome that Sequim This Week recently started letters to the editors. We intend to write a letter about Sequim and its environment issues. Just a few ideas. One cannot write a lot with the allowed 250 words but we think its a start.

Here are a few ideas how we think we can make Sequim a town of environment awareness.

1. Ride your Bike or Walk in Sequim

Lucky us that there is no industrial pollution in Sequim but what about all the car traffic. Do we really need to drive our car everywhere or wouldn't it be so much better to ride our bikes or walk?! We could kill two birds with one stone...do something good for our health and reduce the CO2 emission. With gas prices steadily rising, this will become a consideration and hopefully a healthy choice for more and more Sequimers.

We need: more bike lanes (Discovery Trail is nice but this is leisure!) and more bike racks in front of stores! The only store where to find a bike rack (for 5 bikes!!!!) is Sequim Safeway. This is pretty bad. Guess what there are already quite a number of Sequimers who regularly bike. So, we need the help of Sequim town authorities to make at least the big markets add bike racks in front. Of course, the motivated biker will find lots of bike racks in front of Sequim's bike shop Mike's Bikes and not only that. These guys help you find the right bike for your age and your needs. Give them a try.

2. Save a Bag when shopping at Sequim markets

Having grown up in Germany and the idea of recycling, I get really upset when people don't pay any attention to the waste we daily 'produce' and what happens with it. Why not take your own shopping bag or basket to the store instead of coming home from your shopping with 3 or more plastic bags each time which end up in the garbage because you forget to dispose them at Safeway (other Sequim markets don't even have a disposal for plastic bags)?! In Germany or other European countries, the shopper has to pay 25 Euro cents when they want/need a plastic bag. Believe me you don't forget your shopping bag too often. Bring your own bag to the store and help reduce waste 'production'!

3. Make efforts to Recycle your waste

I know easier said than done in Sequim. When we first set up our garbage pick-up with Waste Management of Sequim, we noticed that recycling was becoming an expensive issue. More than we wanted to spend on it. It took us quite some time to find out from neighbors that there is a free recycling place for glass, plastic, paper & cardboard and at Blue Mountain outside from Sequim off Hwy 101. We collect all our recyclable materials and drop them 1x a month at the recycle place. Why not join efforts with neighbors and share the car pooling?

We ask our Sequim town authorities to 'advertise' this possibility for new Sequim residents in our Sequim newspapers regularly. Especially since opening hours are 'just' Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Let Sequimers know when they can recycle for free! Better still make recycling a Sequim town concern!

We are looking forward to hearing from many Sequimers. Please, make use of the blog feature to leave a comment...click 'post a comment, sign in with 'other' (not google), add your name and URL (if you have any) and write what you think about our Sequim environment post. Enjoy the Sequim Irrigation Festival and the just opening boat season in Sequim Bay Marina. The Sequimers

Tags: Retire in Sequim, Life in Sequim, Olympic Peninsula

Sequim Bay Yacht Club starts boating season

With spring being here and warmer weather approaching, Sequim Bay Yacht Club members are gearing up for boating season. On Saturday May 5th, the organization will host its annual Opening Day ceremony at 1:30pm at Sequim Bay 'John Wayne Marina'.

Yacht club members are calling on residents to dress in red, white and blue, pack a picnic lunch and come come and enjoy the annual parade kicking off boating season. Sequim Irrigation Festival Royalty are expected to participate as well. After the parade, the club will host traditional ceremonies at John Wayne Marina flagpole. Club officers will be in their uniforms and be enjoyed by a bagpiper. There will be a blessing of the fleet as well as the traditional firing of the cannon.

Seems like a lot of fun to us. See you at Sequim Bay John Wayne Marina on Saturday. The Sequimers

Tags: John Wayne Marina, Sequim, vacation, travel

Sequim Vacation and Sequim Area Sights

Dear Sequim visitors,

Today, we noticed that lots of visitors checked in last night at the rooms and the cottages of the Sequim West Inn where we are staying right now for our transition before we can move into our new Sequim town house. Good news it's supposed to happen soon, maybe even in 2 weeks, bad news that our current vacation rental cottage is at a very bad location, next to laundromat!

Even when it closes at 9:30pm, some awfully noisy generator comes on during sleeping hours. No sleeping without ear plugs possible. So, if you consider one of the fully equipped cottages at the Sequim West Inn for your next Sequim vacation, ask for a rental cottage on the left side, away from laundromat!

Anyway, with May looking around the corner - weather is nice and sunny today - Sequim gets busy with weekend visitors enjoying the great outdoors and all the fun activities Sequim and area have to offer. Here are some great Sequim vacation links for your next visit to Sequim, maybe for the coming up Sequim Irrigation Festival.

Olympic National Park:
The beauty of the Olympic National Park is overwhelming and attracts many hikers and visitors each year. From mountains to ocean, rainforest to waterfall. Here are a few photos from our visits to the sights we visited in the Olympic National Park.
This photo is taken on our Sequim vacation in fall of 2006. We got a big surprise on our visit to Hurricane Ridge when experiencing the first snow with our visit to the Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge

One of our first trips with our little RV motorhome (more van than home), we visited Lake Crescent and area for some easy hiking on a 2-day stay. Summer season was already over and the sandy beach on Lake Crescent was empty and only hikers like us were still roaming the woods and trails Lake Crescent.

On another visit to the Olympic National Park, we combined our trip to the Hoh Rainforest with the Sol Duc Springs
Sol Duc Hot Springs
The Hoh Rain Forest

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is located near Sequim in Clallam County, Washington, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The 631 acres of the refuge include Dungeness Spit, Graveyard Spit, and portions of Dungeness Bay and Harbor.

Dungeness Golf and Country Club
A scenic course with the Olympic Mountains in the background. Par 72. Features a unique crab bunker. Open to the public.

John Wayne Marina
Enjoy boating at this lovely marina built on land donated by the film star who often vacationed in Sequim.

Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing, both fresh and salt water, is a primary attraction on the upper Olympic Peninsula. Winter and summer run steelhead in the numerous rivers can produce a contest any angler dreams of. Salt water fishing is excellent for salmon, and blackmouth fishing is excellent January through March. The area is also famous for its Dungeness Crab.

Interesting Excursions in Sequim and Sequim Area

New Dungeness Lighthouse
The New Dungeness was lit on December 14, 1857, the first to be lit in the Strait of Juan de Fuca-Puget Sound areas. It is still staffed by volunteers and is open to visitors hardy enough to walk out the 6 1/2 mile spit (or clever enough to arrive by boat).

Olympic Game Farm
The Game Farm is the home to many endangered and non-endangered animals, many of whom are veterans of the silver screen. Driving tours are offered year-round and walking tours are given during the summer season.

Historic Dungeness
Visit the sites of old town Dungeness on this interactive history map of the area. Click on places or names and learn their history.

Looks like we got a little carried away with our recommendations for places to see in the Sequim area during your Sequim vacation. There is no way to see it all with one visit. We heard from other Sequimers that they were coming back to Sequim for another vacation each year...till they finally moved to Sequim for retirement. It took us only one vacation to make this decision. Have a great vacation in Sequim!

Another photo from one of our hikes in the Olympic National Park on Olympic Peninsula.

Tags: Sequim vacation, Sequim sights, Olympic National Park on Olympic Peninsula

Sequim Irrigation Festival

Yes, Spring has arrived in Sequim and with it Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula and even areas in Seattle get ready for the 112th Sequim Irrigation Festival May 5th - May 12th, 2007. Whether you live in Sequim or are just visiting on a Sequim vacation, you don't want to miss it. This is a one of a kind.

To tell you the truth what we loved best at our first visit to the Sequim Irrigation Festival last year a few months after we had moved to Sequim was the Grand Parade in Downtown Sequim. The weather cooperated with beautiful sunshine. Washington Street was lined up with tons of people enjoying the beautiful parade of floats, marching bands, cheer leaders and cars. One has to experience the atmosphere and connection between paraders and their audience. The applause and cheers by the spectators were non stop.

By the way, the Sequim Irrigation Festival celebrates the initiation, development and support of the irrigation ditches which brought water to the once dry prairies of Sequim. The theme for this year’s festival is "112 Years and Still Rockin’", with a 50’s Rock and Roll concept.

We are looking forward to another great Sequim Irrigation festival with Arts and Crafts Fair, Kids Parade, Strongman Competition, Logging Show and last but not least the Grand Parade through Sequim. We see you there! Greetings from the Sequimers

Tags: Sequim Irrigation Festival, Moving to Sequim

Moving to Sequim

Dear friends of Sequim and the Sequimers,
This is a short update about happenings in our our Sequim life, personal happenings that is. As most of you know, we had moved to sunny Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula in January 2006 after selling our Hawaii property and vacation rental cottages. Weeks of Internet research and many talks to Mainland friends helped us to define Sequim as the best town to retire at. Our 2-week vacation in fall of 2006 confirmed our decision to move to Sequim. Never regretted it one bit. On the opposite, we are loving it in Sequim.

Well, here comes the big news for some of you. We always kept a close eye on Sequim real estate homes and lots for sale. When Keoki found this perfect lot on a gentle hill with oak trees overlooking Sequim and 180 degrees of the Olympic Mountains - a few yards from Carrie Blake Park and walking distance to shopping- he made his move and bought it at a great discount price. The odd shape of the lot had probably turned many buyers off. After Keoki had spent a few weeks designing a house with daylight basement guest apartment matching the lot shape, he came up with a version which would work with our main quarters upstairs and 1Bd/1Ba guest apartment downstairs for family (our kids from Alaska, Hawaii and Germany) and friends coming to visit us.

We sold our Sequim house in Sun Meadows to Bill from California who owns a boat in Sequim Bay John Wayne Marina. He likes to live on his boat but would also like to have a home base when coming back from his boat trips in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Bill will move into 'our' house at the end of this week. Unfortunately, our new Sequim house is not ready yet for moving in. Moving into new house is supposed to happen middle of May. So far, we are still on schedule with the construction. We hope it will stay that way. Sequim weather is cooperating so far.

For the transition time, we will stay at one of the 2Bd/2Ba cottages at the Sequim West Inn where we stayed on our Sequim vacation in fall 2006 when looking for a house to buy in Sequim. We liked the affordable rates and the full kitchen and cleaning service. Better than any hotel room.

Sorry guys but there are no new photos of the new house yet. The above photo (two balconies for sliding glass doors are missing) was taken a couple of weeks ago. It will probably take some time till we get new house photos taken and downloaded. This makes it more exciting and interesting for you and us! Greetings from the Sequimers

Tags: Moving to Sequim, Sequim house construction, Sequim Real Estate

Restaurant at Sequim Bay Marina

Greetings to everybody who is interested in moving to Sequim or a Sequim vacation,

I guess we told you that a great resource on events, happenings, jobs and real estate in Sequim is the Sequim Gazette. Before we moved to Sequim last year, this was one of our daily references and resources staying in touch with Sequim. It still is these days. Today we found a great information we would like to share with our Sequim town blog readers.

If you don't intend to retire in Sequim and are actually in the restaurant business, here is a great business opportunity for starting a new restaurant at Sequim Bay John Wayne Marina. It's a great location with big windows overlooking beautiful Sequim Bay. And most of all, there should be no shortage of visitors to the restaurants with all the boat owners being a round and Sequim Bay Marina being a nice sight seeing spot for people vacationing in Sequim.

Unfortunately, the old restaurant closed. The Port of Port Angeles is accepting applications from restaurant entrepreneurs to fill an opening the John Wayne Marina building overlooking the Boat Haven and Sequim Bay. Earlier plans for the building indicated the possible commitment toward a high-scale restaurant. McChesney said that demographic studies led the port to try and fill the vacancy with the best idea rather then holding out for a five-star restaurant. More information on this new restaurant project in John Wayne Marina.

Those interested in applying for the location can contact the Port of Port Angeles at 417-3456 or visit the Web site portofpa.com and click on marinas at the top for additional information.

We, Sun Meadows and Sequim residents, would love to see a new restaurant at Sequim Bay Marina opening soon. Not necessarily a 5-star restaurants, so visitors have to think twice whether they can afford a visit. Cafe style would be perfect, if you ask us. Enjoy Spring in Sequim. The Sequimers

Technorati Tags: Vacation in Sequim, Sequim Bay John Wayne Marina, Sequim Sights

Sequim Real Estate - Homes for Sale Analysis

This post is written by Jason Lee, Real Estate Agent at Sequim 'Welcome Home Realty'. Meet Jason for his Sequim Open House April 7 (info below).

We consider his realtor's Sequim real estate market analysis a great contribution to our Sequim town blog. Thanks, Jason, for taking the time to give us an insight into Sequim homes for sale of the present real estate market.

Hello to the all the folks who love Sequim whether they be residents or just wish they were. Spring has definitely arrived in full force this first week of April with temps hitting 65 degrees and my neighbors rhododendrons threatening to collapse under the weight of their own blossoms. The sun's out, lawn mowers are firing up and we come to that time of year when many people's thoughts are turned to love. Well. okay I'm probably not the person that should be writing about love, but I can write about next the most popular item of interest and frequently asked question in the spring, namely "what is the world is the current condition of our real estate market in Sequim?"

There is a lot of doom and gloom out there that just isn't justified. Sequim's real estate market is strong and if we are to believe the corporate folks who keep trying to plug the town with big box stores then there is no predicted end in sight to the area's growth. There is a misconception
because of all the homes on the market that nothing is selling which just isn't true. There is definitely a phenomenon of an abnormal amount of people trying sell their home right now brought about by a cooling of the economy, fear that home prices will continue to fall, rising interest rates and various other reasons. Home prices in Sequim did cool in the second half of 2006 and since early 2007 have started to level off. Many people will disagree, but the appreciation did need to stop for the time being and it's certainly in the communities interest as a whole to have some homes that people can afford.

That being said homes continue to sell at a brisk rate and all signs point to a busy summer in the real estate market. The amount of homes sold last year in the general Sequim area was a virtual tie for the 4th best year ever, which isn't too shabby considering if you believed the media it sounded like it was the 4th worst year ever. Year to date sales in 2007 are strong and only 3 homes behind 2006 at 109 and 112 respectively.

There is a general feeling of concern in Sequim that there are too many lots on the market. Whether there is or not does not seem to be affecting real estate prices in general. Lot prices have continued to remain high with more price increases over the last 6 months than reductions. As long as land prices stay high and affect the cost of having a house built homes will continue to hold their value regardless of how many lots are available. Another important variable is that as long as gas and material prices go up and make it more difficult to have a house built economically existing homes will be an attractive option.

As far as what is in the works for this summer in Sequim, well let's just say it's going to be busy. There are several new developments that have come on line with a mix of lots and homes for sale Several builders are trying to keep their prices in the mid 200's which is a little less that you could find a new home for last year. For the first time in a while there should be some smaller saltwater view lots coming on the market this summer on Bell Hill that will be priced significantly less than what we have now.

Enjoy the Weather, Jason Lee real estate agent at Welcome Home Realty
For your Sequim Real Estate needs, you may contact Jason at 360-460-8161 or email.

If you or your friends are interested in moving to Sequim and buying a Sequim home with mountain views in peaceful neighborhood, meet Jason for his Sequim open house April 7, 11am - 2pm.

Expansive views from this new home in The Estates neighborhood. Well-laid-out 3 bedroom home with a den and formal dining room. Hardwood floors, Corian counters, and vaulted ceilings make this the home you don't want to miss. Just minutes from shopping, with a neighborhood park and tennis court this is the best new neighborhood in Sequim. $359,950 ML# 224056 Directions: East on Washington to East on West Sequim Bay Road. Right on Morgison Loop into The Estates.

Tags: best town to retire, sequim real estate, sequim home for sale

Spring in Sequim

Spring has finally arrived in Sequim! I remember when we moved to Sequim last year and our new neighbors would say say "Wait till spring is coming!". Yes, they were so right. I guess after all those those many years living on a tropical island one forgets about the magic of the seasons, with spring being the most impressive. Blossoms in all colors, buds and greens everywhere. Don't we just love our life in sunny Sequim?!

Today, we woke up to blue skies and beautiful sunshine. Don't get me wrong. At 10am, the mountain air is still crisp with 50F in the shade but by now we are used to bundle up and just enjoy the most amazing countryside setting with the blue Pacific Ocean on one side and the still snowcovered Olympic Mountains on the other. And all in between...there is spring in Sequim!

With the speed limit being in most streets a meager 25miles/hr, driving through Sequim is like taking a scenic tour. They should call not only call Sequim the lavender capital of the world but also town with the most cherry blossom trees. I am still 'hunting' for this one special photo taking a view of the trees with the mountains as background but was not lucky so far. The trees in front of the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center should do for now. Tulips, daffodils, primroses, forsythia, early rhododendrons and more complete nature's spring design in Sequim.

Just a short update on our Sequim house construction. It seems like everything is on schedule. We will be moving out of our Sun Meadows house in about 14 days. To bridge the time till we can move into our new Sequim house in the peaceful Carrie Blake Park neighborhood, we have already rented a fully equipped vacation rental place with kitchen. We stayed there when vacationing and real estate hunting in Sequim in fall of 2005. Sequim vacation rentals are not cheap, we noticed. It might be an idea to look into offering a nice vacation rental at an affordable rate. Our many Sequim outdoor attractions and festivals like the upcoming Sequim Irrigation Festival on May 5 and the Sequim Lavender Festival July 20 attract lots of visitors who are looking for a Sequim vacation rental. It's something to think about.

We are looking forward to your comments or posts. For comments, just click comment, then 'Other' and write what you would like to share with our Sequim blog visitors (we will get your comment for approval!). If you have an idea for a post on our Sequim Town blog, please, email us. Enjoy spring in Sequim! The Sequimers.

p.s.

Hope the Sequim Elks won't do too much damage to farmer's and nature's efforts. We know we will be facing the deer roaming around our new house (Oak hill has been their long time habitat) and will have to come up with some special landscaping ideas.

Tags: Sequim town, retire in Sequim, Sequim vacation

Sequim Elk Herd

When talking about Sequim, one cannot forget to mention the Sequim Elk Herd. Even if you won't see them on your visit to Sequim, you will be made aware that they are around. The Sequim Town Welcome sign says it all...this is the town where the elks (still) live. It's not to everybody's delight.

As the Sequim elks are roaming around freely and don't know any boundaries, they are not really that welcome by the farmers or gardeners. Sequim town is growing fast, so the area where they can hang out without interfering with residents' life gets smaller and smaller. For quite some time, there have been talks to relocate the elks to another area. For now, they are still here.

The Highway 101 flashing caution lights remind us of their presence and the need for caution on this stretch of highway.Some of the Sequim elk wear transmitting radio collars. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife monitors the herd by using portable receivers with directional antennas. In addition, collar signals are sent to an innovative system of receivers along Highway 101 just east and south of Sequim. These receivers pick up the elk signals, triggering flashing lights on elk crossing signs to warn motorists when elk are close enough to be a collision danger.

The Sequim elk herd is comprised of approximately 100 Roosevelt elk who consider the Sequim area part of their range. They move about in the foothills east of the Dungeness River, south to approximately Blyn, east of the City of Sequim and north to Port Williams Road. When not in the forest, they graze in farm fields and lawns. Fences do not normally bar their movement. We got a good look at the elks, just the other day when they were hanging out on a big open meadow off Sequim Bay Rd which leads to Sequim Bay Marina.

Luckily, I had my camera and got a few nice shots. A camera with a telescope would have been better but we take what we get. Of course, we were not the only people who stopped to have a good look this amazing picture of the Sequim elk herd. We were happy to see them so close but definitely everybody tried not to agitate the elks and keep a nice distance to the elks. The Sequim elk herd is not tame, although they may appear to be. Normally, they avoid close contact with people and generally move away when approached. However, they may show signs of agitation if people get too close or when people or cars block what they consider to be an escape route. The elks can move very rapidly when reacting to danger.

Let's enjoy the Sequim elks as long as they are around. Have a great weekend in currently not so sunny Sequim!
p.s.
Hope you had a chance to visit the Sequim Garden Show last weekend.

Tags: Sequim Sights, Sequim Elk Herd

Sequim Garden Show

Hello to all current and future Sequimers,

After showing you the beauty of Sequim Bay Marina in our last post, here is a short note on our new Sequim house construction. We are still on schedule. Insulation got in this week and finally our big picture window for the living/dining area. What a view of Bell Hill and the Olympic Mountains! New photos coming soon!

Remember Sequim is rich in festivals and other annual events. I nearly forgot to mention this weekend's Sequim Garden Show. the Boy's and Girl's Club in Fir St will be transformed into a gardener's paradise during the the 9th Annual Soroptimist Annual Garden Show. More than 80 vendors represent all facets of gardening - from plants and landscaping to sunrooms. For more information, visit their website Sequim Garden Show.

Well, since we are talking about March events in Sequim, let's mention this one too, organized by the Olympic Peninsula Bird Fest: Grab your binoculars and come to the Olympic Peninsula Bird Fest Friday March 30 to Sunday April 1, 2007 in Sequim, Washington. Visitors will find guided birding trips, boat tours, kayaking, salmon banquet, and many other presentations.

Today, we would also like to invite Sequimers to join our Sequim blog. If you like to write and would like to share some information with people who consider to retire in Sequim or want to come for a vacation to sunny Sequim, please, let us know. Anything goes: from Sequim real estate, Sequim Festivals & Events, Sequim weather, Outdoor activities...whatever you like.

We are looking foward to hearing from you with your Sequim article (short is fine). Have a great weekend. The Sequimmers

Tags: Sequim, vacation, travel

Sequim Bay John Wayne Marina

Sequim Bay Marina

After our little visit to the Sequim Lighthouse, it's more sightseeing time for new Sequim residents or visitors who come on vacation to Sequim. One of our favorite areas to walk to is the Sequim Bay Marina or even better know as John Wayne Marina. It's a nice 1 mile walk from Sun Meadows subdivision. Great place to hang out, watch the boats and the wild life in the ocean and on land and just enjoy a peaceful place.

Sequim Bay Marina was constructed in 1985 on 22 acres of land donated by the John Wayne family. John Wayne frequented Sequim Bay waters aboard the family yacht – the “Wild Goose”. Today, the marina features permanent and guest moorage, excellent marine services, a restaurant, showers, laundry and banquet facilities, and provides boat launch ramps, fuel facilities, public beach access and picnic areas. John Wayne Marina is easily accessible from Seattle, the San Juan Islands and Canada. Transient morage is usually available for those who wish to boat up to Sequim Bay and enjoy the weekend.

Have fun enjoying Sequim Bay Marina on your boat trip or just on foot, as we do. Have a fun time in Sequim. The Sequimers
p.s.
Here is some useful information on the Sequim Bay Yacht Club. Boat lovers may contact John Wayne Marina Harbormaster Ron Amundson P: (360) 417-3440 or by Email Ron.

See a map for directions to John Wayne Marina.

Tags: Sequim John Wayne Marina, Sequim Sights

Sequim Lighthouse

Sequim Lighthouse
As this blog is not just referring to our life in Sequim but also is supposed to tell Sequim visitors about things to do and places to go, we are starting a few Sequim Sightseeing posts.

One of our trips when on vacation in Sequim was a hike to the Dungeness Spit. It was quite foggy that day (at least by the ocean), so we were quite surprised to find other hikers and even kayakers taking off from the beach. We were not sure how many of the tourists who started their walk on the beach along the the Dungeness Spit in the direction to the Sequim Lighthouse ever made it. We are still planning on doing the 5-mile walk to the end of the Dungeness Spit and resting at the Lighthouse. Summer time will be the right time to go on the adventure.

For now, let's share some information on the Lighthouse. First of all, the Lighthouse is still working because of the New Dungeness Light Station Association. Association members pay a 'keeper's fee' for an opportunity to live and work at the historic lighthouse. Annual membership family membership is $30. The Dungeness Light Station is completely maintained by the volunteer keepers, many of whom stay a week at a time at the station. To find out more about the schedule openings, go to Dungeness Light Station Keepers.

The sound of waves softly rolling ashore and eagles soaring overhead are awaiting you. Serenity now! Have a fun vacation in Sequim. The Sequimers

Tags: Sequim Sights, Sequim Lighthouse, Sequim Vacation

Sequim Senior Center

First thing we noticed when we moved to Sequim - actually the sign was big enough to already spot it when we were on our Sequim vacation - was the Sequim Senior Center. The Senior Center and Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center are probably the most prominent places where retired seniors in Sequim meet and socialize.

For just $30 membership fees a year, seniors can enjoy a wide spectrum of activities or classes to keep mind and body in optimal shape or just having fun meeting other seniors. Most classes are free but selected classes require a fee. Here is a selection of the free activities at the Sequim Senior Center: Bingo, Scrabble Stretch Yoga, Pinochle, Taxaide, Senior Workout, Walking Group, Spanish, Knitting, Tae Kwon Do, Diabetes Support and more.

Frequent Tours and trips find a great resonance amongst the members of the Sequim Senior Center. Senior tours in March include trips to Tacoma's 3 Museums, trip to Phoenix and Marysville among others. The center is a non-profit organization and many members volunteer their time to keep it operating.

We are looking forward to seeing you at SARC and the Sequim Senior Center. The Sequimers.

Tags: Sequim Senior Center, Sequim

Sequim Stretch Class at SARC

Hi everybody,

When you move to Sequim, the first and most important action, after buying a house, is signing up with Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center SARC. This will keep you in the best shape of your life plus contribute to meeting new friends in Sequim.

The annual membership is quite affordable, especially when you are a senior. With your SARC membership you don't only get access to all the fantastic gym exercise machines and aquatic recreation, but you will also get a huge discount on all classes Yoga, Tai Chi or Stretch Class.

After we moved to Sequim in January 2006 and got settled in, we joined SARC and Keoki started teaching his Easy Stretch class. He had been teaching his stretch class in Hawaii for over 20 years to senior citizens. This was a great opportunity to continue spreading the word of the importance of stretching for health in the lives of Sequim senior citizens. Now, he teaches the Easy Stretch class twice a week Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am - 11:30am at SARC.

Just come by and check out the fun stretching your body (easy full body stretches!) and a guided relaxation at the end. Get your energy flowing with a nice chant, just as the Hawaiian people do. You are gonna love it. If you want to get into a nice regular stretching routine, you can also buy Keoki's Easy Stretch video: A video combining 30min of full body stretches and 10min of guided relaxation to the sound of gentle ocean waves, with your guide Keoki. Stretch with Keoki's exercise video in the privacy of your home. Read more below about the benefits of stretching and how this Hawaii stretch & relaxation video had developed.

Feel free to contact us for more information on the 'Easy Stretch video - Body/Mind Relaxation'. You may also visit our website Hawaii Stretch Video for benefits of Stretching and Testimonials from Happy Easy Stretchers.


New Easy Stretch DVD is now available at low price $24.95 + FREE shipping through PayPal's secure server. Sold USA + Canada Only:

Sequim residents can call us 360-504-1157 for buying Easy Stretch video or DVD. No S/H fees apply. See you at Stretch Class in Sequim. Keoki, stretchguy

Tags: Sequim Stretch class, Stretch Video, Stretch DVD

Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center

Just a short message from the Sequimers today:

After Keoki got finally done with his 14-day jury duty in Port Angeles, we are happy to be back to our exercise routine to visit three times a week the Sequim Aquatic Recreational Center. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are our work-out days.

What makes the SARC, short form for the long word, so attractive to retired residents in Sequim, like us, is that you can get a whole body and mind workout done. The gym offers more machines than you have seen anywhere else and more than you can actually use during one visit. You have to make decisions. Personal trainers are available, if you don't know how to use the machines best. After our workout, we use the stretching area in one part of the gym.

After all the hard work exercising on bikes, treadmill, cross trainer etc., it's great to finish with a relaxing lap swim (don't want to go for recors) or just relax in pool, jacuzzi and sauna. How better can it get?! We always tell people that SARC is a worthwhile reason to buy a house in Sequim and move to sunny Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. More on our life in Sequim soon. The Sequimers.

Tags: Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center, Moving to Sequim

Sequim Home with a View

Hi again from the Olympic Peninsula,

We are quite sure our most recent post about our friends' Sequim Home for Sale got your interest, provided you are discussing to move to sunny Sequim, just like we did.

Got to tell you this. Before we went house hunting in Sequim during our fall vacation in 2005, we had done our homework online. We showed up in Sequim with a long list of houses and addresses, which we thought were worthwhile looking at, as they met our price range and location expectations. No realtor involved! We wanted to get a first impression of the house, property and surrounding and not being talked into things.

This approach of Sequim house hunting worked well. The online listings don't always show you the whole picture...how close is the next door neighbor or the highway or a new subdivision under construction. After two days, our list of about 12 Sequim houses was down to maybe two or three houses for sale. Now, it was time to get a realtor involved and things got interesting.

We noticed pretty soon that with buying a house in Sequim, the question is: Do you want Mountain View (Olympic Mountains ) or Ocean View (all the way to Victoria, Vancouver Island) or even both? We furthermore noticed that Ocean Views, like from Bell Hill were rated higher than the Mountain Views. Much over our budget, what we wanted to spend on a house in Sequim. For houses with ocean views from upscale Bell Hill neighborhood, you have to dig deep into your pocket.

Bottomline of today's post, if you want to have a house with a view in Sequim, you have to pay for it, just like everywhere else. We had found a nice house in Sun Meadows with a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains but nice sunny exposure and both fell in love with it at first sight plus the price was right. Well, our new Sequim house will have nice mountain views. We won't complain! Love from the Sequimers. Stay tuned on our Sequim Life.

Tags: Sequim Home for Sale, Sequim, vacation