Hot Weather in the Northwest

This weekend we are having hot weather once again in the northwest. Here in Western Washington it is expected to be in the upper 80s Saturday and Sunday while Eastern Washington and Oregon is expected to be in the lower to mid-90s.

This is very unusual for us here to have so much hot weather. Last year and earlier this year we had record temperatures. I guess it has to do global warming I expect. Usually it rains in the earlier part of June and gets more like summer in second half of June or around 4^th of July. We always considered summer began on Independence Day. Last year was the first time I remember that we had summer weather throughout June and this year may be the same way. Of course it could change after this week.

Here in Gig Harbor we have the Maritime Festival this weekend and we will have a good time with a parade and other festivities. I am sure a lot of people will be out on their boats as well. Throughout Western Washington you can go out on boats or take a ferry to Seattle or to the San Juan Islands. Also very popular to take the ferry either from Port Angeles or Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia; many people here love to travel to Victoria for the weekend or a few days extra. There are so many places to visit around Victoria and you get the feeling of being in England. In fact it may feel more English than England. Vancouver Island that Victoria is on is quite a large island. I was told by someone that it is actually larger than Great Britain. There are so many wonderful small towns to visit on the island.

Here in Western Washington you can visit a lot of places too. I feel I could spend a lot of my time just visiting so many places here. Every town has at least one coffee shop or more that you can visit. Here in Gig Harbor you can go to   six Starbucks besides other less known coffee shops. The coffee shop I go to is larger than Starbucks and the barista’s are very nice to talk with along with the people who come in for coffee or other drinks. The coffee shop I go to is called Cutter’s Point. They have three locations within a few blocks of each other. There main store which right now is being enlarged and remodeled is at Olympic Village on the west side of highway 16. They have a driver thru on the east side of highway 16 across from Olympic Village in Chevron Station and then they have a location in Main and Vine grocery store. They are planning to build another in north Gig Harbor. Also they have several in Tacoma and in Port Orchard along with a few other locations. If interested just do a search for their website. There are several other coffee shops as well in the area.  So there is no shortage of coffee shops that is for sure.

When you head east to Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge you can view the mighty Mt. Rainier. It is about a two hour drive to visit the mount and the national park. This week a new stamp showing Mt. Rainier on it came out. If you get the stamp you can visit the park without charge. A great place to visit any time of the year; I am sure a lot of hikers will be up their this weekend.

If you head over the Narrows Bridge going west toward Gig Harbor you can view the Olympic Mountains. They take about two and half hours or so to drive as well. There are so many places to visit between Gig Harbor and the Olympics. This is why I say you can spend a lot of time visiting so many places in Western Washington. This doesn’t count Seattle and going north as well. Beyond the Olympic Mountains where you can view and hike as well there is the Washington coast. There are so many places along the coast to visit; if you follow highway 101 south than you can go along the Oregon Coast as well that has many lovely places too.

What a great way to spend a hot weekend or the summer. Make sure to stop by and get a drink and say high to the hometown people. When you come to Gig Harbor let them know that you know Herb. I am sure the chances you will find someone who does and if you are really lucky you will run into me.