July 10, 2007

Casting Off!

We're off to the land of Starbucks on every corner, Pike Place Market, Bill Gates' stompin' grounds, Elliot Bay Book Company, FRESH seafood, and Dr. McDreamy. (Yes, I know he's not a real person, but I can still fantasize about bumping into him on a ferry, can't I?)

Actually, we'll only be in Seattle for about 24 hours before we head out to the San Juan Islands and then over to the Canadian Gulf Islands. We'll spend time in Edmonds, Anacortes, Friday Harbour (a personal favorite of mine), Reid Harbour on Stewart Island, Roche Harbour, Sidney (another favorite), Cowichan, Brentwood Bay and Victoria. We've been looking forward to this trip for just about a year, but we've left all the planning to my dad & June. They've made this trip several times and know all the great spots for crabbing, whale-watching, and taking in gorgeous sunsets.




Our home for the next two weeks!

Dad & June's liveaboard boat (Lake Union, Washington)

Our Skipper and First Mate

Possible stowaway?


And what books do I plan to take, you ask? Well, I'm desperately trying to pack light. And, I know I won't read as much as I think I will. However, we do have a couple of long flights, so here's the list:

Pastries: A Novel of Desserts and Discoveries by Bharti Kirchner - I chose it because it's set in Seattle and has been on my shelves forever.

Loud & Clear by Anna Quindlen - Essays are always a good choice for reading in sips & gulps.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - Just because, although it might seem a bit odd to read about hiking the Appalachian Trail while cruising islands in the Pacific Northwest...

The Sunday Wife by Cassandra King - The beachy cover caught my eye. Plus, it's another that's been lurking on my shelves far too long. BTW, the author is Pat Conroy's wife.

On Rue Tatin by Susan Herrmann Loomis - A little French travel read that's on my Armchair Traveler Challenge list.

Mademoiselle Benoir by Christine Conrad - An impulse purchase yesterday at work. The gorgeous cover caught my eye and I knew I had to buy it!

Sorry. No time to upload and post cover art. But take a minute and look at the cover for Mademoiselle Benoir (click on the title). Isn't it gorgeous?!

Rod has a couple of Lee Child books in his bag (Tripwire and Without Fail), so if I happen to run out of reading material, I can always borrow one of these. Jack Reacher is no Lucas Davenport, but he'll do in a pinch. ;)

19 comments:

  1. Wow, that sounds like a fantastic trip! I hope y'all have a wonderful time, and all the books look yummy.

    Andi

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  2. Have a blast - Orcas Island, San Juan Island and Victoria are some of our favorite vacation spots. Enjoy!!

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  3. I've never been, but it sounds so wonderful! Drink lots of cappuccinos for me (2%), and have fun reading the books you chose. I have Rue Tatin, but it's as yet unread, so I'm looking forward to what you think. By the way, I nominated you for a Rockin' Girls Blogger Award my friend.

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  4. Have a wonderful time! I'm headed for MO, but lately, I've been torturing myself about all the other yummy states in the US that I could be visiting.

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  5. Have a wonderful trip, Les! I so wish I was in Victoria or thereabouts right now instead of here. Oh well! Say hi for me! :P

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  6. Have a great trip!
    -Jen

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  7. Anonymous5:48 AM

    Have a great vacation! It sounds heavenly and the book picks sound great. Also wanted to let you know I've nominated you for a Thinking Blogger Award - thanks for helping me think about what I'm reading in a new way.

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  8. Anonymous8:58 AM

    Hope your trip is fabulous. You guys deserve it and I am so jealous! Maybe for our 30th anniversary. I keep meaning to get back to that part of the country. Enjoy, enjoy!

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  9. Ooooh, your vacation sounds like a dream! Enjoy yourselves Les and I can't wait to hear more about it when you return!

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  10. Have a wonderful time!!!

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  11. Anonymous12:04 PM

    I hope you have a wonderful vacation - sounds like it'll be perfect!

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  12. Oooh, that's a lovely boat and your plans sound totally fabulous. Can't wait to see pics and hear all about the trip and the books. Have a great time!

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  13. This sounds like a wonderful trip. Have a great time!

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  14. Wow! Have fun! Sounds like it will be great!

    I'm reading Bill Bryson right now too!

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  15. Welcome to the Northwest! I hope you have a wonderful time, and I look forward to your posts! While you're visiting Eliott Bay Bookstore, don't miss the Seattle Mystery Bookshop which is quite close by (117 Cherry), or the Magic Mouse toy store (1st Ave and Yesler).

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  16. Andi - So far, so good! Can't say the same for the books. Other than the flights, I haven't read a single page! Too much to look out and enjoy.

    SuziQ - I've only been on Orcas Island once and only very briefly, so I'm looking forward to more time there. Been to Victoria a few times. It'll be fun to see it again and discover some new places, as well.

    Bellezza - It is wonderful! Not getting much (if any) reading in, but I can do that anywhere, anytime.

    Thanks for the Rockin' Girls Blogger Award. You're a sweetheart! :)

    Bybee - Have a great trip to Missouri!

    Nat - I was thinking about you the other night as we were discussing the itinerary and Victoria. I hope to get some pretty pictures, although I doubt I can compete with yours!

    Olie1976 - Thanks! I am!

    Grace - Thank you. And thank you for the Thinking Blogger Award. I'm glad you've enjoyed my blog. I'll have to hop on over and explore yours!

    Kay - Oh, you should! It so, so gorgeous up here. Trees, mountains, water. Who wouldn't love it?

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  17. I love the San Juan Islands. This sounds like a great trip. And the books look great as well. I'll try to wait for your reviews before adding some to my TBR list.

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  18. Framed - You'll probably have to wait a bit for my book reviews. I haven't read very much on this trip at all!

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  19. Lotus - I'm trying to keep up with daily posts, but internet access isn't always reliable. I'm sure I'll have lots more to say when we return.

    Heather - Thanks. We are!

    Iliana - So far, so good (although it is foggy & rainy today, so we're in port).

    Bookfool - Don't hold your breath for the book reviews. Lots of time to read, but I'd rather look at the window. I can always read at home.

    Karen - It's been a great trip, so far. Lots of beautiful scenery, wildlife and flowers to photograph. It would have been fun to keep track of all the pictures I've already deleted off my camera and add that number to my saved pics, just to see how many I've shot. I'm sure I'm getting close to a thousand!

    Stephanie - Bryson'll have to wait until our flight home. I'm having too much fun watching the eagles to spend time with my nose in the book.

    Robin - I've been to the Eliot Bay Bookstore, but thanks for the recommendation. We didn't have any extra time in Seattle, but we're on the lookout for more bookstores while island hopping.

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