it’s been going on for a while…. our love affair with the
pacific northwest. every summer we seem
to be drawn there and continue to be completely smitten with the wildness of
it, the rugged beauty, the dog-friendliness, the green, cool, misty climate and the myriad of intriguing
places to explore.
there’s been talk of making it more permanent…. especially
after the dry, scorching summer we have had.
but we are southern californians.
we’ve lived here 40+ years and are not used to “weather” of any kind, be
it rain, damp, cold or snow. and we have
friends. acquaintances. connections. involvements. how could we ever leave all that?
well, we are not sure that we can. but life is short and we want to be open to
new options. not stay stuck in our
comfort zone. be willing to try something new. so we are heading up one
more time. straight to the olympic peninsula, the rain shadow in particular
(only 16 or so inches of annual rain).
this time, not a
vacation so much as a fact-finding mission.
we are purposely choosing october and november to sample the cool, rainy
weather. we will be looking at real
estate. dreaming a little and hoping to
meet the locals. finding out what they
love and don’t love about the area. exploring
the art community. the services and
hiking trails.
could be that it won’t work out and we will come back happy
to be where we are. or…. who knows? keeping an open mind. will keep you posted.
Will be very curious to see what you think about the Pacific Northwest this time of year! We spent the summer there and fell in love as well, though we don't like cool, rainy weather so high-tailed it outta there come mid-September. Worried also about the short days/early darkness in the winter months of the year. Seems like the combo of clouds and short days could lead to some SAD in those prone to it (i.e., my spouse). So, it's probably destined to be a summer destination for us. But still, so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Look forward to hearing about your findings. We are kicking around the idea of relocating from Texas to Oregon.
ReplyDeleteI'll be curious! It is certainly gorgeous. And I did not mind the rain. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Pacific Northwest is beautiful, no doubt about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the rain, though. I spent 40 years in a very rainy country myself, and I'm not sure I would be up for it again. On the other hand, I do like change (and not to worry about water would be a lovely change). Yes, leaving something where you have lived for a very long time and where you have good friends is difficult and hard - I know how that feels like since I moved to a different continent. But honestly, I would do it again. As you said, life is short - and there is so much more to it.
Good luck Patty!! Change can be a good thing and you can always come back!! I'm thinking about Montana in a few years, so I am rivited to hear your thinking about moving somewhere quite different!!
ReplyDeletePatty, Just gorgeous! Thinking of you and so happy you are still taking beautiful photographs! Hope all is well. Michelle
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Just the exhilaration of it all is thrilling. Have fun - no matter what you find out it will be a wonderful adventure. hugs, Donna
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