Everyday is a Vacation by the Sea

Late in the afternoon on Sunday as I was cleaning up the messes from the day and contemplating exactly how un-fun (yes it is now a word) being an adult is on beautiful summer days, my husband suggested a drive to the coast.  Westport more specifically.  It was about six o'clock in the evening and the sun was hours from setting so we packed up the dog and headed out of town.  On the drive to what I have always referred to as my 'happy place', I took a minute to realize how lucky we are to live where we live.  It takes about a 1/2 hour to drive from the middle of Cosmopolis into Westport and once you are there you are literally on the beach! 

Having left the house quickly, I was slightly unprepared for the unpredictable weather that can sometimes accompany a trip to our beaches.  I usually have an emergency towel or two, a few bottles of water, (for when our dog Barley eats too much sand) an extra pair of shoes and a sweatshirt or two.  However on this day we left the house with one towel that Barley had been using for a blanket in the back of my SUV, flip flops on our feet and no sweatshirts to be seen.  Risky? Yes. Did it pay off? Absolutely.  A good day in Westport is a coastal wind that must be endured with a hooded jacket and a pair of jeans, but Sunday evening was windless and sunny, a perfect evening to play on the sand with Barley.  We didn't need the extra towel, we didn't even need a jacket! 

For now, my family does not need to plan an extended vacation to enjoy the beach, but having lived in the middle of the Mojave Desert for a little over a year I can appreciate how long of a drive it is for most people to reach the ocean and boy do I feel for them.  However with the advent of great vacation spots it is easier to dream of the sea even when you live miles and miles from it.  In Westport the place that gets my whole hearted thumbs up is Vacations by the Sea.  Condos with a view, and accommodations that allow you to enjoy the beach no matter what the weather.  A day at the beach can require several changes of clothes and a few different pairs of footwear, which is made all the easier when you rent a condo near the ocean.  You can enjoy the salty air, (and sand between your toes) knowing that you have a comfy place just minutes away to return to and relax in.  Vacations by the Sea also has many pet-friendly condos and loves to accept pictures of your puppy on the beach at forthedogs@vacationsbythesea.  This is a huge plus for people like my husband and me who take our large dog with us wherever we go. 

Vacations by the Sea has a great connection to the social networks, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.  They have a very informative website vacationbythesea.com and take reservations both online and by phone at (360) 268-1119. 

(The Kids and) I Do LUNCH

I feel like some magical cosmic convergence happened yesterday. I left my house exactly on schedule with both kids in tow (probably a miracle) just in time to stew in a line of cars waiting to drive over freshly pressed oil. Some time during those extra 30 minutes of waiting to eat, my brain had fainted dramatically and refused to make any productive decisions because it-was-probably-going-to-die. Like. Any second. I started believing it was right until I was beckoned by a friendly navy blue logo shouting "LUNCH customers only. Park here." Thank you, sign.

You know how they say "Never go grocery shopping hungry"? They should said "Never pass up LUNCH when you are hungry". Erin (Owner. Sandwich Chef. Server. Cacti enthusiast.) knows how to feed people. I rushed through the inviting dining room and stood in wonderment before the giant menu board filled with food descriptions. I'm not really sure I actually read anything. I just trusted my eyes to directly connect to my gut and followed it's orders. There is no wrong answer on that board. With power words like BACON in multiple menu items, I did not feel worried. I felt like I should high-five that massive menu. I didn't because I've never met Erin before and didn't want to give her the wrong impression.

My belly chose the Turkey and Swiss with Cucumbers and Sprouts, and a cup of Aunt Bev's Wild Mushroom soup. I'm glad it was in control, because if I had been in a more stable state I would have stood in front of that menu for far to long. Everything sounded great. I do wish I could've stopped to think about taking a photo of the tower of a sandwich and well coiffed soup placed before me. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to document it until I finished a good bit of my sandwich. That, and my 2 year old heartily volunteered to slurp up my soup, whether I gave him my spoon or not. This is not a normal cold-cut sandwich. There is real, quality flaked turkey on wheat with at least half of a cucumber embraced by a generous cloud of fresh and lightly peppery sprouts. And mayo? Not normal mayo. I am pretty sure there was something special in there. Mustard? Sunbeams? It was delightful, summery and satisfying. The mushroom soup was not what I expected, but exactly what I needed. The broth is very light and refreshing, but still creamy and filling. It was well seasoned and hearty chunks of different mushroom shapes were tender, meaty, and earthy. Just how a mushroom should taste.
 

I learned a few things while I devoured each crumb of my meal. I learned that Erin has traveled, studied, worked and eaten her way through some impressive places and then found her way back to Aberdeen to build a restaurant around a sense of community and thoughtful, seasonal dishes. I learned that each recipe on the menu can be traced to a beloved family member. And I learned that Erin is ridiculously patient with prying and redundant questions posed by my four-year old. Thank you for talking about cacti for 15 minutes while I shoved a sandwich in my face. You are a life saver.

If you are looking for a quiet place away from the office, I recommend stopping into LUNCH to savor your sandwich, salad, or soup in peace. The dining room is spacious but Sam Benn Park is right outside the window and would be a great place for a picnic. If you are simply too busy to slip out for a break, LUNCH is open at 7:30am. Grab your coffee from their full espresso bar, munch on a pastry, oatmeal or other breakfast goodie and ask them nicely to pack your lunch for later. Nothing says "Productive Morning" like knowing what you'll be eating before noon! OR, are you currently reading this from work? (We won't tell) Feel free to salivate over their online menu with your coworkers and have Lunch deliver to you. There is a $45 minimum order, but once these menus start circulating, you'll find someone to split the bill. If your commute does not bring you through Aberdeen, fear not! LUNCH now offers a selection of pre-crafted gourmet sandwiches at the Tully's in downtown Hoquiam, Tinderbox Coffee Roasters in Westport, and Central Station Espresso in Central Park. Wherever you find LUNCH, be sure to share it with friends and enjoy the rest of your afternoon with a full belly

Wonderful food awaits at LUNCH Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4pm. Call

(360) 537-6095 to reserve a large table or just stop by 1006 North H Street in Aberdeen. Your tummy will be glad you did.

Old is New in Fashion

Pure Clothing is fashion,
it is a place where everything old is new again!

photo courtesy of Julie Rajcich Designs

It is Saturday morning and you find yourself with some free time to shop.  The first place you should head is Pure Clothing in Hoquiam. Are you in desperate need of a few new-to-you pairs of jeans?  Have you always wanted a pair of Silver Jeans, but the paycheck could not afford them?  

The selection is not only trendy, but easy on the pocket book.  

Does it get any better than a pair of vintage Levis?

So maybe today you are not looking for a really great pair of jeans or that fantastic rock tee that would complete your collection.  Maybe today you need that perfect belt that goes with everything, or a great pair of earrings that match that shirt you bought but can never find anything to wear with.  Whatever your needs, Pure Clothing has it and at a great price.  Jokay Daniel prides herself with the pure (see the pun) and simple fact that all clothing has a history and it doesn't end with just one person.  She only accepts the truly great fashion of our past and brings it to the customer with the ease of walking through her door.

photo courtesy of Julie Rajcich Designs

Walking into Pure Clothing on July's First Thursday in Hoquiam, I definitely got the sense of welcome and warmth from the friendly atmosphere and the beautiful old hard wood floors.  My husband and I had decided to go in to replenish his T-shirt collection but once inside I found myself heading for the belts and purses, a small addiction that I continually work on.  I walked out with three new belts and hardly any cash gone from my pocket!  Jokay mentions that she mostly deals in jeans and Tees but the real bargains come in small accessory sizes.

Make sure that you stop in to visit Pure Clothing this Thursday August 2nd for August's First Thursday at 317 7th St, Hoquiam, WA 98550

You can find Pure Clothing on Facebook and the Pure Clothing blog or contact at (360) 581-8450

Music Monday: The Edgar Winter Group- Free Ride

Music Monday: Passion Pit - Take A Walk

The Salty Dog: One Stop Pup Shop

Pacific Beach and Seabrook is the place to be for one stop shop pet supplies at The Salty Dog, our Brighter Summer Business sponsor.  We are animal lovers here at GoGoGraysHarbor, and our four legged pals are a great subject of talk at our meetings.  We have all imagined their voices, their likes and why they do the crazy annoying adorable things they do.  The Salty Dog in Pacific Beach has mastered the art of listening to our puppies and provide many of the necessities they need and want. 

image copyright of The Salty Dog 2012

If you have not yet had a chance to visit this shop in the town of Seabrook, it is a must-stop on your next trip to the beach.  A great majority of their products are produced right here in the pacific northwest, and, more importantly, every product is quality tested by some of the cutest pups around, Max, Henry and Gus.  They carry the brands your dogs know and love plus the Salty Dog exclusive squeaky razor clam, not to be missed for sure!

Packing up for a day on the sand with your dog? Collapsible bowls, water toys, and great up-cycled leashes and collars are all stocked and ready to go.  With the shops proximity to the beach, the self serve dog wash is super handy and is always stocked with shampoos and bath products to clean up after a day in the sand. 

The Salty Dog stocks the toys our pets adore and have even provided for us two legged creatures. Shop their apparel and match your pooch with a Salty Dog sweatshirt and bandanna for Fido.

Yappy Hour is another great reason to take your dog to Seabrook for a bit of barking socialization with the local crowd.  The Salty Dogs (almost) monthly event provides shoppers time to browse around and sip a delicious cocktail while man's best friend makes four legged friends of his/her own.  Look for the next event on Saturday September 3rd.

Visit The Salty Dog at 220 Front St. Pacific Beach, Washington
Contact The Salty Dog at 581-9300

Saturday Shopper: Sipping Serendipity Wine Shoppe in Ocean Shores

Sipping Serendipity Wine Shoppe     

Owned by Debra Haggard, Established 2011           

849 Pt. Brown Ave.

Ocean Shores 

360-289-WINE (9463)

http://www.sippingserendipity.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SippingSerendipity

Friday & Saturday: noon-8pm

Tuesday-Thursday: noon-6pm

Closed Sunday & Monday    

All About the Business: Our focus is on wines of the Pacific Northwest from small producers and boutique wineries. We also carry some of the best of other domestic wines as well as international labels. We pour wine by the glass and by the flight. Coming soon: appetizers and desserts to enjoy with your wine. We have a wonderful selection of wine related gift items, jewelry, and greeting cards as well as gift certificates.

What Makes The Business Unique: You can come in and try any of the several bottles that we have open each day and then purchase your favorite bottles to take with you. If you decide to try a flight which is three pours of wine, then you get to keep your souvenir wine glass which is perfect for your stay at the beach as well as to take home with you after your visit.                   

Advice for First Time Customers: Don't be afraid to try new wines! As a Certified Sommelier I am happy to help you with your wine selection be it just for sipping or for pairing with your dinner. We do carry gift certificates which of course are always the perfect gift!

Friday Five: This Weekend

If you're one of those people who complain about how "there's nothing to do here," you must be living in a cave out in the wilds of Satsop. So for those of us who are looking to fill the schedule up this weekend, it will be easy. Here's what's happening!

1. Harley Weekend at Ocean Shores

You've probably heard the roars already, but don't be intimidated by these leather-clad visitors - they just came for the clam chowder, probably.

2. Aberdeen Art Walk

Not just for art lovers anymore, the Aberdeen Art Walk hosts a variety of artists as well as the Midnight Cruzers, a 5K Run and a Frisbee Golf Competition.

3. Cinderella at 7th Street Theater

The 7th Street Kids will be performing Cinderella three times this weekend... it will probably be the cutest love story you've ever seen.

4. The Elk River Challenge

For those of you who have paddles and know how to use them, test your skills in this kayak and canoe race!

5. Paint the Corridor Kick Off

Do some good in the community and volunteer to paint some houses that need a little help.

Cleaning Up Our Act

When my husband and I took over as innkeepers at the Pacific Beach Inn, one of our biggest goals was to build up a business we could be proud to offer. It wasn't long before we realized how wasteful the hotel industry can really feel. Between single-use toiletries and plastic-wrapped cups, those tiny trash cans fill up pretty fast. We want the Pacific Beach Inn to feel different. We are making small choices to make big differences in the future of our environment. We know people don't just come out here to visit us. Mocrocks beach is beautiful and the forests and waterways leading up to the coast are world renown. It just makes good business sense to be stewards here.

Linus loves clean rooms.

The changes start in the rooms. Disposable dishware is convenient but it was one of the largest sources of our room waste. With each room hosting 3 to 6 people for 3 meals a day, plastic place settings add up fast. Real dishes do need to get washed, but offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy their morning overlooking the ocean, drinking coffee from a ceramic mug is completely worth it.

Some things just can not be reused. Like soap. We have upgraded our soap to a certified organic product in a recycled paper packaging. Many of our repeat customers have already noticed the difference. We all spent a lot of time washing our hands leading up to our final choice, but it's nice to provide a soap I enjoy using myself!

Most of the biggest changes we have made here happen after check-out time. We now clean practically everything with microfiber cloths. That means no more need for paper towels for windows and microfiber holds up well in the wash.

Nola loves a clean beach.

 My most favorite change is definitely the change in our cleaning supplies. After test driving many spray bottles, we have made the switch to all botanically based, biodegradable cleaning supplies. Our new disinfectant is formulated with thyme oil and leaves the rooms smelling clean and fresh. I'm a stickler for cleaning our rooms, and was heart broken when a few of our guests complained about a lingering bleach smell. Never again! We are now able to ensure our rooms are spotless without leaving behind nasty chemicals for our guests and their pets.

Hank loves a clean beach, too!

We have been thrilled with the opportunity to put our own mark on beach living and are already hearing a lot of really great feedback about the changes we have made. We're not done yet, and cannot wait to roll up our sleeves for the next list of "To Do's" for later this year. If you're near the ocean, stop in for a tour! We love sharing our changes with anyone who will listen and giving dog treats for our furry guests!

Pacific Beach Inn
360-276-4433
located in Pacific Beach, Washington at
12 First Street South, just steps off Main Street and minutes to Mocrocks beach and Pacific Beach State Park.

A Voice to Build a Business on

Talented, check. Charming, check. A wonderful and patient teacher, double check.

 

Kelsey Bergey, owner of Bergey Voice Studio, LLC (BVS), is a native harborite with a lot to sing about.  While her own musical career is impressive in itself, it is her studio that drives Kelsey's desire to succeed in business here on the harbor.

Do you or your friends and family have dreams of belting out a beautiful song? BVS has a unique approach to voice lessons that begins with a free consultation and individualized vocal instruction.  Sessions can be scheduled for 30, 45, or 60 minutes on a once-a-week basis. 

To really go for the gusto and accelerate your learning try the six week Seasonal Lesson session for a flat rate!

Bergey Voice Studio, LLC is an innovative educational and performance music studio specializing in training the human singing voice and is continually evolving in these changing times as the world becomes an even more wonderful and challenging place. It is a journey that is shared with the students as BVS strives to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

All ages and all levels accepted. Lets get Grays Harbor singing... sign up today!

To see some of Kelsey's students perform be sure to head to the Discover Lake Sylvia Fall Festival on Sept. 15 at Lake Sylvia in Montesano.

Contact Bergey Voice Studio at bergeyvoice@gmail.com and 360.589.8524
Location: Aberdeen, WA

Owner, Kelsey Bergey, contralto

Music Monday: Wilson Pickett- Land of 1000 Dances

The Magic Mason Jar

Our Sponsor Gray's General Store carries many useful home supplies, including the popular mason jar, Cuppow lids and cookbooks - here you'll find out just how useful these things can be!

When I first decided to open Gray's General Store, I knew one thing for sure... we would have mason jars. The almighty mason jar, with it's seemingly infinitely possible uses, is essential to my life in so many ways and I wanted to spread the word that the mason jar will make your life better!

Here are just a few reason why the mason jar (which I sometimes refer to as magic jars) is amazing:

1. The Mason Jar Turned Drinking Jar

With the invention of the Cuppow lid in 2011, the mason jar exploded onto the trendy scene! I had been drinking out of jars for years. Hot Chocolate. Lemonade. Margaritas. Coffee. Milk. You name it! The truth is, all delicious drinks taste even better out of a jar. Glass jars do not retain smells and stains so your drink is untainted. They are easy to clean, especially the wide mouth version, and they are practically unbreakable! Add the Cuppow lid ($10) to your jar ($1.50) and you have a fantastic travel mug that won't start smelling like mold after a few weeks of use! You know what I'm talking about...

2. The Outdoor Survival Jar

Heading out camping this weekend with a cooler full of cold goodies? Fill a few jars with water, freeze them then throw on the air tight lids for a easy ice pack for the road! They'll keep your snacks nice and cool all the way to the camp ground. When the ice melts, you can use the glasses for drinking out of and then when the temperatures start to dip down after dark, as they so often do around here, fill the glass with hot water, seal it tight with a canning lid and put it in your sleeping bag. It'll warm you right up! Just make sure you don't burn yourself when the glass heats up - a jar cozy is always a good idea.

3. The Essential Kitchen Jar

Not only are jars great for drinking out of, but you can store individual portioned leftovers in them and then pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat (without the lid, please). You can even bake cakes and pies in jars! Is your mind blown yet? Last summer I went to an outdoor music festival for the weekend and brought jar pies for my group. We were the hit of the lawn. Everyone wanted a pie! But seriously, how can you resist? And they travel so well.

Impress your friends with this jar pie recipe:

What you'll need:

• 4 Pint Size Wide-Mouth Canning Jars
• 1 package of pre-made pie crust
• Pie filling of your choice (we used 3 cans of blackberries and used the recipe on the can)

Directions:

• Use the jars to cut out 4 circles of dough. 
• Push the dough inside of the jars to the bottom. 
• Cut pieces of dough to wrap around the insides of the jar. No need to be too precise, just make sure the dough gets mushed together to create a cohesive pie crust. 
• Use your filling and fill the jars 3/4 of the way to the top of the crust. 
• If you want, you can use another circle cut of dough to seal the top, just make sure you cut slits in the dough so they don't explode!
• You can put on their lids and seal them at this point OR bake them right away. 
• Place the jars on a cookie sheet WITHOUT the lids on them. 
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. 
• Keep an eye on them to make sure nothing boils over or gets burned. 
• Let them cool before covering with a lid. 
• You can also freeze them before you bake them, for future spontaneous desserts!

Stop by Gray's General Store to grab a mason jar and Cuppow lid and tell us how you use your mason jar!

Crab Cakes, Hawaiian Donuts and Mac & Jack Mussels - Oh My!

Get some fresh seafood this weekend whether you're on the harbor or in the big city, from our sponsor Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill!

Any harborites in Seattle this weekend should head to Seattle Center, and specifically the south side of the International Fountain.  Squeezed in between Famous Dave's BBQ and Mrs. B's Desserts, you'll find our team from Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill, serving up the finest Westport Dungeness Crab Cakes that money can buy.  We're also dishing up our popular Mac & Jack Mussels, Malasadas (Portuguese Hawaiian Donuts), and Lumpia.  

The Comcast Bite of Seattle is the Northwest's premier food festival, with over 50 restaurants and 30 other food vendors participating.  Over 400,000 people attended last year's event, and we're hoping for an even bigger crowd this year. Our staff spent the week prepping hundreds of pounds of local Dungeness Crab, making huge batches of sauces and dough. 

The logistics of preparing and transporting so much food is not without its challenge, it is akin to building and setting up a 10' by 20' outdoor "mini-restaurant."  Despite the hard work, we love to attend these events because we get to promote Westport, share our Aloha Spirit and put our dishes to the test among all the other fantastic restaurants in that participate.  Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill has won several honors for their seafood over the past 2 years, including Best Entree awards at the Bite of Seattle in 2009 and 2010, as well as the Taste of Tacome in 2009, 2010, and 2012.  

If you're not headed to the big City, then come and see us at the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill in the Historic Islander on the Westport Marina to experience waterfront dining with a touch of Aloha!  Fresh crab and award winning Dungeness Crab Cakes are always on the menu.  We are open from 11am - 9pm daily, and serve breakfast on the weekends.  Call for reservations at 360-268-9166.

New Canoe & Kayak Club!

Grays Harbor is full of some amazing waterways, yet they often seem to be overlooked. Much of our waterfront is not accessible by land due to railroad tracks, private land, and inaccessibility (ie. mud).

Now, what if I told you there was a secret society of local people who dress themselves up in puffy vests and ride around in plastic vessels, becoming "one with the water"? 

The Grays Harbor Canoe & Kayak Club is a newly formed group of casual paddlers, both young and old, who like to meet up once a month and go drifting down the river together (and strangely enough the tides always seem to flow toward the 8th Street Ale House). They are currently accepting new members, assuming you can pass their initiation rites (Have you heard of dizzy bat baseball? They play dizzy paddle kayak).

The club members will be meeting up to hoot & holler for their fellow paddling friends at the Hoquiam River Festival Races. Come out and grab a hot dog and join in the fanfare, they just ask that you contribute a side dish or drink to share with the group. You can find them at the BBQ area near the boat launch on the Hoquiam River (behind Swansons) between 1:30pm and 3:30pm on Saturday.

Their August group paddle is scheduled for Monday, August 6th at 5:30pm. Meet at the 8th Street Landing, then they will caravan up the river from there. All ages and skill levels welcome! 

One Step At A Time: One Harborite's Inspirational Crusade Across America

Have you ever just wanted to do something great; something that inspires others, promotes a good cause and fills you with a sense of personal achievement? One harborite is making his “something great” a reality. Nicholas Valentine is on a 3000 mile one-man journey across America from West to East coast. Did I mention he is doing it on foot?

That’s right, Nick’s Walk is a walk across America aimed at raising awareness for diabetes, healthy lifestyles and personal inspiration.  On June 19, Nicholas Valentine stepped out of the waters of the Pacific Ocean and embarked on an expedition to realize his dream of impacting the world one step at a time. His journey is chronicled on his website, nickswalk.com where he regularly updates his progress. The site also features information on his motivation, his goals for the walk and how to donate (the walk is funded entirely by the generosity of those who wish to see him succeed).  When he took a few days to rest and calculate the next leg of his route, Nicholas spoke with Go Go Grays Harbor about the experience thus far, his goals and what lies ahead.

Everybody, meet Nick.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

First off, how's the journey so far? Where are you currently at?

Nick: The journey so far has been amazing yet extremely challenging. Currently I have made it as far as Hood River Oregon where I am taking a week to do more planning and mapping. It was important to stop at this point because these first few weeks have been a steep learning curve and I need to make the proper adjustments.

What inspired you to take on this expedition across America in the name of diabetes awareness?

Nick: There are a couple aspects to that answer. For quite awhile I had dreamed of going on a great adventure and getting myself into better shape. When I decided to finally make this walk happen, I (and my friend Jared, who helped me plan this journey) knew it would be a wasted opportunity to not use it to help or inspire others. I decided that this walk would be a great inspirational tool to motivate those at risk of becoming diabetic by inspiring them to become physically active. My family has had a history of diabetes and I did not want to be a part of that.

What do you hope people take away from your efforts?

Nick: Inspiration. I would love for people to say to themselves, "Hey if that guy can walk across America I can make some small changes in my own life to live healthier."

Is it what you expected so far?

Nick: The physical challenge has been very hard and about what I expected, but what I never expected was the generosity and beautiful nature of both friends and total strangers. I often find myself getting quite emotional when people stop on the side of the road to tell me I have inspired them, or when people leave comments on my site and Facebook telling me they believe in the project.

Posing with a summer road crew member.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Have you seen anything crazy/funny/unusual as you walk?

Nick: It's very strange walking out on the open road. I think one thing that stands out in my mind is all of the garbage littering the side of the road. It's very sad because… you see how people have really trashed the environment. I have seen many things in just a few weeks from people’s tires blowing out, to 4 person bicycles and more. Combine that with a ton of awesome scenery and it’s very exciting because I'm just getting started and I will see so much more.

Do you miss Grays Harbor? Anything you miss most?

Nick: Well before I left it wouldn't stop raining, so I was ready for a break from the Harbor but yes. I miss my family and friends and everyone up at Grays Harbor College. I also miss "All Wrapped Up" coffee and Gepetto’s pizza in Montesano.

How long is the journey going to take?

Nick finds more friends along the way.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Nick: It's hard to say. I think it could be five months if I average enough miles per day but it could take longer.

Wow! Five months of walking. How many pairs of shoes do you think you’ll go through?

Nick: I'm starting my second pair after this break is over so I think maybe 7 pairs.

This is going to be a huge accomplishment for you. What are your plans for afterwards? Any thought on that yet?

Nick: Yes, I plan on finishing a book about my journey and I would love to speak to different groups about the walk, health, inspiration and making projects and things that can change lives.

How can people get involved and show their support for Nick's Walk?

Nick: The entire project is funded and supported by donations through my Fundly site at www.fundly.com/nickswalk.  This is the most direct way people can keep the walk safe and an effective campaign of inspiration. Also on my site www.nickswalk.com there is a list of other ways people can help. I encourage everyone to visit my site and click the Facebook button so they can follow along with all of the most recent posts and video blogs. I should also mention that everyone who donates will get a free copy of my ebook that I am writing about my travels.

Any closing thoughts for our readers?

Nick: I just want to say thanks to everyone involved so far and thank you for the interview!

Be sure to follow Nick's progress and donate to the cause if you find yourself inspired by this amazing feat (feet? haha). Go Go Grays Harbor wishes all the best for Nick on his journey: Keep Calm, Stay Strong and Walk On!

The open road...
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Music Monday: Ramones- I Wanna Be Sedated

Say Hello to our Brighter Summer Businesses

We are so excited for what is to come this summer. We are working on creating what we think will be the BEST booth at the summer festivals this year! Trust me, you'll want to come out and find us... so here's where we'll be:

Aberdeen Art Walk on July 28th

Hoquiam First Thursday (next to Gray's General Store) on August 2nd

The Kelpers Day Parade in Pacific Beach
-Want to be in the parade with us? We'd like to take our Bicycle Revolution to Pacific Beach! Email us for details. gogograysharbor@gmail.com

Logger's Playday

The Pacific Beach Sand Sculpture Competition
-We have a big announcement about this one too. Check back soon!


So, we want to introduce you to our lovely summer sponsors. You'll be hearing more from them as we have some fun this summer. We encourage you to go pay a visit to their fantastic establishments and tell them thanks for sponsoring this project of ours!

Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill

It's Saturday morning and you had a little too much fun at the bar last night - why not go grab a Bloody Mary from Half Moon Bay and enjoy the view of the Westport Marina? They also have great food, friendly service and live entertainment!

Vacations By The Sea

After a day of yummy seafood and fresh ocean air, you'll probably want to stay at the beach forever! Well, at the very least you can make a weekend of it and rent a condo right on the beach. The good people at Vacations By The Sea will help you plan the trip of your dreams!

Gray's General Store

If you're having trouble trying to find that perfect beach tote bag, why not make it yourself?! Gray's General Store in downtown Hoquiam has all of the supplies you need, and the knowledgeable staff, to get your summer crafty projects going. They also carry a wide selection of cute and quirky gifts for everyone on your list - many of which are locally made. And grab a cup of hot coffee or tea and stay a while on those foggy days while you wait for the sun to break through.

Lunch

If you want the freshest food in town, head over to Lunch in Aberdeen. Their selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups are drool worthy (I know I'm addicted - I eat there at least once a week!) and they also serve up espresso drinks and a yummy lemonade. Order at the counter and have a seat in their warm and inviting dining area. You can also find their sandwiches available at a variety of coffee shops across Grays Harbor! And make sure you like their page on Facebook to see what specials Chef Erin is cooking up this week!

Bergey Voice Studio

I'm sure you've been getting a lot of time singing in the car while you're on your summer road trip and maybe you've wondered "if I had a little training, I could probably be famous." Well, we think you're right so why not grab a lesson or two from Kelsey at Bergey Voice Studio located in downtown Aberdeen? Pick your favorite song and Kelsey will help you perfect it so you can start playing all of those open mic nights you've been dreaming about.

Pacific Beach Inn

Looking to get out of town, but want to keep it low key and somewhat local? We suggest you head up to Pacific Beach Inn. This is as close to the beach as it gets with ocean views and close proximity to a beach that isn't overloaded with vehicles. You are walking distance to all that Pacific Beach has to offer and the Inn Keepers Jen and John are very friendly and take pride in their recently renovated and clean rooms. Our blog team is even looking forward to a "corporate retreat" out there this summer!

Pure Clothing

We Grays Harborites love our jeans and t-shirts and we love getting them at Pure Clothing in Downtown Hoquiam! This little shop is filled to the rafters with unique, high quality used clothing. It's the perfect place to find a new outfit for relaxing this summer and for you music fans, you could probably spend hours in here looking for your favorite band t-shirt!

Queen B Quilts

If you find you've collected a few too many t-shirts over time, why not turn them into a quilt?! Queen B Quilts is a Hoquiam business that will turn your t-shirt collection into a cozy quilt. They make great graduation or Christmas gifts (might as well get a jump start on the holidays, right?) and they will work with you to create a memorable quilt that you can take to all of your beach bonfires and summer picnics this year.

The Salty Dog

For all the love your dogs give you, don't you think they deserve a little spoiling every once in a while? If you're looking for the cutest treats and toys for your pup, head up to The Salty Dog in Seabrook. Their shop is full of great gifts for dogs and those who love them. And many of them are perfect for beach lovers too! I saw the cutest knit sweater with a crab on it last time I stopped in and a crab toy made of rope to go with it!

So there you have it folks! Go say hello and thanks these Brighter Summer Businesses for their support! And visit us at all our summer festivals this year!