Say Aloha with Island Fare at Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill

Show of hands: Who got in enough beach time this summer? I know I didn't!

But as the weather slips into fall, then winter, the ideal beach time has definitely passed us by until next spring. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't still visit our friends out at the beach - just pack a sweatshirt instead of a beach towel. After you comb the beach this winter after a blustery storm or find yourself taking a cool fall Sunday drive to the coast, plan to lunch at Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill in Westport. Aside from providing a warm, cozy shelter from the Harbor weather (and an award winning Bloody Mary), Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill promises to transport you to another beach altogether with their special Hawaiian menu items.

Hawaiian Style Kalua Pork

The island-inspired options are available on the lunch and dinner menus and are sure to get you in the sunny island spirit. Have you ever indulged in Pork Lumpia or Kalua Pork? I recently enjoyed both during a family lunch at the restaurant. But there's plenty more beyond that to "taste" the islands. Just look at the screen shot of the menu- is your mouth watering?

A Snapshot of the Menu at HMB

Don't forget to sign up for Ohana Rewards, too! This is a loyalty points program put on by the restaurant - the more you patronize the establishment, the more points you rack up towards Rewards certificates that you can use at the establishment.

Friday Five: Logging Lingo

With Logger's Playday weekend upon us its time to break out the flannel, the suspenders and the Stihl hat and proudly show your logger pride (you know all of that is somewhere in the depths of your closet.). But don't let your logging expertise end at surface level- image isn't everything. To show that you're a true logging aficionado (as every Harborite should be!) be sure to sprinkle logger lingo into your daily conversation this weekend.

Wait... you have no idea what a contour felling is or a grapple skidder? Never been a rigging slinger or a snap guy? Never even picked up a chainsaw? Eh, no worries! We've got you covered with these five words, cleverly redefined for this very weekend, that will make you sound like a logging expert. Just toss these around while you enjoy the annual weekend festivities and you'll fit right in. We hope.

1) Logarithm: (noun) The natural meter and cadence of the act of logging.
Example: Look at old lumber Jack workin' that saw over there, he's got natural logarithm!

2) Logicize: (adjective) A new style of exercise offered at the gym, where movements mimic the strenuous work of logging. Classes end in the signature "TIMBER!" move, where participants fall straight to the mat like a tree.  
Example: Have you tried the 5 o'clock Logicize class? The sawing motion really works the core muscles!

3) Logistician: (noun) A professional doctor of trees, charged with diagnosing and correcting arbor ailments.  
Example: My ol' cedar tree was looking a little green, so I called the logistician in for an annual check up.

4) Logogram: (noun) The new, trendy cracker treat for kids. Like a teddy gram, only shaped and flavored like logs. Example: My kids love the new logograms. They're the perfect after school snack, especially with a side of maple syrup for dipping!

5)  Logomaniac: (noun) One obsessed with the art of logging and the logging lifestyle. A true treesman who worships the forest around them. And probably wears a lot of flannel.  
Example: Oh man, have you seen lumber Jack lately? He's really turned into a logomaniac!

So, there you have it. Your own personal log (harhar) of vocabulary to get you through the weekend. Now, if you're still wondering where you can play wordsmith this weekend, the annual Hoquiam Logger's Playday festivities will take place throughout the day on Saturday. Visit the Facebook page for more details, or the City of Hoquiam website.
But here's the jist of what's happening:
6AM - Rotary Club Pancake Feed @ Our Lady of Good Help
8AM- Truck Driving and Binding Throwing competition @ Levee & 8th Street
10AM- 4PM Vendor Fair @ downtown Hoquiam (visit our booth!)
12PM- Hoquiam Elks Parade. Route starts on 9th, continues down K Street
2PM- Lions Club Salmon Bake @ Washington Elementary School
6PM- Logger's Playday Show @ Olympic Stadium. Buttons are $3 for entry
9PM- Hoquiam Elks Dance featuring Ready or Not. 21 & over. Admission

There's a Jeanius Among Us

"Jeans for 1000, Alec."

"This store, known for its trendy take on the classic jeans and t-shirt look, is located in Hoquiam, WA."

"What is...Pure Clothing?"

"You are correct!"

Seriously, if you ever wanted to change your mind about the jeans and t-shirt fashion style that is oh so typical of Grays Harbor, you need to take a visit to Pure Clothing in Hoquiam. Shopowner JoKay has so carefully hand selected the items in her shop that I guarantee you will see jeans-and-tshirt in a whole new, very trendy light.

Hand selected, you say? Yes! If you meet JoKay in person, you will immediately realize that the store is an extension of her. Trendy, funky and fun, yet down to earth and instantly warm. Everything in her store must reflect the relaxed and hip, down to earth style that she embodies and that she has observed around the Grays Harbor area so she scours everything from garage sales to thrift stores from here to California to bring back unique versions of the style. JoKay says, "What are we as a community? We're a jeans and t-shirt community." But she says it with matter of fact pride, and gestures around her store. There's no shame in being a casual community, and her intention is to keep it fresh and unique. 

But what makes it what it is...is the jeans. Oh, the racks upon racks of killer jeans that are available! There are skinny jeans, flare jeans, capris, bellbottoms and men's jeans! 'Jean'ius JoKay's eye for quality denim means that you'll be getting pairs of fantastic jean labels (Silver, Levi's, Maurices and more) at affordable prices. Her expert eye ensures that she omits pairs with "unwanted holes" and keeps pairs that shout fashionista! and make you stand out in a crowd. In a good way. Start at the jeans, find yourself a couple of pairs, then move along to the t-shirts and accessories. You'll have no trouble finding your own style that's 'Purely' Grays Harbor at Pure Clothing.

Why shop out of town for trends that reflect Grays Harbor? Visit Pure Clothing at 317 7th Street in Hoquiam on Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays from 11a-6p.

Or visit pureclothinghoquiam.blogspot.com!

A colorful array of t-shirts are available at Pure Clothing

Learn Something!

French braids! A major
accomplishment for me... at 28.

I have a confession to make that might cost me some girl points. I didn't know how to french braid until two weeks ago. Two weeks ago! I know, ladies, that's slightly blasphemous. Better late than never though, please forgive my tardiness to the braid parade. So, two weeks ago my girlfriend french braided my hair to keep it safe from the wicked beach winds (and to replace my pitiful braid attempts) and it inspired me to finally step up and take the braiding challenge. I went home the next day and after three YouTube videos and an hour in front of the mirror, I finally had two discernible french braids in my hair. Oh yeah, mission accomplished; hand over the braiding patch.

If you're wondering where I'm going with this, let me ask you a question. When's the last time you learned something new? My education in braids was simple but it still left me with that sense of accomplishment that comes from acquiring a new skill or gaining some new knowledge. And its kind of a slippery slope - once you learn something new, you kind of want to keep going. So I've been scoping out the learning opportunities for our area and I came upon this little quarry of opportunity: Community and Special Interest classes at Grays Harbor Community College.

These classes range from Fitness to Business to Family Life and more. Have you ever taken one? Or taught one? Almost anyone can teach one and they run from 1 day to 1 month long. Just browsing the Fall Quarter offerings, multiple classes are piquing my interest. Casino Board Games,anyone? How about So You Want To Start A Business (taught by the local SBA rep- a great resource for anyone looking to start a new venture), or Home Improvement & Remodel. There's also computer and keyboarding classes, business financial classes, yoga and more. These offerings are available to you for under $100 per class, and while the subject matter doesn't rival your university courses, they all offer recreational and lifelong learning opportunities for those of us who are done with our years of formal education.

It kind of makes me want to break out my notebook and trudge to class. Braids and all. :-)

Friday Five: Places to Make a Splash!

Holy heat wave, Harborites! Have you all burnt to a crisp in this week’s hot weather?! Thank goodness this weekend’s temperatures will drop enough for us to want to leave the comfort of AC. What do you have planned to take advantage of the sunny and 70’s? Whether your family has a day free or just an hour, get wet relief at one of these five places:

1) Vance Creek County Park 

Babies love the Elma Ponds!

East county is supposed to be a bit warmer than on the beach this weekend which offers a great opportunity to enjoy the water and surrounding area of Vance Creek.  The Elma ponds are open year round for day use, and the perfect time to enjoy them is when the sun is shining.  Grab your family and head out for a day of swimming, boating, fishing or football.  The two ponds are bordered by small beaches which is ideal for a dip during hot weather, just be cautious as no lifeguard is on duty.  Eat lunch at the picnic tables and start a pick up game of football in the grassy fields.  Take your kayaks or canoes out for a spin around the pond, or stop along the way to fish for your supper.  When the weather cools down and you are done swimming your heart out, take a stroll along the walking paths that loop around the ponds and are shaded by the beautiful trees and grass.  However you beat the heat, make sure Vance Creek is on your list for this weekend and don't forget to bring your sunscreen!

2) Finch Playfield Spray Park

Blogger Alexis' daughter, Gabby,
squeals in delight!

Hands down one of the funnest Aberdeen parks in the summertime, Finch Playfield's spray park is a great destination for families with limited time since its conveniently located just off of Sumner Ave in West Aberdeen. Let the little ones explore with spray cannons, a water spouting dragon and stompable fountains - its the only shower they'll ask for! Bring a book, lay out a towel and catch some rays while they play.

3) Lake Aberdeen

Gabby contemplates Lake Aberdeen.

If you haven't been to the new Lake Aberdeen, you're missing out. Remember our post earlier this year about the new look? It's worth checking out. For a few free hours, pack up the family and a picnic and head out to enjoy casual swimming, rock climbing and probably even duck spotting or newt catching. If you've got a canoe, kayak or small boat, bring it out and float around. Don't let the fish nibble your toes!

4) The Beaches 

Diggin' a hole to China

Didn't we just remind you about these? Seriously, pick a beach and visit! These make a great half-day or whole day trips. Actually, we've written about them twice this summer already (and had a Go Go Grays Harbor retreat at one), so we might be a little beach-crazy right now. Check out these two earlier posts for ideas on where to go and what to do: Summer Weekend At Our Beaches and PNW Beaches and What To Do With One.

5) Wynoochee Dam

Its only serene until the
kids start splashing...

Ok, this one just begs for a full weekend commitment. Camping at Wynoochee Dam- I bet you've done it at least once. But we all know that as summer comes to an end, those first-come-first-serve camping scenarios are such a gamble. Who wants to drive up, fully packed for camping just to find out all the sites are already called for? So make a day trip out of it. The water of Lake Wynoochee seems to always be swim-friendly temperatures, and the swimming/day picnic area is so large that there's room for everybody. Plus, the kids will make lots of new friends when they all conspire to tip over the floating dock (Shhh... don't tell them it's anchored - the effort will wear them out good!). If you're family is the water-craft-enthusiast type, then bring your Sea Doo or Jet Ski too - there's a boat launch for this 4.4 mile lake.

Sweet Summer Drizzles

I've been experimenting with home made ice cream this summer. Delicious! However, since I've really only ventured into vanilla variations, its been a little...basic. So I went on the search for some easy topping recipes to compliment my creamy concoctions. Here are the three delightfully delicious drizzles I tried out that, surprisingly, remind me of the harbor!

These first two come from the super cute blog A Beautiful Mess. I originally Googled "Red Wine Chocolate Sauce" to see if I could put the remainders of a bottle of Westport Winery's Night Watch red wine to good use, and create a modern twist on the classic chocolate. I found this, and its a total winner! This recipe is so easy yet decadent:

Red Wine Chocolate Sauce w/ Night Watch Red Wine from Westport Winery

Ingredients:

1/2 cup red wine (any kind you like or have on hand is fine!), 

1 cup dark chocolate 

1/4 cup light corn syrup.

Simmer the wine over low/medium heat until it reduces some. Mine took 10 minutes or so, but I have a funky stove. Turn the heat down (important! Don't burn your chocolate after adding it!) and add in the chocolate and corn syrup. After melted, take off the heat and continue to stir until its a cream pot of goodness. It will thicken after it cools.

This second recipe takes my absolute favorite sweet & savory combo of sea salt and caramel and makes it a nice soft drizzle. It reminds me of all of our coastal towns (with the sea salt and all).

Sea Salt and Honey Caramel Sauce

Lick-the-spoon delicious!

Ingredients:

 1 cup sugar 

1 tablespoon honey 

2 tablespoons water 

6 tablespoons butter 

1/2 cup cream (whipping cream)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 tablespoon coarse grain sea salt (I used Himalayan Pink Salt - YUM!)

Combine the sugar, honey and water and cook over medium heat. This will be thick - keep stirring it up until it becomes a liquid texture and continue stirring for about 5 minutes.Add the butter, cream and vanilla until melted and smooth. Let it come to a low boil, stir for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. I found that after mine cooled it was a little grainy (but still so yummy!!!), so I might have wanted to keep it on the stove a little longer in the beginning before adding the final ingredients.

The final ice cream drizzle could actually be a drizzle or a mix-in for your ice cream. I chose to mix it in like a ribbon, as the original David Lebovitz's recipe calls for in The Perfect Scoop but I think it would make a nice spoon-on topping too. I used frozen black berries from last season and it turned out excellent. Blackberries are almost in season so pick a few for this recipe!

Blackberry Swirl

1 1/2 Cups blackberries (I used the big Himalayan blackberries)

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (you can also use vodka or whipped cream vodka)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Yum!

Smash all ingredients together until all are mixed in and the blackberries are muddled, at least. 

The original recipe calls for vodka, but I found this variation which substituted the BV instead. I'd be interested to hear how the vodka changes/enhances the flavor, if any of your try it!

So there you go! That's a few fun and easy ice cream enhancements that you can whip up at home.

The Saturday Shopper: Blind Dog Books in Seabrook

Owned by Patty Whitney, Established 11/11/11

21 Laurel Lane

Pacific Beach, WA in Seabrook

206-920-0559 

www.blinddogbookswa.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blind-Dog-Books/246984488699627

           

Hours: M,T,Th,Fr 12-5; Sat, Sun 10-5     

      

All About The Business: Located in the first floor of BlueSpa, we are an independent bookstore that focuses on a unique selection of best sellers, local area interests, mysteries, kids books/activities, kites and gifts.          

What Makes Your Business Unique: Every book is hand-selected by Blind Dog Books staff. Come on in and talk to us to find out more about our books recommendations.  Or schedule your next book club event at the store for your private event.                 

Advice for First Time Customers: Come on in and talk to us!  We love to share our love of reading and our passion for books!

Hey There, Harborite! Kelsey Jobst

Hey There, Harborite!

Name: Kelsey Jobst

Where Do You Live: Central Park

Profession/Day Job: Middle School Music Teacher

Loyal To: Bobcats! I bleed blue & gold

Best Harbor Moment: Conducting the halftime show during the 100th Aberdeen/Hoquiam Game.

Favorite Coffee Stand: LUNCH! (Batdorf & Bronson is my favorite)

Favorite Local Business: B& B Automotive (yay Dad!)

Grunge, Metal or Country: After living in Ellensburg for five years, I have finally been converted to country.

Beach, Forest or River: All of the above! That is why I love the Harbor.

Favorite Outdoor Adventure: Ocean Shores - in the sun or the clouds

Define the Harbor in One Word: Green

If You Could Change One Thing About the Area, What Would it Be: I'd love to see more comunity involvement in the schools.

Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: School concerts! The kids work very hard and the talent on the Harbor will surprise you (and they are free!).

Saturday Shopper: Harbor Shoes in Aberdeen

Harbor Shoes

Owned by Cindy DeBard, Established in 1989

Harbor Shoes, participating in Art Walk 2012

105 W. Heron Street
Aberdeen WA
360-532-6313
www.harborshoes.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harbor-Shoes/114221818656634
Mon-Fri 10a-6p; Sat 10a-4p

All About The Business: Harbor shoes offers quality footwear (for men and women), knowledgeable staff, fun fashion handbags and great costume jewelry!

Fun and trendy Dansko clogs available at Harbor Shoes

What Makes your Business Unique: We truly love what we do! Our customer service is outstanding. The variety of our products is surprising in a town the size of Aberdeen.

A girl could spend hours here....

Advice for First Time Customers: Make sure you have plenty of time. A good fit takes time and then there's so much more to look at!

...and hours and hours here.

Friday Five: Harbor Museums

Get a little closer to our area's heritage this weekend by visiting one of these five museums that work hard to preserve the local area’s rich history in the various industries our community has been built around. Historical displays in logging, shipping, rail and early life on the Harbor are all available at these five fine establishments. You didn’t even know we had five museums on the Harbor? Then you’ll be blown away to know that there are actually a few more! Go get your history on this weekend, Grays Harbor!

Photo courtesy of Aberdeen History Museum

1)      Aberdeen History Museum

111 East Third Street
Aberdeen, Washington 98520
 (360) 533-1976 

Who hasn’t been here at least once over the years for a school trip or special event? Yeah, that one time when you were 12 was a long time ago, but the place pretty much looks the same. I love the town-in-a-building layout of the exhibits that help depict Aberdeen’s rich history based in logging and industry. The old photographs on display alone are captivating. This also happens to make a great, unique location for special events like special interest seminars, auctions, receptions and reunions for Aberdeen or harbor based organizations. Hours are 10am - 5pm on Tues-Sat and 12p-4p on Sun. Admission is free, however, suggested donations are: Families  $5.00,  Individuals  $2.00,  Students and Seniors  $1.00  

photo courtesy of City of Hoquiam

2)      Polson Museum

1611 Riverside Avenue

Hoquiam WA

360-533-5862

A National Historic Site, this museum is housed in a 6,500 mansion circa 1924 that I wouldn’t mind calling home. But I suppose housing Grays Harbor’s history is a higher calling for this beautiful building. The exhibits span 17 rooms of the house and another “Railroad Camp” building on the property that is in progress. This museum boasts that it contains the most extensive collection of Grays Harbor history, so if you’re looking to learn a thing or two about your hometown a visit here is in order. Did I mention something earlier about old photographs? Well, this place has over 12,000! Hours are 11a-4p Wed-Sat, and 12p-4p Sun. Admission is: Families $10, Adults $4, Students $2 and Under 12 $1

3)      Quinault Cultural Center

Tahola beachscape.

807 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1

Tahola WA

360-276-8215 x245

Learn about the history of the Quinault Indian Nation through photographs, artifacts and historical documents at this small museum in Tahola. As one of the most successful hunter gatherer peoples, the Quinault Indians lived off the land for thousands of years along the coast of Washington. The tribal library is also housed here with various books published by Quinault Indian Nation members, and also a bevy of electronic information that’s available to browse on the five computer stations. Hours are 8am – 4:30p Mon-Fri, but it’s highly recommended to call ahead of time.

photo courtesy of Chehalis Valley Museum

4)      Chehalis Valley Museum

703 West Pioneer Avenue

Montesano WA

360-249-5800

This museum has charged itself with the mission of preserving the history of the Chehalis Valley from Oakville to Aberdeen. Which means a whole ‘lotta country life artifacts. Housed in a former church, this museum features a collection of logging equipment, old fashioned housewares, local family geneology information and more. I love east county, so this museum hits the spot for me. Hours are 12p-4p Sat & Sun. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

5)      Westport Maritime Museum

The whale skeleton on display at the
Westport Maritime Museum

2201 Westhaven Drive

Westport WA

360-268-0078

This is, by far, my favorite place of history in Grays Harbor. An old Coast Guard compound, this museum is housed in 5 buildings right on the docks in Westport. Exhibits center around all things coastal such as beach coming, sea life, whaling, shipwrecks, local maritime history and more. The magnificent Destruction Island lighthouse lens is on display and nothing beats the gigantic whale skeleton. It’s impressive every time I visit. Don't forget to drive down the road and visit the lighthouse while you're in the area! Hours are 10a-4p daily. Admission is Adult $5, Children $2, Under 5 Free.

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!

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

Saturday Shopper: Coastal Garden Center of Grayland

Coastal Garden Center          

Owned by Cindy Becker, Established 1994 

4986 SR 105

Grayland, WA

360-268-0804 

www.coastalgardencenter.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coastal-Garden-Center/108616919401

Daily, 11-5pm (summer)        

All About The Business: Quality counts when you are buying live plants!  I love and care for  my flowers.  Lush seasonal annuals, herbs, perennials, hanging baskets, veg. starts. Organic fertilizer, black gold potting soil.  Science Diet pet food.  Open seasonally April-July.  

What Makes Your Business Unique?   Quaint, enchanting, woodland and historic setting.  Every small business is unique!  That is the beauty of small business~out of the box!!!! FEED YOR SOUL. Bird, butterflies, frogs abound.                       

Advice for First Time Customers: Sorry, rural setting no restrooms.  State park and beach access restrooms close by.  Dogs welcome in the pet area, on leash! 

If you're a small business owner and want to feature your business on the Saturday Shopper (for free!), please click HERE and fill out the form. 

The Saturday Shopper: Pacific Beach Inn

Pacific Beach Inn       

Managed by Jen and John Regan, Established 2001 

12 First St. South

Pacific Beach, WA    

360-276-4433 

www.pbinn.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-Beach-Inn/134669909934823

Reservations Available Year Round  

Front Office Open Daily, 9am-9pm

All About the Business: We are a cozy motel located in the town of Pacific Beach. Our rooms range in size from studios with kitchenettes to larger units with 2 separate bedrooms and full kitchens. We strive to create a comfortable and clean space our guests can relax in after a long day of exploring all the wonders the Olympic Peninsula has to offer.           

What Makes Your Business Unique? Because The Pacific Beach Inn is a small hotel, we function a bit differently than chain hotels. My husband and I personally attend to each of our guests and have had the opportunity to make many new friends even after only our first year of living here. We live where we work, so we are essentially inviting our guests into our home.                   

Advice for First Time Customers: Book early! As soon as the sun comes out, everyone starts thinking about vacation. If you'd like to spend a big holiday or festival weekend in Pacific Beach with us, be sure to call as soon as your dates are solidified in order to have the best selection of rooms. It also doesn't hurt to pop out of the city during the winter and wander the beach to look for storm debris and sea creatures. There really is no bad time to visit the beach, as long as you dress accordingly!

X Marks The Spot...

Or is it N 46° 59.156, W 123° 44.609? For geocachers, it’s the latter.

Yes, fellow muggles (non-geocachers), there is a modern day treasure hunt taking place all around us and the treasure is surprisingly…ordinary. There’s no commandeering ships or scouring secluded tropical islands for chests full of booty. No, definitely not. But if you watched a geocacher on the hunt successfully locate the cache they were seeking, you’d think it was full of gold doubloons instead of the typical log book and possible trinket. It’s the thrill of the hunt, the game of hide and seek, the sense of adventure that is making geocaching the hippest new pastime. And it’s free! You can’t beat that.

the "treasure" geocachers seek

For those of you who are bemused by the idea of a modern day treasure hunt with no actual treasure, you aren’t alone. Geocaching is a relatively new past time just celebrating its 12^th birthday last month. The game is simple and mirrors the childhood game of hide and seek: someone hides a container (of varying size) with a log book and optional trinkets inside. They post the GPS coordinates, such as on geocaching.com, for others to find, and voila – you have a new treasure to seek! Did you know this was happening in Grays Harbor? In fact, according to geocaching.com there are 2,293 different Geo Caches within a 25 mile radius of Aberdeen. That’s a lot of adventure!

My first geocache at Lake Aberdeen

If you were wondering how to make your summer economical yet fun this might be your solution. It’s a largely family-friendly activity, remotely inexpensive and very outdoors, plus it gives a taste of adventure even in familiar territory. In fact, it might even get you to explore parts of Grays Harbor you’ve never bothered to visit before. Or you don’t have to go far from home. Just look at the map below and you’ll see a plethora of caches right here in the Aberdeen city limits. Did you have any idea our neighbors were playing scavenger hunt all around the community? How much fun is that!

To get started, you need GPS technology. These days, most SMART phones have some sort of navigation program you can punch coordinates into, and apps that you can download (I recommend the free C:Geo app that links to your geocaching.com account). If you don’t have a SMART phone, there are handheld GPS units for sale at places like Cabela’s and Wholesale Sports in Lacey. Next, you’ll need to sign up for an account on geocaching.com- a basic account is free- as this is the only way to get coordinates for the difference caches. Now, go caching! Make sure you wear appropriate gear for whatever type of cache you're seeking - hiking clothes, water bottles, snacks, etc. And don’t forget to Log your Visit on geocaching.com after you’ve found a cache.

c:geo app screenshot

There’s quite a culture in the world of Geocache. I recommend you explore these additional resources to get the most out of your Geocaching adventure:

Geocaching 101

Glossary of Geocaching Terms

Here's a quick video for anyone new to Geocaching:

Lastly, keep an eye out because Go Go Grays Harbor will soon be setting out 5 brand new geocaches in the Grays Harbor area to help you get in the spirit!