Ocean + Forest

The week before last, two of my most favorite ladies in the whole wide world trekked out to WA to visit. I took a much-needed week off of work and we all indulged in salty ocean air, comfy cottage luxuries, mossy rainforest, and good-for-the-soul lounging about.

The cottage that we rented was fully stocked and far fancier than I could have ever imagined. (hello, hot tub!) The kitchen had all the baking supplies needed to make this amazing cinnamon pull-apart bread by Joy the Baker. I am really starting to enjoy baking. And even though I am a total novice when it comes to breads, it turned out pretty acceptable.

It was about a 10 minute walk to the beach. Somehow I always end up going to the ocean during the blustery off season - I've never actually been there in the summer when the weather is decent. But there's just something about standing at the edge of a continent in March, with the wind blowing mist into the hood of a too-thin jacket, and angry gray waves crashing, and no other humans as far as the eye can see. I wouldn't trade that feeling for the sunniest, clearest day.


We did have one blissfully sunny warm day, so we left the coast and headed inland to the Quinault Rainforest within Olympic National Park.



The forest was wet and dripping and green and soft and stunning. It made Washington seem that much bigger, and that much more special. We were only in a tiny tiny sliver of forest - it would take us eons to explore all that this state has to offer.

I'm so glad that I live here.