A Great Wilderness Trail in the Heart of Poulsbo, Wa.

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Access to the Wilderness Park Trail  is across the street from North Kitsap High School on Caldart, or behind Viking Bank on Hwy. 305.  This incredibly lovely 11.56 acre park is right in the heart of Poulsbo,  but leaves behind concrete sidewalks and honking cars. It is a rugged dirt trail, a regular hiking trail, that makes good walking shoes or boots important.  At this time of year please keep in mind the “mud” factor, because it definitely is a little sloggy.

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I personally like to park at St. Olaf’s Church and walk across the little bridge toward the east to access the trail head.  I believe I am just enchanted by this little bridge plus I enjoy the grassy walk before heading into the woods.

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Immediately one is transported into a wonderful woods with the city left behind.

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Dog Fish Creek flows alongside a lot of the trail and birds abound.

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At several places small bridges have been placed over the creek.DSCN2372.

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This large tree was uprooted this winter in one of our wind storms.  It does not impede upon the trail however, just adding more texture to this rich environment.  Spring will be arriving soon and this park will burst forth with wild flowers and more birds, all for us to enjoy!

Winter Weather at Jefferson Beach, Kingston WA

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Here is the dock at Jefferson Beach outside of Kingston WA during a winter day.  It is true the sky was blue and it was a gorgeous day, but what doesn’t show in the photo is how incredibly cold it was that day.  Clear and cold.  The wind was howling which made the very high tide even more dangerous and wild.

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This  fishing pier is a very popular salmon fishing spot in the fall.  It can be virtually lined with fishermen and young boys doing some crabbing.

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This photo shows how high the tide was — all the way up to the steps going out on the pier.

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The tide was so high it covered most of the boat launch and tossed up large logs.

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This photo demonstrates the powerful waves as it was tossing large logs like toothpicks.  Bainbridge Island is in view in the distance.  The tide is normally low enough on this side of the beach to walk all the way to Indianola Wa.  A great walk completed by a stop at the wonderful Indianola store.

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The wind was blowing so strongly that this local Jefferson Beach standard poodle was barely able to walk toward the beach.  Mother Nature was giving her a brushing!!

A Visit to Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic

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Usually I post about fun places to go, but this post is about a good place for your dogs and cats when they are in need of medical services.  This vet clinic seems a little like the “old time” vet offices, where help and service were paramount, instead of expensive decor or taking your wallet to the cleaners.

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Voted first place in Best of North Kitsap in 2009 and Best veterinarian in 2008, Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic has definitely earned it’s place in the local pet world.  They have a constant busy schedule and treat all types of animals, plus do a lot of humane work.

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The office is unpretentious and efficient with a large, friendly considerate staff.  They are consistent with their hours and service.  With a staff of three experienced veterinarians they are able to provide just about any service you need or will refer you forward if necessary.

Give this office a try if you are needing services or looking to change your vets.  Most likely you will not regret the choice.

Kingston Wa Chamber of Commerce

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Kingston has one of the cutest, most user friendly chambers in Kitsap County.  They have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the little modular building across the street.

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The chamber office is manned with the most informative volunteers, plus there is virtually a treasure of information available.  Every event for miles around seems to be covered. You are sure to find more info and brochures than you intended.

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Besides now being an absolutely pleasant addition to town the little building is an eyeful for the flower lover/gardener.  It is, quite simply put, “looking good”!  The office just seems to invite one to stroll about and continue on down the street.

And last but not least, a note of gratitude —

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to Kitsap County for the fantastic new garbage bins they have been putting around.  They are clean and efficient, and so much better than the old blue barrels (which, by the way did their duty!)

Another Visit to Port Gamble

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Yet another gorgeous, sunny day in Port Gamble.  This time we visited the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion.  What a fantastic site for a wedding or reception.  Just last year it was the tent pavilion so this is quite an improvement.  I believe the new pavilion holds approximately 200 guests with an adjacent tented patio.  With windows on all sides plus french doors, the pavilion affords a breathtaking panoramic view.  So with the Hood Canal view, Hood Canal bridge, wonderful expansive lawn, rose garden, slated patio, and 20 foot tall stone fireplace, this is the place to have the reception of your dreams.

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Another view showing the older tent pavilion and the new pavilion.

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Just up the street is the historic Buena Vista Cemetery.  Not only is the view absolutely spectacular, but the history on the tombstones is beyond fascinating.  After spending quite some time reading them, we walked down the hill for a latte and a bite of barbecue.  Yum!

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