We spent much of 2020 tucked away in our home in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we approach the light at the end of this tunnel, Brandon and I are committing ourselves to the goal of traveling more this year. We already have a few trips booked for later this year, but we also want to spend some time exploring closer to home. Earlier this year, we spent a weekend on the Washington coast. For our second trip, we headed to Vashon Island which is just a stone’s throw from West Seattle.
I have lived in Seattle, off and on, for 10 years. From 2012 to 2017, I lived in West Seattle. In all that time, I never ventured across the sound to Vashon Island. Something about loading your car on a ferry always feels like a barrier to entry for me.
As we approached the dock and began driving toward the downtown square, Brandon and I couldn’t help but ponder island life. Why does someone choose to live here? How often do they visit Seattle? What forces someone to leave the island? How are necessities brought to the island? Many of our questions were answered as we approached a packed downtown filled with shops, patrons, and families/friends celebrating high school graduation.
No real journey in the Pacific Northwest can begin without visiting a local coffee shop for some liquid gift from the gods. Luna Café is a small shop tucked into a small shopping center. The prices here are affordable. The shop also features baked goods tempting you from the safety of a glass window. I began my day with the usual iced vanilla latte and a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Both energized me and gave me a little fuel to explore.
Our next stop was The Hardware Store, a Vashon Island staple. The restaurant is built inside of an old hardware store and features a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. It being graduation weekend there was a bit of a wait. After 45 minutes, we were seated for lunch. We began our experience with a couple of “Green Lanterns,” which is The Hardware Store’s floral take on a Gin & Tonic. For my meal, I had the Wedge Salad. For some reason, I had been craving blue cheese and bacon. The Hardware Store offered a wonderful take on the classic that was delicious until the last bite.
With full stomachs, we crossed the street and explored the Vashon Bookshop. When I visit someplace new, I always seek out the local bookstore and a record shop. The Vashon Bookshop was intimate but had plenty to captivate this book lover. The staff was also super friendly and willing to help. I walked out with a copy of “Ulysses” by James Joyce; one of those books I should have read a long time ago.
We couldn’t visit Vashon Island without exploring some of the shorelines. Running out of time before we needed to head back to Seattle, we drove to Point Robinson Lighthouse. Walking along the shore, I captured photos and video. Brandon and I began a long conversation about creative outlets and how empty our lives would be without some outlet.
As we drove back to the ferry, we realized that we need a full weekend to properly explore the island. Rushing through the highlights of the island didn’t do it justice. We left knowing that we didn’t experience all that it has to offer.
As we approached the West Seattle Ferry Terminal, I was reminded of the beauty of this place. I never tire of exploring Washington state. As hard as it has been to move back, I feel most myself exploring her endless beauty.
Be good to each other,
Nathan
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