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| The Lefties Mascot: Timber |
Today we drove the length of Vancouver Island, from our home in Port Hardy, the northernmost community on the Island, to the ferry terminal in Victoria, the southernmost. We left very early to queue up for the 3:00 ferry: even with a reservation, you're supposed to get there at least an hour in advance. Then it's a 90-minute trip to Port Angeles, a little town in Washington State that is a jumping-off point for Olympic National Park.
Port Angeles is also home to a West Coast League baseball team -- the Lefties. Is that a great name or what? We were happy they were home and booked tickets in advance.
Coincidentally, on our last trip here, Allan met up with a well-known sportswriter who serves as the commissioner of this league. And we learned there is a team in Nanaimo! The same Nanaimo where I sometimes travel for work and union. I don't know if those travels will ever align with local baseball, but I would love that.
In Port Angeles, our hotel turned out to be practically next door to the ballpark. We rested in the room for a bit, then walked over to the ballpark. It was a lovely, cool evening, with a view of mountains behind the outfield. (A ballpark with a view of mountains... that's why I fell in love with Dodger Stadium.) It was a fun game, with a friendly, lively crowd. After five scoreless innings, the Lefties beat the Redmond Dudes 5-4. I bought a shirt. A huge number of fans were wearing Lefties hoodies.
We are staying (our only night here) at the Angeles Motel, a little mom-and-pop joint. I was skeptical, but the reviews were outstanding, and these days finding a decent room under $200/night is rare. So I took a chance, and it is indeed a great little place. Our room is large, comfortable, and spotless. It has a fridge, microwave, kettle, and coffeemaker. There's a laundry room for guest use, which is great in an area where people are hiking. The host is super friendly and helpful. For a one-night stay on the road, it's a great deal.
I am looking forward to breakfast at Joshua's, a great diner we enjoyed on this same trip last year. Then we drive through the Olympic National Forest, a beautiful road through tiny towns and hidden waterways, then down to southern Oregon, where family is gathering.
This is a very special trip, as we are meeting the newest member of our family, my grandniece, who was born last August. My niece and her husband and the baby are here from western New York State, so our trip was timed around their visit. All the west coast nieces and nephews and their kids will there, too. We're all staying at the beautiful home of my brother and sister-in-law.
My Mom now has three great-grandchildren! She is now in assisted living, still in very good physical health, but with advancing dementia.
3 comments:
Hi Laura
Another gem in your vicinity is Port Townsend. The downtown is old and beautiful. It also has the old artillery fort that was used in An Officer and a Gentleman. PT is also a magnet for wood boat builders.
Was one of the first to attend the Northwest School Of Wooden Boatbuilding with Bob Prothero in Port Townsend.. Historic beautiful old town. I'm also from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island and a retired salmon troller and shrimp fisherman who has spent much time in Port Hardly, another great little town. Thanks for the article. Brings back old memories.
Port Townsend was to be the capital of Washington State during the sailing days. The railroad was extended to Port Townsend and all the beautiful old houses, with all the infrastructure to support this potential booming capital. It took sailing fleets longer to travel through Puget Sound to the Seattle and surrounding area than it did to sail from the Orient to Port Townsend at the entrance to Puget Sound.
Then the steam engine was invented and the steam ships just steamed their way past poor old Port Townsend, and that's why Port Townsend is left with these beautiful old structures and housing. It's a jewel in a beautiful location with the entrance to Puget Sound.
Thank you Mound and Hornby! Port Townsend sounds beautiful, and knowing this bit of history is intriguing. We'll definitely visit, whether on this trip or some future trip.
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