If cost were not a factor, where in Washington would you live? (Seattle: condo, motel)

[MechAndy]

Water views on the Olympic Peninsula are cool.
Not long ago a good view was affordable.

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

There still are whole islands in private hands. Who was it---one of Bill Gates' colleagues, who bought an island there, but later sold it? Of course, part of the package then, is providing your own transportation to the island, whether by air or sea. And you have to make sure your island has a reliable freshwater source. (Could get challenging, with the drier summers beginning in Spring, W WA has been having.) But I guess if $$ is no object, one would have the wherewithal to own a sea plane or motorboat, tugboat, barge or whatever.

Right. Water is a big problem on the San Juans, so are septics. They're all just big hunks of granite. If only you could just pump it out a couple hundred feet into the water, like they used to do

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

Right. Water is a big problem on the San Juans, so are septics. They're all just big hunks of granite. If only you could just pump it out a couple hundred feet into the water, like they used to do

Ah, right--septic. Tricky business on the smaller islands.

And you know, I was noticing the last time I was up there, a few months ago, that there are a lot of really small islands, with varying amounts of actual soil on them, where some trees have managed to take root. Number of trees can vary anywhere from 1 to dozens or more. I couldn't help wondering where the fresh water comes from to sustain those trees on islands that are the size of a conventional city lot, roughly, up to may be 4-8 city lots. How could such a small rock outcropping have a steady enough water source? And the larger of these small islands actually had a house or two on them.

Clearly, there's something about geology that I need to learn.

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Ah, right--septic. Tricky business on the smaller islands.

And you know, I was noticing the last time I was up there, a few months ago, that there are a lot of really small islands, with varying amounts of actual soil on them, where some trees have managed to take root. Number of trees can vary anywhere from 1 to dozens or more. I couldn't help wondering where the fresh water comes from to sustain those trees on islands that are the size of a conventional city lot, roughly, up to may be 4-8 city lots. How could such a small rock outcropping have a steady enough water source? And the larger of these small islands actually had a house or two on them.

Clearly, there's something about geology that I need to learn.

I think they drink when it rains. They're all rock, the trees grow where enough water can pool when it does.


We used to camp at some of the parks up there... some of the parks had water available..... some didn't. You had to bring it with you.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

There's some appeal... if I could have a WHOLE island. Otherwise, I think a big acreage somewhere else has more appeal for me.

Growing up we had a boat and spent a lot of time in the San Juans. It's not a bad way to live, at all. I grant you that.


There was a place for sale somewhere up there not long ago. Whole island. I'll look for it.



On edit... this isn't the same one but it may be better than the one I was thinking of!

https://www.privateislandsonline.com...on/bell-island

Yes, that's the company on the HGTV program "Island Life."

[ScottStielow]

Originally Posted by rantiquity

I know very few people in the Sequim area that are independently wealthy...Most of my friends are working in the trade field. I do know some people who are 'rich' but not necessarily in wealth. Most if not all the people who live in Sequim love the place because it is hot bed for being retired, but we have a lot of families with young children and a good public school system.
Sequim has every thing in shopping that is required without a parking problem. A ton of churches and lots of outdoor activities. The Ocean is about a 10 minute drive north and the mountains about a 15 minutes drive south. Below is Mt Washington and the Dungeness spit which has a lighthouse at the end of a five miles hike.

Glad to hear there are a lot of Families and children living in Sequim. Sequim has a lot going for it, that I like.
Thanks for the Pictures of Mt Washington and Dungeness Spit.
Does High Tide cover the trail at any place, Just Curious?

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Yes, that's the company on the HGTV program "Island Life."

I've seen a few of the episodes.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by ScottStielow

Glad to hear there are a lot of Families and children living in Sequim. Sequim has a lot going for it, that I like.
Thanks for the Pictures of Mt Washington and Dungeness Spit.
Does High Tide cover the trail at any place, Just Curious?

If you’re talking about walking on Dungeness Spit yes, you must know what the predicted tide heights and times are before setting out. Same for some beach walks in ONP.

[509]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

"Too many people"? Are you referring to the tourists? That's a seasonal phenom. And if you don't count the (most of the time) absentee vacation-home owners, there aren't that many year-round residents per square mile. It's a pretty sparse population. Kind of just right, IMO: enough to make up a functional community, while providing lots of breathing space for most people.

In eastern Washington it is a year-round!! There is no such thing as tourist season.

It is relentless.

The only time we got a respite is when the passes are closed. Then everybody remembers what it was like living in Chelan County more than 20 years ago.

I guess, if I lived in western Washington I would travel to eastern Washington every weekend as well!!!

We really do need to improve the quality of life for western Washington residents.

[rantiquity]

Originally Posted by ScottStielow

Glad to hear there are a lot of Families and children living in Sequim. Sequim has a lot going for it, that I like.
Thanks for the Pictures of Mt Washington and Dungeness Spit.
Does High Tide cover the trail at any place, Just Curious?

No.....but this:

Hikers also are advised that the spit is very narrow and would be dangerous to hike during severe storms. High tide does not make the spit impassable, but be aware that you will be forced towards the center, where you will be clambering over logs. This is a fun test of agility, but it will be significantly more time-consuming than walking along the beach at low tide. Check the tide schedule and weather conditions before you set off to avoid any surprises that might leave you soaked or swimming back.

https://seattlebackpackersmagazine.c...nd-lighthouse/
The spit is created by movement of material down the Dungeness River. Just like the Port Angles Ediz Hook spit is created by the material down the Elwha river.

I would not advise walking on the Dungeness spit at high tide or during the winter storms unless you are very adventurous and physical ability. the Ediz Hook spit has a road most of the way with a Coast Guard station located near the end.

PS: the spit grows in length about 15 feet every year and is the longest natural sand spit in the US.