Tualatin--Bellingham 9/1-3

 In Tualatin I picked up the new Sienna (it took 3 trips to Gladstone because on the first day there were no floor mats and on the second they were for a different configuration) got new tires for the Subaru and cleaned it up, and out, and golfed at Island Greens and King City (a place for 55+'s, but everyone I saw seemed 75+).  Most notably though I visited with Maya and Holly and Filip.  Here are two father and daughter stills in which a family resemblance seems apparent. 





serious business




tickle business



As I write I am trying to add some movies, but for now at least the upload is not allowed.  I'll try amending this post later to add them.  (Success--see and hear below).

On the third I drove to Bellingham.  Interstate all the way.  Toward Tacoma it became quite crowded but still fast.  Sometimes I felt like I was in the blue angels with a truck 18 inches off each wing and no particular training.
 Fairhaven is the section of Bellingham where the terminal is located.  It reminds me of Port Townsend both in architecture and tone.  Persuaded by the lovely proprietor at Magdalena's cafe, I tried the cucumber soup.  Dining al fresco, it was delicious.  Here are two pictures of Fairhaven. 

When I drove aboard the Ferry Columbia I was instructed to drive onto a lift that would raise the van to a mezzanine deck and to set the emergency brake.  I complied.  But having been lifted, releasing the brake was necessary.  This was an unfamiliar and difficult experience, especially in the dark of the deck with an attendant yelling.  I groped around on the left under dash and managed to release the hood and the gasoline door.  After an embarrassing delay I repressed the brake and that did the job.  North to Alaska.