One benefit of choosing the Pacific Northwest location for our adventure was we could visit with our good friends, the Greigs. We had enjoyed many days, evenings, and Super Bowls together when they lived in Walnut Creek.

Having people we know as our personal guides to the area brought us to unique places we might not have found on our own. One day they took us to the Puyallup Farmers’ Market and a Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Another day we picked them up in Silverdale and explored the City of Poulsbo.

Puyallup Farmers’ Market

Here’s a bit of Puyallup history. Puyallup was formally incorporated in 1890, after Native Americans had lived in the area for thousands of year, after White settlers arrived in 1830, and after the Native American War of 1855-56 led to the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty.

Between the war and incorporation, the growing of hops became a major crop in the Puyallup area, with up to 100 farmers by 1884. This part of history Puyallup shared with Pleasanton, California, where we live. (There’s a good chance our home sits on land where hops once grew.)

By 1891, the harvest had grown to 3,000 pounds per acre. Farmers recruited Native Americans and Chinese workers to help. Then hop lice joined the party, attacked the crops, and decimated the plants in less than a year. (The blame for the demise of the hops crop in Pleasanton falls on World War I, a labor dispute, and prohibition.)

Raspberry, blackberry, daffodils, dairy, and poultry farms, along with lumber mills, replaced the hop fields. And the economy boomed.

Although local farms still grow flowers, berries, and various produce; housing and commercial businesses have replaced some agriculture pursuits. Each April, local residents and visitors honor the town’s current and historical farming past at the Western Washington Fair, along with rides, a midway, and food booths. Also in April, they celebrate with the Daffodil Festival.

I thought the whole town must have come out for the farmer’s market. We had to park several blocks away and walk to the entrance. People greeted each other, stood in groups, or in lines. As I wandered through the crowds, I caught bits of conversations while people shared about the weather, gossip, or told stories of their lives.

Gregor and Marylou went off in one direction, while Jon and I worked our way around outside. I found it too difficult to see what the vendors were selling, much less take photos. It was cooler inside with more vendors.

Whenever Jon sees someone selling fudge, he has to ask if they sell penuche, his favorite. Nine times out of ten, he walks away disappointed. The fudge booth in Puyallup must have been his tenth ask, because he stepped away with a chunk of the treat made with brown sugar and no chocolate. He even shared with the rest of us.

Pacific Bonsai Museum and Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

Gregor piqued my interest when he mentioned a bonsai museum. I’ve seen bonsai exhibits in other museums, but never a museum dedicated to bonsai. What a surprise to walk around and read the markers showing the dates of origin. One plant dated back to the 900s, and another originated in the 1500s.

I wonder how many different people have trained these trees. Is their current artistic state what the first person envisioned? I’d love to go back and take a tour with a docent.

Next door was the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Only a few of the shrubs and trees wore blooms.

That was fine with Gregor. He was on the lookout for new plants to add to his personal arboretum.

City of Poulsbo

Poulsbo is a Scandinavian-themed town, also known as Little Norway. The city’s history is much like Puyallup’s. Native Americans occupied the lands before White settlers arrived and pushed them into a reservation. Available land, resources, and the landscape drew Norwegians and Scandinavians to the area in the 1880s from Midwestern states.

The historic downtown includes shops and galleries and restaurants. In May they hold a Viking Fest, which sounds like fun. Liberty Bay is the place to go for water sports boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

We stopped at Sluy’s Bakery to sample their pastries. The bakery is famous for its Poulsbo Bread—a bread created by using the Ezekiel 4:9 scripture verse. Had I known about the bread while there, I would have picked up a loaf. Instead, my eye spied a donut and pastry with cream cheese and raspberry filing. Maybe I’ll call them and order a loaf or two and have it shipped.

For our Scandinavian dinner, someone had recommended Tinsley’s EuroPub for a bite to eat. I had the Swedish meatballs with Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage) and mashed potatoes. Jon had Shepherd’s Pie. The Greigs both had Rueben sandwiches. The meal was good, not great, and the service was a bit uneven. I’m not sure what was going on because only one other table was occupied. Maybe it had to do with us arriving between lunch and dinner, and perhaps it would have been better during peak hours. Who knows?

The Greig’s Home

Gregor and Marylou have found their slice of heaven overlooking the Hood Canal. Views from inside the house, views from the deck at the back of the house, views at the fire pit on the lower level of the yard, and a view closer still to the cliff that drops off into the water are all perfectly situated to inspire wonder.

We had the pleasure of visiting twice. Once when we went to Poulsbo and again to celebrate Gregor’s birthday. Both times, I felt safe and at peace surrounded by the beauty he has cultivated during their time owning the home. The views, the flora, and crisp sea air left no room for the world’s chaos to invade my thoughts.

For a respite, take time viewing the photos below. With no words to read, imagine sitting in a chair, skin brushed by a cool breeze, the scent of evergreen in the air, swallows flitting in and out of the trees, a cormorant or an eagle gliding on thermals.

Happy 80th Birthday Gregor. Thanks to Marylou for inviting us. We had a blast visiting with your family and friends. And thank you for sharing your wonderful garden.

Next up: Bainbridge Island, Japanese Exclusion Memorial, Rosedale Gardens, Riviera Boat Cruise.

Safe Travels