At the Marine Supply and Hardware store in Anacortes, the early 1900’s blends nicely with 2019. Both the business and the building are over a hundred years old, the store continues to thrive as one of the oldest marine hardware stores in the country. This historic hardware business keeps abreast of the times, offering the latest marine hardware items along with those special antique treasures.
 
Started in 1910 by Greek immigrant Efthemios (Mike) Demopoulous as the Anacortes Junk Co. the  business lasted through three generations before it sold to Lea Mayberry, owner of Alley Cat Antiques. One of the keys to success for this long-standing marine business is how quickly they adapt. They have managed to change with the times, while maintaining their true character.

What started out as a supplier for the commercial fishing industry and the local mills, now caters mostly to tourists who come from all over the globe just to see this iconic place. One of the main attractions of Marine Hardware Supply is its unique collection of hardware. They will often put the oddest items out front to stimulate people’s imaginations.
 
“The reason why we sell so many odd things, is because we have so many odd things,” said Store Manager Rick Sohn.
 
Rick Sohn has been with the Marine Hardware & Supply store for thirty-one years. His years of knowledge in the marine and hardware industry provide an invaluable service for store customers. With the combined experience and “know-how” from store clerks, Larry Norman and Jack Curl, the team can answer just about any question a boater or non-boater throws at them. Do-it-yourselfers appreciate the local knowledge and friendly service.
 
What do boaters love about this business?

1. We have a large selection of fittings and odd fittings. A boater can find just about any size they may need.
2. Boaters will most likely find an answer to their question or be referred to a network of local resources.
3. The unique collection of hardware draws boaters and tourists from all over, who appreciate the small-town atmosphere and friendly service.

 
When asked what item is most popular in their store, the answer was a surprise — gloves, hats, and t-shirts, followed by knives and books.
 
In today’s world, it’s rare to find a small business that remains successful through changing times, while retaining its character and meeting its customers’ needs.
 
Happy treasure hunting the next time you find yourself in the Marine Hardware & Supply store in Anacortes.

All I want for Christmas is…

• The sound of crashing waves
• Peace and quiet
• Fresh marine air
• Sand between my toes
• Nature's Glorious Beauty to remind there is still greatness which surrounds us
  
• Solitude so I can dream
  
• And a joyful memory to take with me into the New Year

For the first time in years we found ourselves alone for the holidays.  And after a long, busy year my body, mind, and soul craved solitude and quiet. I have been in love with Cannon Beach, Oregon since 1994 when my sister got married on the beach. There is just something special about this coastal town, which calls to your soul. Most visit for the beautiful beach, the town full of quaint shops, intriguing art galleries, and delectable restaurants, and for photographers it is a visual paradise.

Our decision to leave town was very last minute. At first it was hard to find a place to stay with the dates we had in mind or wasn't priced too high. I contacted a place via Facebook. I manage Facebook pages for businesses so I was impressed how quick and responsive they were via messaging.  The front desk sent an email with a quote within a short time. I called and they were friendly, accommodating and helpful over the phone. They gave us off-season rates even though it was Christmas. We booked the room, packed our bags and hit the road the next day.

Upon our arrival, I was pleasantly surprised. We stayed at the Lighthouse Inn, but check in is at their sister property, Inn at Cannon Beach. We were greeted by the same person who helped over the phone, check in was quick and easy, they had warm delicious cookies for guests, and over 400 movies to choose from. The Lighthouse inn is conveniently located in town, everything was within walking distance; the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery store. We had a 1 bedroom suite with a small kitchenette, a large tub (this was a treat for me), a fireplace. Comfy, cozy, clean, and convenient.

The front desk gave us a list of restaurants, including two that were open on Christmas Day. We decided to splurge on Christmas dinner and made reservations at Wayfarer. The menu was limited to traditional holidays dishes, turkey and prime rib with all the fixings. The place was packed, the view was wonderful, the weather was gorgeous, and the service was define.

Most of the time the weather was just right, but the day after Christmas was stormy with scattered rain, so it made for a nice day to drive down the coast a bit, our final destination was to take the tour at Tillamook Dairy Co-Op (I was really going there for the ice cream.)  We stopped at various state parks along the way and drove through the town of Manzanita and stopped for coffee. For lunch we found a place on yelp, Hidden Acres Greenhouse and Cafe. It was a bit south of Tillamook and when you drive up it is a working nursery, the food and the atmosphere was well worth it.

A few facts I learned at the Tillamook Diary:

1. Tillamook means "Land of many waters."
   
2. The produced 15 gallons of milk a day.
   
3. In the 1800's, butter was the first diary product introduced.
   
4. There are 6,220 gallons of milk in one vat.
   
5. 165 lbs of salt is used for every 53,500 lbs of cheese.
   
6. They cut about a million pounds of cheese in a week.
   

On Thursday, the weather cleared up and visitors flooded the town and the beach. The quiet solitude was now filled with holiday cheer, dogs running around, children playing, parents and grandparents. It was our last day there and with cameras in hand we spent hours on the beach, people watching and photographing crashing waves. It was a beautiful end to 2018.

November in the Pacific Northwest means chilly rain, cold winds, and grey clouds hanging low. We hunker inside seeking warmth as we try to stay dry. But then Mother Nature will squeeze in a day or two of Fall-Like weather in between winter-like days. Such was the case the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Instead of grey skies, it was clear and BLUE. The sun lit up the earth and the last remnants of Fall shone in its light.  People escaped from their indoor winter prisons and busted a move on the trails, strolled through the parks, spent time out on the water, exercising their bodies and their spirits. Our hearts sang in tune with nature as we absorbed the golden rays of light.

We let loose on these rare days in the winter months, a reminder to live life and create new stories as we hunker down once again on a cold rainy day ,waiting for the next burst of sun and warmth.

Soon the Pacific Northwest will be shrouded in the dull color of gray. Until then, the Fall Colors this year exploded into burnt umber, rich reds, vibrant oranges, bright greens, and light greens painting the landscape with magnificent color and beauty.

The Artists Point area is a called that for a reason, it is a true natural inspiration for artists. Photographers from all over the world flock to Picture Lake hoping to capture the iconic reflection of Mt Shuksan in the lake.  Mother Nature shows off her best in the Mt Baker area and this Fall she was in FULL glory.

The lighting on this Saturday afternoon drive was anything but bright. It was more of a reminder of the winter to come, but that didn't stop the colors from shining brightly, painting the landscape with vibrancy and warm colors. This is why Fall is my favorite season — the rich, warm colors that remind us of the beauty surrounding us. Add to the color, the crisp, fresh, cool Fall air after a hot, stagnant summer and we have a season that is worth every minute.

These colors won't be here much longer, but it was well worth the Saturday afternoon drive up Hwy 542 to Mt Baker Ski Resort area, even on a rainy afternoon. The reflection in Picture Lake was beautiful mix of Fall colors and the hike around the Visitor Center in Heather Meadows made for a quiet reflection of why the world is so beautiful.
If you take the drive up, a must stop is Wake N Bakery in Glacier, the healthy snacks are to die for, my personal favorite is the Orange Frosted Cardamon Cookie. And a hot espresso is great on a chilly day. We completed our day with Pizza at Chair 9 restaurant on Hwy 542. The place was bustling on a Saturday night, they even ran out of Pizza.
It was a good way to relax, spend time communing with nature, filling the camera with photographs, and getting quality time with the hubby.

People watching at any event is a great past time for most of us, this especially holds true for Oyster Run. in late September of every year, thousands of motorcycles flood the streets of the small community of Anacortes, WA  bringing with them unique bikes and unique people.