Olympia State Capitol

Back in Washington, I had a few hours to kill and stopped at the State Capitol in Olympia. I had no idea there was so much to see.

There is a memorial to the Vietnam War that is reminiscent of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC. 

The Korean War Veterans Memorial

World War II Memorial.

The campus is situated on a knoll overlooking Capitol Lake.

Winged Victory Monument commemorating WWI leads to the capitol building.

The brick and sandstone dome of the capitol building rises 287 feet and is the largest masonry dome in North America. You can take a free tour that lasts roughly an hour.

There are 6 bronze doors at the front of the building. Each depicts an image of the early industry and scenic beauty of Washington State.

The ceiling of the interior dome rises 175 feet from the floor of the rotunda. The 5-ton chandelier contains over 200 bulbs and was the largest created by Tiffany Studios in New York.

The Reception Room is used for formal state ceremonies, receptions and meetings.

Washington was admitted as the 42nd state to the union. There was no official flag created before Idaho & Wyoming were admitted 8 months later.

You can also see the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. Washington's legislators are citizen legislators, meaning their responsibilities at the Capitol are part-time. Legislative sessions last 105 days in odd years and 60 days in even years.

2019 07 05

Nong's Khao Man Gai

I made a trip to Portland to have lunch at Nong's Khao.

I visited the location at 417 SW 13th Avenue--they open at 10 am.

Regular order of Chicken & Rice--$11. Poached Mary's chicken with rice simmered in chicken stock and Thai herbs, served with sauce of fermented soybean, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, Thai chiles, vinegar, house made syrup and soy sauce. Garnished with cucumbers and cilantro and bowl of house made chicken broth. The chicken is tender but it's the sauce that makes the dish so good. You can purchase the sauce in a bottle.

2019 07 05

Madrona Bar & Grill

After the whale watching trip, I had an early dinner at the Madrona Bar & Grill, located at the Roche Harbor Resort. They have a nice deck so you can sit outside and watch the activity in the harbor.

Small Caesar Salad with Anchovy-Parsley Oil--$8.95. Hearts of romaine, Kalamata olive, tomato & parmesan with house croutons. The flavors were nice but there was too much dressing.

Roche Harbor's "Tilted Kettle" Clam Chowder--$8.95. Cream, clams, bacon, butter, red potato, sweet clam nectar, celery, onion, dill, basil, thyme and parsley. The chowder was good but it was a small bowl.

Tieton Cider--$6. Nice and crisp.

2019 07 03

San Juan Outfitters

Because the resident orcas weren't back on San Juan Island, I booked a whale watching trip to try to find orcas. I had heard the transient orcas were around. Unlike the resident orcas, transient orcas hunt mammals and have no problem finding food in the San Juan Islands. The transient orcas can be seen throughout the year whereas the resident orcas can be found May-September when the salmon population is high.

I chose San Juan Outfitters because they left from Roche Harbor. It was July 3 and there were only 6 passengers onboard. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars. They do have a few binoculars onboard but if the boat is full, you'll need to wait to use the binoculars.

After an hour ride, we found the orcas near the Canadian border.

There was a good sized pod and we watched them for nearly an hour. Never saw spy hopping or breaching though.

On the way back to Roche Harbor, we saw harbor porpoises sunning themselves and a bald eagle in a tree. It's so easy to spot bald eagles--just look for white ping pong balls in trees.

2019 07 03

Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor is on the northern end of the island. There are parking lots just before you arrive at the harbor. Unless you have lodging reservations, grab the first spot you see.

From the parking lots, walk down to the harbor. You'll pass beautiful homes.

The Hotel de Haro has been in operation since the late 1880s. It's the state's oldest continually operating hotel. It has 20 rooms. Nearby are cottages that can accommodate families.

Trellised walkway leading from the hotel to the harbor.

The house on the hill behind the hotel is a point of contention in Roche Harbor. It's owned by an ex-Disney executive and it is reminiscent of the Haunted Mansion in Disney.

Nearby are abandoned lime kilns.

Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel is located in Roche Harbor.

The Lime Kiln Cafe serves quick take-out meals. They used to have the best mini donuts but I couldn't find them this time.

2019 07 03

San Juan Bakery

I stopped in the San Juan Bakery, located at 775 Mullis Street.

They have sandwiches, pizza, bread and pastries. The key lime pie was very good and the whole pie was $20.

2019 07 03

Pelindaba Lavender Farm

One of the sights on San Juan Island is the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. The lavenders are at their peak in July & August. Visits are free.

The farm is beautiful with many sculptures. 

I spent an hour just wandering the farm. You can get some beautiful pictures.

2019 07 03