Weekends like this past weekend are good reminders of why Washington State is so wonderful. And I’m not talking about the privatization of liquor sales that went into effect last Friday.  My good friends Brian, Derek and Mike joined me for a weekend of fun and reflection on Lopez Island. Boy did we need it.

Washington’s great outdoors did not disappoint.  We kayaked, we hiked, we chilled out on the beach by a campfire, and we played washers within 20 feet of Mud Bay. We ate oysters, clams and locally-raised pork.  All within a hop, skip and a jump of our Seattle homes. Thanks to my buddies for knowing how to have fun. Thanks to Kristine, Jesse, Julia and Sarah for the time. And thanks to the Evergreen State for giving us the best playground possible.