On the Virtues of Wandering

Wandering has advantages. We started off heading for the Woods Coffee House located along the Bellingham Bay waterfront in Boulevard Park. But we were hungry for something more substantial, so we ended up at the Old Town Cafe instead, and enjoyed a delightful late lunch. Since we were already near the docks, after lunch we decided to try to find gate 9 at Squalicum Harbor. That's where nautical suspense writer Clyde Ford, whom we both enjoy reading, just might have his boat moored. We didn't find his boat, but we came across the Marine Life Center where we spent a pleasant half hour talking with the curator about their rather wonderful Giant Pacific octopus, a sick sea perch, assorted tide pool critters, and the destructive effects of the sonar used by the U.S. Navy. We left the Bellingham marina headquarters parking lot and headed to Boulevard Park. So, with a few hours of sunlight left we have finally wandered into Woods Coffee House and are sitting in front of their stone fireplace enjoying fresh coffee and a warming fire. Lots of small sailboats are out on the Bay taking advantage of light winds and a chill, but sunny afternoon. Maybe we’ll make one more stop before going home. Seeing the sailboats makes me think of nautical charts. I think I remember a marine supply store we passed on our way here…

… Bob