For the last decade or so, I’ve traveled for my birthday. I have chosen places like Hood River, Eugene, the Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon, and Vegas. I enjoy planning the trips and have always brought my husband along with me. Last year, though, I decided to take a solo road trip to Whidbey Island for my birthday, and it was absolutely amazing! I’ve taken lots of solo road trips and love traveling alone, but something about doing it for (and on) my birthday was really special. I’ve been obsessed wtih Practical Magic since it first came out, so getting to see the filming locations in person was simply awesome. My only camera with me on that trip was a cell phone, so I never blogged it. Maybe I will, if I can find the photos.
Anyway, I enjoyed the area so much that I decided to pick a similar/close location and Vashon Island seemed like a good choice. Fun fact: I looooove ferry boats, so any opportunity to ride one and I’m all over it. (Note: I used to just call them ferries, until I watched Grey’s Anatomy and now I will always call them ferry boats.)
I left Salem on March 8th (the day before my birthday). I made my usual stop in Kalama to visit “Forks” High School (i.e. Kalama High School, where they filmed Twilight), and then hit a few little shops downtown. Shortly before reaching the ferry terminal, I stopped to grab some lunch, which I ate in my car, while in line for the ferry boat. Even though the trip over to Vashon is short (15 minutes maybe?) I got off and enjoyed the trip from the upper deck (outside). I honestly don’t know why I love them so much, but something about ferry boats is just so…romantic or something!
Once I reached the island, I stopped for some groceries and then checked in to my airbnb. The beach front house was really cool, with an incredible view. I enjoyed coffee each morning, on the covered deck, overlooking the water and listening to the birds. During the day, I would explore the island, find yummy food (bakeries were kind of my thing this trip), and then enjoy the evenings with a book or Netflix.
Below is a collection of photos from my trip. All of these photos were shot with my phone or a point-and-shoot camera, as I really don’t like to take my camera gear on personal trips. Mostly just because I don’t like lugging it around with me (I don’t leave my gear in the car unattended).
