The Agnew truck

There’s an old truck at the Agnew Store. It’s moved around from time to time. Its latest location has it cozying up with the landscaping. I can picture it oneday in a jungle of leaves with bits and pieces of old truck poking out.

Here’s what it looks like in full. It has a very spiffy and newer red cousin doing the store’s heavy lifting these days.

The Bear is here

Big news around here lately is that the Black Bear Diner has opened. I’ve visited Black Bears in California and Arizona and local reports confirm my experience: big servings of comfort fare. Most folks leave with enough leftovers for another meal or at least a hearty snack later. The Sequim Black Bear is just about the first thing you’ll see as you come into Sequim from the east on Washington Street. It’s next door to the new Holiday Inn Express.

I planned to post this shot closer to its opening a few weeks ago, but my computer began staging death scenes with drama befitting an opera. It had no intention of going quietly into that good night and held most of my photos hostage until I could negotiate a transfer into a healthier, happier Windows system. Adios, Vista!

Fresh Mix Grill

I saw the name of this place in the newspaper recently, then spied it a few days later. With its bright colors, it shouldn’t be hard to miss. It’s across the parking lot from the Coop on Washington Street and from the looks of it seems to be doing well. The building itself appears to be a converted gas station convenience store; it is steps from gas pumps.

I didn’t have a chance to stop in and sample the fare. Our latest set of summer visitors was due to arrive soon.

The honor system

We stopped for some honey recently at a local farm, Sailing “S” Orchards and Apiary. Our out-of-town visitors were amazed: take your honey and put the payment through a slot in the wall. Simple as that. From my experience as a former urbanite, I can assure you that this wasn’t common where I come from in California.

The experience was sweet. . .and the honey is delicious.

The Lavender Festival, 5

The farms on the heritage lavender farm tour all have gift shops. . .and they’re all fun if you like retail grazing. Above is Lost Mountain Lavender.

Here is Jardin du Soleil. It and Lost Mountain both have new owners this year.

The Purple Haze gift shop is in the building to the right, above. The building in the distance is a rental house for those who want a total lavender immersion. Purple Haze also has a retail store on Washington Street.

Sunshine Herb & Lavender Farm is the first heritage lavender farm that you encounter as you come to Sequim from the east. With this gorgeous red barn it’s hard to miss.