Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
The Tour de Dung (as in “Dungeness”) bicycle races were held in Sequim yesterday. The course is just short of 12 miles on a beautiful route described as “safe, dry, fast, and flat.” I enjoyed taking a front row seat.
The weather was good — that is, no rain or wind.
Races will be held again next Saturday. Locals, watch out for the racers. They are proceeded and followed by cars with signs and flashing lights.
The last time I heard, our local Walmart was scheduled to have its grand opening as a “superstore” some time this month. And the last time I was there, much of the new west (left) side of the building was open and full of products. The construction barriers are down and it looks as if it is just getting some final touches before it’s declared “done.” In the meantime, here it is!
The Sequim Prairie Grange is housed in one of Sequim’s historic former school buildings, the Macleay School, built in 1912. The Grange is part of America’s oldest farm-based fraternal organization, a non-partisan, grassroots rural advocacy group with both legislative program and community activities.
The Grange regularly stages pancake breakfasts, most recently last Sunday, and during summer months they host ice cream socials. These events help finance things like youth programs and scholarships. The building is also used for community events – I’ve attended a septic system workshop here (such is the glamor of country life!), a concert, and a community flea market. The Washington Old Time Fiddlers meet here regularly for weekend jams, classes and public performances.
The Elks Lodge on Port Williams Road offers facilities for local events in addition to regular Elks functions. For instance, the Olympic Peninsula Mycological Society holds its very popular annual Wild Mushroom Show here. The Elks offer regular meals for the community and also share their RV facilities for a fee.
Tonight is Pub Night featuring steaks, shrimp, burgers and fries, fish and chips, salads, and reduced price beer and wine.
City Daily Photo’s Theme Day today is “Action shot.” This barrel racing photo was taken at the Rodeo at Clallam County Fair in August. I loved this competition and the beautiful teamwork of horse and rider. If you’d like to see other action shots from this event, click here. Other events included bareback riding and bull riding.
If you drive into Sequim from the east one of the first stops newcomers should make is at this building. It’s at the end of town on East Washington. The Chamber of Commerce hosts a visitor center here where Chamber members may display literature. There are free visitor guides, maps, and brochures for accommodations, events, and places of interest. It’s a useful place to find out what’s happening in Sequim and is staffed by volunteers who can get you pointed in the right direction.
Here’s another of those “Guy Thing” rodeo activities, an eight second ride on the back of an uncooperative horse and a surefire way to need a chiropractor. The cowboy must hold onto the leather and rawhide rigging with only one hand and keep his feet in the correct position when the horse hits the ground as it bounds out of a chute. The rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment, himself, or the horse with his free hand.
Another rider stays nearby during the ride and helps the bareback rider off the bucking horse at the end of his ride, which in itself qualifies as a mighty feat in my book. The riding is beautiful and skilled.