Autumn bark

Birch bark

I liked the look of this peeling bark. I wasn’t able to get as close as I wanted, didn’t get quite the shot I hoped for. But I still like it. I like how the tree grows, the thin bark splits and peels back, exposing the new layer. The old is still beautiful as it is discarded, the tree curling outward as it reveals its growth.

The “everything store” expands

Swains 1

Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles is a local institution. Before we moved here DH informed me with an air of authority, “If Swain’s doesn’t have it you probably don’t need it.” The point can be argued. But for the real goods you need from day to day Swain’s has it. Tools, hunting and fishing gear, hardware, kitchenware, work, casual and outdoor clothing, shoes and boots. It’s all there. Mind you, Swain’s isn’t fancy. But when you need something and want to stay local I’m happy to leave fancy merchandising to the big city stores.

Swains 2

A few months back the appliance store that shared the building with Swain’s closed, giving Swain’s an opportunity to expand. The wall’s down now and the store’s being rearranged. Shifting that much stuff seems like a herculean job. But another positive thing about Swain’s is that the staff is great and most of them have been there a long time and they’re in it for the long haul.

Swains 3

Here’s a peek into the new area. I’m sure everyone will be happy when the dust settles.

0 for 2

C elm fall1

I’ve shown you this Camperdown elm tree in Port Gamble, above, twice before, in winter and last summer. Since the trees around here are starting to show nice autumn colors I thought last week would be a good time to revisit this fascinating tree to see it in fall splendor. As you can see, I struck out.

Consolation tree

It wasn’t as if I completely misjudged Autumn’s progress. This tree was strutting its stuff a couple of blocks away. Not bad, but not the Camperdown elm. But we had a second excuse to go to Pt. Gamble: Mike’s Four Star BBQ. We’ve been without barbecue since Jeremiah’s in Sequim closed some months ago. And occasionally barbecue is just the ticket. Mike’s had some good reviews online. So, no autumn Camperdown elm? Okay. I can live with that. Let’s go to lunch.

Pt Gamble scene

The sign on Mike’s door said something about being closed for personal reasons. I hope it was nothing serious…but there went the barbecue dreams. I had a chocolate chip cookie and coffee to keep from chewing the car upholstery on the way back home. 0 for 2. I don’t know if I’ll get back to Port Gamble this fall for another shot at the tree. The scene above was near the elm and showed the misty mood of the day.