I find it exhilarating to just get up early, pack up and hit the road in any direction. I love to start out early just before sunrise. All is quiet and there are very few cars on the road. It's like doing your stretches before you run. By the time the traffic starts to build you are limbered up and ready to take them on.

I had recently had my car serviced--full tune up, new brakes and road checked. So I knew my car was ready for the road. I set out southbound.

I took Highway 18 West and connected with I-5 South. The first thing I noticed was that they (DOT) had completed the expansion of a section of I-5; an extra lane is always good.

Coming into Fife I saw that the Emerald Queen Casino's expansion was also nearing completion.

I veered off I-5 for a brief tour of Tacoma. I took the 705 interchange which lead me under the Bridge of Glass. I exited onto Rustin Way which routes along Commencement Bay. Personally, I think Tacoma has one of the most pristine waterfronts in coastal America.

I parked, poured coffee from my thermos and watched the sun rise over the Bay. After a short walk, I continued west to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Though my westbound travel took me over the old span, I was parallel to the new bridge. I couldn't help but marvel at this incredible engineering project. The structure, the height and the view are breathtaking.

"The Puget Sound Region is famed for our floating bridges and infamous for Galloping Gertie's collapse. Now we can boast the nation's fifth-longest suspension bridge."

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr16narrowsbridge/

West of Tacoma I skirted around Bremerton, passing Sinclair Inlet. I jumped off Highway 3 and stopped in Silverdale for breakfast. Silverdale is definitely experiencing a huge growth cycle. Of course, that's not surprising since it borders the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Bangor Naval Station.

My next wondering took me to Poulsbo. The long-ago lush golf course was now a shopping center. But Poulsbo has a great downtown area I had never explored. The city website boasts:

"...Experience authentic Norwegian heritage, walk quaint shop lined streets, and stroll the boardwalk on beautiful Liberty Bay. Rent a Kayak and enjoy a closer look at the local scenery. When you're ready to rest, picnic in the waterfront park or enjoy the best of northwest and international cuisine at one of many fine restaurants...http://poulsbo.net/downtown/

I'm glad I did.

This park is one of my favorites because of the sandy beaches, the beautiful view of the city and the wind and surf.

I opted to take my picnic basket down to the beach, sit on some driftwood and put my feet in the sand. I reflected on our one camping trip here several years back. It was really windy. We debated whether or not to camp on the beach or to move to the campsites above. Some of our group had trailers, so we pitched our tents in between to seek shelter from the wind. Fortunately, yesterday was a near-80-degree-day, and though windy, it was warm. The dogs chasing sticks, kids throwing frisbees and sunbathers seem to fade. The populace didn't matter. I felt a sense of gratitude as I walked along the shore with the wind blowing through my hair.

I stopped at the Clearwater Casino for a couple hours and then headed to catch the ferry to Seattle. The sun was setting and the horizon was golden. It was perfect backdrop for a wonderful day.

When I arrived home, I was refreshed and ready to get back into my regular weekend routine. The trip was really nice, particularly since I'd only traveled 73 miles and spent less than $120.