The Great Cities of Cascadia

My island home of Guemes Island, Washington, USA is half way between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is great to be living in such idilic setting as the fringes of the San Juan Islands yet accessible to so many great cities! Two hours drive North is Vancouver, the epicenter of cool for Western Canada. One hour North, the home of Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. If I had to live in a city Bellingham would be near tho top of the list for me. The salt water at your doorstep is home to the San Juan Archipelago, only one hour drive to real wilderness, mountains and the creatures that belong there.

Heading South from Guemes two hours brings you to Seattle the birthplace of Grunge and the home of the University of Washington an icon of learning in the Pacific Northwest. Salt water on one flank and fresh water on the other, parks and green spaces abound.

To the West and North from Seattle is the ever cool Port Townsend, a haven for wooden boats and people who eather lived through the "60s & "70s or wish they had. PT is a warm, diverse, artistic and stimulating town.

Further South from Seattle and just across the border of Oregon State is the best city of them all… Portland. Portland abounds with parks and green spaces, the best bookstore on earth—Powells. Public art everywhere, and great food! The freeways and public transit work great. Go there if ever you have a chance!