The Start

  And we're off! Derek and I flew out of HNL Wednesday evening, May 16, 2012, with 6 suitcases, 2 backpacks, my purse, and a guitar. How we are going to fit all that into my tiny Rhonda the Honda (Civid Hybrid) is yet to be seen. Allison, the big sis I never had, picked us up in Seattle and brought us to get said Honda at the pier. 

It was so good to see my silver darling intact. I will love that car til the day it dies despite the appalling lack of anything resembling horsepower.

Caribbean Roast sandwich. HEAVENLY.

  On the way we stopped at Paseo for lunch for the world's best Caribbean food, and Trophy Cupcakes to pick up dessert for later. Think Bent Spoon cupcakes with more flavor options -- Samoas, coconut, MARGARITA (amazing, and even had a pinch of salt on the frosting), PB&J, red velvet, carrot cake, etc....

The Beauty of Trophy Cupcakes

  We're now at Casa de Bidwell, which is in Gig Harbor, an absolutely beautiful pocket of Washington state southwest of Seattle. Her street has views of the Olympic mountains from the driveway, with Puget Sound visible just beyond if you stand in the master bathroom and look out the window. 

Allison's View...Not Too Shabby

 After breakfast we'll head out to Yakima to see Derek's family. More to come!