We took a trip to Port Angeles to celebrate my birthday last weekend. It was a spontaneous trip born on a Thursday, and with the luck of circumstance carried out the very next day. We set out Friday, hoping to catch an earlier ferry than the one we’d snagged online, sailing at 7:30 p.m. However, we were sent away disappointed–the ferry was full and was promised to be full until our sailing time. At this point in my impatience to get the party started, I encouraged a route recalculation that took us down to another ferry to get us across. Lesson learned: don’t underestimate the ability of the ferry systems in Washington State to foil your plans. And traffic’s no picnic either.

Eight hours and 230 miles later (the trip is normally 2.5 hour and 66 miles), we made it to the Downtown Hotel in Port Angeles, Wa.

The accommodations were great. It’s a quirky little quaint hotel that boasts Euro style rooms with a shared bathroom in the hall. I was a little worried about sharing a toilette with strangers but never actually saw anyone else. Plus, the place was super clean. To sooth our travel-weary heads we found a restaurant in walking distance, the Crab House, where we enjoyed dinner and a few drinks. On the way back to our room, a pulsing beat and milling throngs pulled us into a bar called “The Other Side.” Later, the desk manager at the hotel said they liked to call it “The Dark Side,” which works as a good description. It was a local hangout for 21-26 year olds, from girls in tight jeans and skimpy tops to dudes in baggy pants and jerseys, and tattoos all around regardless of sex. The DJ was pretty good and I even shook a little cake after a few of the house “Sex with Yourself” cocktails. Yummm. I wish I’d had my camera; then again perhaps it was wise to have left it back at the room.

Despite our late night, I was up like a shot at 7 a.m. Chris was sleeping, like the smart man he is, as I was buzzing around the room getting ready for the day. I think I was excited to get out and see what there was to see. I tried to be patient, really, I did.

Finally, an hour later I’d pestered him enough to rouse him and we headed out for breakfast. We tried the Corner Housejust below our hotel. But after waiting to be seat for about 10 minutes with no eye contact from the wait staff, we decided to try our luck elsewhere. A block over we found this great place call the Haven.

After breakfast, we hit the road for Lake Crescent. My birthday wish was to be out, on the water, in the sun doing something. I’d hoped for Kayak rentals but we found boat rentals at the Lodge instead. I was immediately enthralled. The whole place smelled of sunshine and pine. I couldn’t wait to get on the water. Looking off the pier, the water was perfectly crystal blue. Amazing. We rented our boat and headed out rowing across to the other side. I captured the moment for prosperity on my little video flip camera.

Once we’d had plenty of rowing and sunning, we headed back to the Lodge for a quick, light lunch. The food was well made, though slow since we were there at the peak of the season. Our plan was to hike a bit after lunch, but it was nearing 2 p.m. and we were shot so we headed back to town to look around town.

We hit the book store first, because, well to be honest, we have an addiction and we needed a fix. I picked up a joke book, call A Prairie Home Companion Pretty Good Joke Book.

Q: Why were all the ink spots crying?
A: Their father was in the pen.

This book fostered a true marathon of giggles and silliness through out the rest of the day, through the night and into the next day. For dinner that night we decided to try Michael’s Divine Dining. Oh man, I could write an entire post about this meal alone. Again, I left my camera back and the room, so I can’t entice you with foodie porn. But I have to say, this place was it!

The food was fresh, local and truly divine. Not inexpensive, but worth the price. Ambiance, plus ten. Waitstaff, plus 10. Food, plus 10. A real winner, when you are looking for fine dining in Port Angeles. Let me just give you a run down on what we ordered: crab and artichoke dip, lamb kabobs with tzatziki, beef tenderloin topped with blue cheese butter and truffled whipped potatoes, fresh herb-encrusted salmon, 1 bottle of Argyle pinot noir, crème brulee and a long island ice tea made with fresh squeezed juices.

You had to roll us out of there, between the fantastic food, delectable beverages and the jokes we were truly high on life. I was ready for bed but we pushed on to another night club that was featuring a live band. They rocked but I was wrecked after the sun, food, drink and laughter. I had a couple of glasses of wine and pleaded party pooper and headed back to the hotel to retire. It was the perfect day.

The next morning however, was not easy. We crawled down to the Haven for one last breakfast before running down to catch our ferry reservation at 11:15. After, the trip up, I wasn’t taking any chances of ferry folly again. A memorable weekend that will live in my heart as I kick off my 32nd year on Earth.