My long weekend (with pics) in Self-Improvement, 2018

I’m lucky enough to work at a job where I get Memorial Day off, so I had a nice 3 day weekend. Long weekends can be tricky for me though, because I HAVE to keep myself occupied to keep my mind on the right, happy paths. You guys. I legit spent the last 2-3 hours of my work day on Friday trying to think of things to keep myself occupied with this weekend (without spending all of my dollars).

So my first plan was a road trip down to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Google Maps says its a 13 hr drive from where I live, and my thought was that I could stop at home after work to pick up my dog and whatever else I though I’d need and just drive through the night. We’d miss crazy day time traffic and get there around 7-8am. Because who needs sleep when you have a long weekend. I’ve always wanted to see that bridge just to see it and figured a long weekend would be a good time to cross that item off the bucket list.

But then I thought about it and something about having to tell my therapist that I made a last minute decision to drive 13 hours through the night just to see the Golden Gate Bridge the following morning made me think that would be giving her added fuel for her bipolar theory. So I decided against. I told her about my poor life decision involving man and well now bipolar is back in her field of vision. SO I nixed the Golden Gate Bridge idea for now.

But I did keep myself busy from the moment I left work Friday at 5pm to the moment I went to bed last night (around 10:30pm). Friday after work, I decided to check out Lake Crescent. I’d heard it’s beautiful but a bit of a drive. Way closer than the Golden Gate Bridge though.
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Got there kind of late and my dog and I were the only ones there

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Saturday we decided to check out the Deception Pass bridge (local substitute for Golden Gate idea).
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Its actually in the middle of a State Park. Dog and I walked some trails while we were there and walked across the bridge (and back). I stepped in the water and it was FREEZING. Local lore says the water stays at 48 degrees year-round. If the jump doesn’t kill you, the water temp and major undercurrents will.

Sunday I was pretty exhausted and it was supposed to be a nice weather day. I went swimming at the lake near my place for awhile and then people watched on the beach while I dried off. SO many people there to be entertained by!

Monday I woke up with little energy or motivation to do anything. Which I know is a problem for me. So at about 1pm in the afternoon I decided I couldn’t stay in the apartment all day even though I wanted to. Decided to stay pretty local again and check out some trails north of wear I live. There was one I’d heard of awhile back when I was on the Washington Trails Association website, trying to find places to hike. This particular trail was known to serve as a connection between this lake:

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and this lighthouse:
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The trail was actually really pretty and I came across a section called “The Quiet Place”:

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This is the view from “The Quiet Place”:
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I did run into a crusty old couple though who approached me and asked if I lived around here/there. Not knowing what they were actually getting at, I said no. They told me that they didn’t think dogs were allowed on the trail while looking at my poor dog who was standing off to the side, waiting for them to pass. Practicing my assertive techniques, I told them that it is posted at the park that dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash and it is also posted on the Washington Trails Association website. He grumbled that he didn’t believe that web sites stay updated. Honestly, I have no idea how he even got on the trail without seeing the “Pets must be leashed” signs. And about 30 seconds after they finally left me alone, I realized I was holding onto the trail map that said the exact same thing. If he didn’t want to believe the internet, I’d bet he’d believe paper. Anyway, I didn’t let his “holier than thou” attitude ruin the walk. This is Washington. Dogs are allowed everywhere. Just the way it is, buddy. Love it or leave it.