Several years have passed since our last road trip. Over the weekend, we traveled from the Keystone ferry terminal to Ocean Shores and back.

Ferry thoughts here:

Occasionally looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Another round trip ferry crossing. No security screening at either terminal.

On occasion, the press will do a story on a ferry security drill.

Question for newspeople:

If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry- how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?

More here:

Washington State Ferry Ride

Washington State Ferries Security

Recent fatality at Anacortes Ferry Terminal:

Washington State Ferries Security – Looking for Clarification

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

It’s about 145 miles from Port Townsend to Ocean Shores. On the way back, we went though Matlock, WA and on up to the south end of Hood Canal. This route is like getting home via country roads. I enjoyed it.

Lodging Night One

Days Inn by Wyndham Ocean Shores

Very strongly recommend avoiding this facility. If you took a chance on a Mom & Pop place and found out it was disagreeable, you could just be more careful next time. A nationwide chain/brandname would be expected to maintain some standards. Many issues here. Take a look for reviews on the web if you are interested.

View from room (no screen for window).

Lodging Night Two

Fled the Days Inn and checked into a spot where we have stayed before.

A clear step up:

Ocean Shores Paradise Hotel & Resort

Also to consider-

A nicer place up the road a ways:

BEST WESTERN PLUS ABERDEEN

Eating and Drinking

Years ago, we were very familiar with several Ocean Shores restaurants, taverns and pubs. We began to get away from Ocean Shores and were taking trips to Seaside Oregon, the last few times we went to the coast.

What we found on Friday was a combination of places that were fully open, partially open and closed or maybe gone for good.

Fully Open

Pirates Cove Pub

Friendly place. Drank my first beer at a bar in maybe 18 months or more.

Porthole Pub

Friendly spot. Recommended.

Partially open:

Quinault Beach Resort & Casino Ocean Shores

Went out Saturday morning for breakfast. We had been here before and enjoyed it. Entrance to casino was confusing. Sign says masks preferred. Security staff meets us at entrance and asks us if we are there to eat/drink, gamble or are we staying there?

Not a welcoming vibe.

We said we wanted to eat breakfast. “It does not open until 8:30.” We said thank you and left, not to return on this visit. Why no security asking what we want at the grocery store?

Another casino on the way home:

It was time for a break. We rolled up to the Lucky Dog Casino.

Sign at entrance says unvaccinated people to wear masks.

We step in and the person assigned to the door immediately says: “You guys are good.”

A welcoming approach to running a casino. Love it. Clean restrooms are very well maintained.

Placed a couple dollars in the slots before we left.

Good vibe for us.

Other places:

Common for staff in restaurants to be wearing masks and for customers to go without.

Some places seemed so busy (or had imposed their own restrictions) that there was some sort of waiting line outside.

Bennett’s Fish Shack is a decent restaurant. Would go there again. They had a bit of a waiting line outside.

The COVID situation is confusing because Gov. Inslee ended statewide COVID restrictions some weeks ago.

Closed or maybe gone for good

We used to enjoy the Viet Hoa Restaurant. Building is now for sale.

Used to enjoy the cantina at Las Maracas Mexican Restaurant. Looks like it was closed while we were there. Still open?

Many years ago, we enjoyed Waves Restaurant & Bar. Gone now?

Shilo Restaurant Ocean Shores

Small bar used to be here too. Closed for now.

Possibly of interest:

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here and people who opt out on attending services.

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

Photo-

The beach near North Jetty