Sequim is between Port Angeles and Port Townsend

I am so happy I came to Sequim! Of course, nothing is perfect. The only real negative is the dampness, which leads to condensation on the RV  windows. I wipe down the window frames with Clorox wipes to keep mildew from forming. However, when the night temps slide below freezing, that moisture freezes. When the water freezes outside, it is lovely because it creates a hoar-frost over everything. The frozen water is not so lovely along the inside surfaces of the RV! I wake up to a fine layer of frost on all metal surfaces, like you get on the car windows in the morning. If I blasted the furnace all night that would help, but I keep it on low and sleep under warm, cozy bedding. I need to purchase a larger dehumidifier, which would solve the matter entirely. Saving my pennies!

The water pipes are fine. This year I insulated all the lines that I could see from the inside (under the sinks) and then installed a heated water hose from the outside faucet to the RV, preventing the main water line from freezing. Letting the faucets drip does the rest. The guy next to me did not think he would need a heated hose, so he learned the hard way that first morning after temps dipped below 30 degrees.

Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park

But that is the one negative. Otherwise, life here is great. The best parts in terms of everyday life: the YMCA and meeting people. I am getting stronger and more healthy at the Y. Thanks to my Al-Anon meetings I have friends and a social life, with holiday invitations throughout December. I am also so excited about my access to the ferry service. A new, fast ferry, leaves from the peninsula for Seattle every day during commute hours. It is for people only, no cars. The ferry pulls into a pier downtown, not far from all the famous stuff, like Pike Place Market and the museums. Anyway, to promote the new service, it is free for the rest of the year. On Monday, I will take it across and spend the day exploring downtown Seattle. I love having access to so many interesting day trips, especially when they involve a ferry trip.

Seattle is a happening place. They just received a National Hockey League expansion team and are expecting an NBA team in the near future. However, no one but the very rich can move there any more thanks to the tech industry, their high paying jobs, and the demand for housing. For that reason and several others, Seattle has a huge homeless population problem, with tent cities spread throughout the city. Like Portland, Tacoma, SF, SD, LA, and other West Coast cities, Seattle is trying an assortment of solutions to the housing crunch. Nothing seems to be working long-term, especially for those with mental health and/or substances abuse issues. People defecate near stores and homes. Someone was recently murdered while walking to their car. It is a very serious matter without a serious solution. Right now, the trend seems to be building semi-permanent tent camps and small house enclaves, but, again, these are not working for the seriously ill and for the substance abusers. My heart aches.

Then there is quiet little Sequim, nestled on the Olympic Peninsula. I have been told there are some homeless people in the area. When the night temps are below freezing (those same nights when my inside metal window frames get covered in frost), the city has warming shelters for the homeless. The location changes. One time it was at the Boys and Girls Club and another time at a local church. The Food Bank has a huge presence here as well.  Otherwise, it is mostly older folks who are out and about. I mentioned before that Sequim has a large retired population, thanks to the beautiful setting and ample amount of things to do.

Access to medical care is just OK. Unfortunately, that is true of any rural and “out-of-the way” areas in the US. So many medical professionals want to be in Seattle or other big cities, and they are among the lucky few who can afford it. The medical practice in Deming, NM went through 3 doctors in the 2 winters I was there. The last few areas where I worked as a minister also had trouble providing adequate care. I drove 70 miles to Cheyenne, WY for routine care when I lived north of there. Here, docs have a waiting list for new patients, but I found a group in Port Townsend that would take me in for now!

As for the other towns/small cities in the area, I am just now exploring them. Port Townsend is quaint, with some Victorian architecture. I like the port vibe and the cultural opportunities, but the town does not have a big pool like the YMCA. The ferry from PT goes to Whidbey Island. I have not yet traveled the 20 miles west towards Port Angeles. It is more like a city and has lots of things to offer from what I have read. The ferry from there goes to Victoria, on Vancouver Island. I always have one eye open towards the day when I move on from the RV! I don’t know when that will be, but it is not too soon to brainstorm.

So, there you have it! Life in Sequim is cozy, and the people have welcomed me! I have just the right amount and type of stores and the setting is beautiful. The rainfall is not bad and, eventually, I will deal with the moisture problem when I get a larger dehumidifier. Sequim is home for the near future and I am really happy with my decision to come here.

Sequim is the lavender capital of Washington