My first peek at Washington State was three months into the Covid pandemic. Our hotel in Moscow, Idaho had a flyer for picturesque scenes in Palouse County, Washington. So of course, we popped on over and snapped some photos. Since that time, I’ve been to Washington at least a half dozen times or so. I’ll document some of my trips to Washington with “postcards” from the Evergreen State.
June 2020
Dear Sam and Will,
I trust you are masking up and staying healthy. We made our way up to Sandpoint, Idaho and are currently heading back south staying in Moscow - home of University of Idaho. The countryside just across the border in Washington is gorgeous as the canola fields are ripe creating the most gorgeous hue of yellow in the fields.
Hugs! Mom and Dad
June 2020
Dear Lauren and Holton,
I’m sure you’ve heard so many times how lucky you were to marry in February before the pandemic hit. I’m reminded of this often as we slowly make our way to McCall. The roads are deserted. Which makes for easy travel, but it’s also eerie. We found a little piece of paradise in the farm country in eastern Washington - not far from Washington State University.
We miss y’all! M & D
May 2021
Dear Kathy,
I’m sure you and Dave have already visited Walla Walla, but I think this might be a good place for a couples trip. It is so quaint! I was surprised by the amazing award-winning wineries. On second thought, a perfect place for a couples’ trip! Let’s start planning it! Cheers! - Michelle
May 2021
Dear Dana,
Walla Walla is the bomb! So quaint with amazing wineries. A perfect combination! It’s just over the Oregon border in western Washington. We found their farmers market (with a working blacksmith!). We picked up a pair of funky lamps for our bedroom at a neat secondhand shop. Can’t wait to show you the lamps and custom fireplace tools (to be designed soon and made by the blacksmith) the next time you’re in McCall! Hugs, Miss
October 2022
Dear Don,
Katy introduced Christine and me to the McMenamins pub, cafe, and hotel chain. The one in Vancouver is on the Columbia River. Cute place. I was surprised that Vancouver is on the southern border of Washington just north of Portland.
I can’t wait for you to meet Katy and explore more McMenamins properties with us. ♥️, Michelle
July 2023
Dear Julie,
Imagine my surprise when we went to the tri-cities of Washington and learned that a state known for its overcast weather boasts sunshine 300 day a year! I also learned that the area could be called the tri-rivers because it’s where the Columbia, Snake and Yakama rivers all converge. It must’ve been interesting to travel there for work years ago and watch this hops farming community become more wine heavy country. See you and Mark when we return from Don and my weekend outing. Hugs! Michelle
May 2024
Dear Dianne,
Such a breath of fresh air meeting you in Seattle and spending a long weekend traveling with the top down in our rented Mustang. From evening walks along the beach in Birch Bay, to popping over to Canada, to exploring Seattle together, we made sweet memories. But the best part was reconnecting with late night talks while listening to vinyls on the vintage record player. Excited to plan our next vacation together. BFA- Michelle
May 2024
Dear Julia,
I did’t realize until today that Chihuly had a museum in Seattle. I’m so glad I got to go see his exhibitions at the Desert Botanical Gardens with you - not once, but twice! Such incredible work! We should meet in Seattle sometime and walk though the museum together. It would be interesting to compare and contrast the Phoenix setting and the Pacific Northwest. Hugs, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Katy,
We should drive up to Kalama the next time I’m in town. The McMenamins hotel is right on the water. Another idea is to hop on a river cruise along the Columbia and Snake rivers. Would be a great way to see some of the picturesque towns along the rivers. Talk soon! - Michelle
July 2025
Dear JJ,
I’m not sure if it’s your influence or not, but I find myself seeking out boxcar trains along stretches of highway and train stations. Centralia Union Depot was built by Northern Pacific Railroad in 1912. You might think that Centralia is in the middle of Washington, but it is not. It’s the midpoint between Portland and Seattle. Give my best to Mr. T. Much love, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Mrs Holcomb, (okay to call you Cindy?),
Since I’ve traveled to Olympia, I can now remember the capitol of Washington. I just need to get to Frankfort, Kentucky; Jefferson City, Missouri; Pierre, South Dakota; and Montpelier, Vermont and I’ll be able to ace your American history class exam!
I hope you’re doing well. Warm regards, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Libby,
You and Frank should come cruise the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been to a handful of spots along Puget Sound and I feel like I could spend a summer circling between them. Yeah, Alaska and Canada have their pull, but please don’t forget about Washington and Oregon. Lots of great seafood and interesting stops to be had in those states! Can’t wait! Michelle
July 2025
Dear Dorie,
You would love Des Moines, Washington. It’s just south of Tacoma on Puget Sound. Men were fishing off the pier as the sun set. Such a gorgeous setting. There was a family jigging for squid, too. It reminded me of the squid fishermen at Rockport Harbor. Opposite coast, same vibe. I hope all is well. Hugs, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Marcie,
How wild that we met when we were both in NYC, and you texted to tell me you were moving to Bothel, Washington when Don and I actually there - staying there at the Anderson School McMenamins hotel. How wild is that?
Glad we’re back in the same coast again! Looking forward to seeing you and Joe in McCall soon! Hugs, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Cousin Dan,
After all these years. Don and I finally got to Snoqualmie. I can’t believe we never made it to see you when you lived here. What a great place to live - a historic town, lots of outdoor activities, and only 25 miles from Seattle! A bonus for visitors, the Northwest Railway Museum. Next time I pass through, I’m going to make sure there’s time to take a train ride to the falls in the historic coaches. Malibu isn’t a bad place to live either. 😎 Warm regards, Michelle
July 2025
Dear Christine,
This town is the cutest! I was so excited to visit the city and especially the cafe where Northern Exposure was filmed. Alas, it was really Twin Peaks. N.E. was filmed in a different small town in Washington. Because I was thinking Northern Exposure, this mural seemed appropriate. Maybe not so much anymore. Anyway, North Bend is in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Gorgeous area of the country. XO- Michelle
July 2025
Dear Sandi,
I think it’s so wild that two girls from small town Texas are living in Idaho only hours apart. We should meet halfway sometime. Either Moscow,
Idaho or Pullman, Washington. Although both are interesting college towns, I’d prefer Pullman because they have a Hotel McCoy which boasts the world’s longest oatmeal bar. And cool vibes, too.
I hope to see you next summer in Pullman! Kind regards, Michelle
2024 & 2025
Dear Jen and Neal,
Y’all should meet Don and me in Washington State. I know you two like to focus on wildlife photography. I’m sure we could find some animals there. If not, there’s always landscapes and flowers! Much more my “speed” anyway. Much love- Michelle
To conclude, I’ll post a few of my unsent “postcards”.
Washougal, September 2023
Seattle, July 2024
Birch Bay, July 2024
Seattle, July 2024
Bow, May 2014
Des Moines, July 2025
Seattle, July 2025
Pullman, July 2025
February 1, 2026
Dear Reader,
As always, thanks for reading!
Be well- Michelle
New City New State 
Beautiful! Love the notes attached for context – thank you for sharing. We have loved our trips to Washington state and over to Vancouver – especially love Vancouver!!!!!
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You and David have traveled a lot! The whole family spent some time in Vancouver after our trip to Alaska in 2009 – the year after we moved to The Woodlands.
Thank you! I’ve really enjoyed writing these posts over the last several years. Hugs! 💕
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I absolutely loved reading this. What great photos and descriptions of the places. Great format as well.
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Thank you! And thanks for reading!💕
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What a fun read! So many gorgeous places you have visited. Your photography skills are as impressive as your accomplished writing too!
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Aww. Thank you! 🥰
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