A Washington State ferry plying the protected waters of Puget Sound.
Journeys rarely make sense and mine is no exception. Lucky for me, I drifted ashore on Vashon Island, a sweet spot moored in the middle of Puget Sound, home to the quirky, the kind, and the unabashedly laid back. A stunning ferry ride from West Seattle or Tacoma, Vashon Island is just inconvenient enough to deter the impatient and cultivate the eccentric.
A February sunset takes its final bow over Vashon Island.
The Vashon Island chapter of my story began many years ago. As a first time visitor, I dug my toes into the sand of a west-side shore on a fine summer day in the company of good friends. My drink chilled by an incoming tide, my heart warmed by an outpouring of island charm, I was smitten. Our tall tales and laughter echoed down the beach and followed the sun’s descent to the farthest reaches of the Olympic range. The onset of dusk could not quell the hospitality of the day, so a starry night sky took over the next watch. Chill, darkness and decorum were no match for the fun we were having; the revelry continued until the last ferry called.
Dockton Harbor on a sunny summer day.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, embraced by the richness of friendship and pampered by the gift of abundance, I succumbed to Vashon’s spell that day, setting in motion years of incurable daydreams about my future island life. I was to return again and again, knowing one day I would reverse the direction of my ferry route and call this special place home.
As a local fixture (actually everyone’s a local fixture here), I love Vashon for what it is not: an island impressed with pretense. Dressed-up is a shirt with a collar and no coffee stains. A flat tire is just another way to make friends. A puzzled look in the produce aisle will get you five recipes and a dinner invitation. Hip is a term we reserve for other ferry routes.
Friendliness never goes out of style.
Vashon is an island where no bumper is safe from an sticky quip, where unicorn decals and dream catchers festoon cars with greater frequency than smashed bugs, where power outages fuel friendships and Scrabble games by candlelight, where a nice ride is any vehicle with a muffler and a seat belt, and where the potluck is a time-honored tradition and high art form.
Living on an island does have its challenges, but it also has its rewards, revealing special moments that speak to the kinship of isolation and the camaraderie of everyone being in and on the same boat, so to speak.
While commuting by ferry creates bottlenecks and travel headaches, it also fosters a bond, an unspoken appreciation that someone else shares your round-trip seagoing odyssey, relative isolation and desire to enjoy this seaside Arcadia. Smiles and nods to strangers one day yield the like from those you now called friends.
At times when I’ve returned to Vashon after a long day in a less-welcoming place, I stand on the bow of the car deck for a wake-up call from the sea and sky, a salt spray slap that refreshes me better than any bracing aftershave. The ferry continues to clip along, occasionally stuttering below deck with chugs, rumbles and vibrations unique to the vessel. I savor the simple joy of nearing the island and watching the Olympic Mountains grow before my eyes, seizing the horizon and my imagination each time.
A 1919 journal entry found in my old farmhouse reveals an earlier resident was hooked as well, stating, “As a home place, there is no more pleasant or satisfactory location on Puget Sound.” I couldn’t agree more and extend my appreciation to the hand and heart who shared those words and these walls close to 100 years ago and no doubt pondered his or her own homecoming.
Home sweet home, gussied up for the Fourth of July
Vashon has been called The Heart of Puget Sound, a moniker as much about disposition as location. And not surprisingly as an island and a community, we wear our hearts right on our sleeves, sleeves that are well-worn and well worn, fashioned from threads that may dapple in tie-dye or be spun into pinstripe; be covered by a motorcycle jacket or trimmed in lace. The Heart of Puget Sound may follow its own beat, but the pulse is always one of welcome and delight for those lucky enough to drift ashore here.
Thank you for visiting Tall Clover Farm, from Tom
And Gracie and Boz.
This post was originally written for Destination Vashon, 2011
33 responses so far ↓
1 Sue // Jul 2, 2011 at 10:50 am
Sounds lovely! And your home looks so nice bedecked for the holiday.
Sue recently posted..End of the Month Roundup-June 2011
2 Susan // Jul 2, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Well, there you go!! Now you have done it! I have been to Vancouver and the Island and loved every minute. I have been to Seattle and loved it. By your description, I might have “missed the boat” by not going to Vashon Island. Now, I really, really want to visit!!
Susan recently posted..Heurtoir…it was knocking!!
3 Ina Gawne // Jul 3, 2011 at 4:43 am
Lovely post Tom! I so understand, it has always been our dream to move to Salt Spring Island an Island quite like Vashon. One day….
Ina Gawne recently posted..IN THE GARDEN, AND SLEEP DEPRIVATION
4 tasteofbeirut // Jul 3, 2011 at 5:28 am
It does sound like heaven on earth; and after perusing the Destination Vashon clip, you have got a coffee roastery with Italian beans and a massage parlor on the island: it IS heaven on earth!
tasteofbeirut recently posted..Tomato croustade
5 June // Jul 3, 2011 at 6:58 am
There are many who spend their entire lives looking for “Utopia” and you’ve found yours. Honestly Tom…how lucky are you! As important, how lucky are we that you’re willing to share it with us.
June recently posted..Baby Back Ribs on the Grill
6 KathyG // Jul 3, 2011 at 7:24 am
Thank YOU for welcoming us to your wonderful place on earth.
KathyG recently posted..Sex on the Wind
7 Bridget Ballatore // Jul 3, 2011 at 8:55 am
SOLD!!! I am oringinally from Port Orchard, WA and currently reside in San Diego, CA. My husabnd and I have been throwing around the idea of possibly moving to the NW or Northern Cali. I think you just swayed us with your lovely article. We are coming up next week and now I can’t wait to get on a ferry, always a nostalgic highlight for me. Thanks for another great post, I always look forward to the next one.
8 Dianne // Jul 3, 2011 at 9:22 am
Pure poetry, Tom. You do have a way with words. The last time I was on Vashon Island, I was 19 years old…needless to say, that was a while ago. I think I must return to see it again, through wiser eyes now.
Dianne recently posted..Campbell Kids Farm giveaway…
9 Sandi // Jul 3, 2011 at 9:42 am
What a wonderful tribute to island life, my sentiments exactly. Our dress codes are much the same! We just had our Salmon Days yesterday, you must attend it some year!
Sandi on neighboring Anderson Is.
10 Janet NZ // Jul 3, 2011 at 10:21 am
Wow! That is all.
11 Swiss Charrd // Jul 3, 2011 at 1:25 pm
My family moved to Vashon in Dockton in the summer of 1954 and I have not been off much since- I must say you description is like a lifer- you really REALLY get it! Love your writing you said exactly what I think, thanks!!!
12 Roberta // Jul 3, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Tom,
Wow! Vashon Island life reminds me how great it
was growing up here 50 yrs ago. The people were
great and caring,helpful neighbors,you could actually leave your keys in your car and toys and bikes could be left in the front of your house and
would be there the next day! Alas those days are
gone and the good people move on… You have the “Mayberry” I loved so! I love your house it
looks like it could be in a movie! And the decorations look great! Happy Fourth of July!!!
13 Scott // Jul 4, 2011 at 10:52 am
Sounds like my kind of place…you’re giving me dreams of what may someday be!
BTW…love the holiday decorations…your house looks so festive and welcoming!
Scott recently posted..Independence Day
14 Shirley @ gfe // Jul 4, 2011 at 6:52 pm
How wonderful you made your way back to Vashon island, permanently! Love your “gussied up” house, Tom. Happy 4th!
Shirley
15 Stevie // Jul 5, 2011 at 10:07 am
This is a gorgeous story. It sounds like your heart and mind are really open to and engaged with Vashion Island. I don’t think that’s very common for most people in most places. You’re very lucky.
Stevie recently posted..Szechuan string beans with tofu in black bean sauce
16 Chris // Jul 5, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Great post! Love the shot of your house all gussied up!
Chris recently posted..People & Roses Project 2011
17 brion // Jul 6, 2011 at 5:06 am
gotta have that tractor
18 Tom // Jul 6, 2011 at 10:50 am
Brion, did you see that it was a Porsche tractor?
19 Eileen // Jul 7, 2011 at 4:53 am
How fortunate you are to call Vashon Island home. I think we’re all looking for a place like that in our hearts — you were able to realize your dream.
20 brion // Jul 7, 2011 at 9:49 am
no – i did not…classy. I’m pining for my own farm equipment. Pop has an old international with a bucket and Uncle Billy has a new Holland (Ford). I designed the barn…that’s somethin’
21 Tom // Jul 7, 2011 at 10:51 am
brion, would love to see a pic of the barn
Tom recently posted..Rhubarb Pickles: Chips Off the Old Stalk
22 renae // Jul 8, 2011 at 8:06 am
Oh, Tom. You’re going to get people showing up on your door step any day now. I love the new “recently posted” feature. Brilliant. It makes me want to post.
23 Lee // Jul 17, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I’ll trade you Islands. I live on Gabriola. Great read. Thank-you for that. I stumbled onto your strawberry-rhubarb jam recipe and was interested to find I do it much the same way. I used 6 cups rhubarb to 2 cups strawberries cook with 3/4 c. each of white/brown sugar, 1/4 cup agave, and ten springs of mint blended in 1/3 cup maple syrup. It’s more like a preserve I guess. I love to cook. Blessings, Lee.
24 Tom // Jul 18, 2011 at 6:15 am
Lee that sounds pretty wonderful, like the idea of the mint leaves. I’ve used rosemary once or twice with fine results. I hear Gabriola is a little slice of heaven in the Gulf Islands. Here’s to your paradise!
Tom recently posted..My Strawberry Cake Is Going to the Dogs
25 Barbara Wiggs // Oct 10, 2011 at 9:05 am
Delightful. Enjoyed the visit on Puget Sound many years ago. Your place and life comments are fun to visit.
26 Jan Davidson // Oct 10, 2011 at 12:25 pm
You are living my dream…what an idyllic home!
27 Tom // Oct 10, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Thanks Barbara and Jan, your kind words are reminders for me to not to take good things for granted.
28 sheri miller // Nov 8, 2011 at 7:38 pm
dont know what I can say that other haven’t. OMGosh, I’am so ready to have that life style. I’am a midwest girl but my dreams of Alaska and now ur beautiful Island make me want to chuck it all and move on. but alas,the people I love are here, so I will live thru ur wonderful writing..please keep posting, u are a awsome writer…HAPPY AUTUMN..
29 Tom // Nov 9, 2011 at 6:20 am
Sheri, so glad to make your acquaintance and thanks for your kind words. I used to live in Alaska, and it’s a magical place from the misty fjords of SE Alaska to the stark interior. Here’s to your dream, you’ll make it to Alaska, and the beauty and power of our 49th will captivate you. Here’s to the best of both worlds, living with those you love and escaping to a new adventure every once in while.
30 Mainecelt // Nov 20, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Tom–Thanks for a lovely reflection. While I love my farm in Maine, I was feeling a bit homesick for the island, and your post was just the sweet tidbit I needed to nourish my nostalgia.
My grandfather was born on the island and I grew up there as well. My parents still live there–my mother and her best friend run Calico Gardens and sell their bouquets by the side of the road. I could never afford island land myself, but I settled in a town with a similar balance of art, farms, and quirkiness. Say hello to the island for me!
31 Tom // Nov 21, 2011 at 5:05 am
Hi Mainecelt, so glad to make your acquaintance; I know of your Mother’s Flower stand well. Her daily roadside floral additions put a smile on my face each time I drive by. I read a Maine blog, you make be interested in. A lovely family and their daily lives, beautifully written: http://www.fourgreenacres.com/ . Take care, stay warm and perhaps our paths will cross on your next visit to Vashon.
32 Allison // Dec 29, 2011 at 11:08 am
What a great read. I found that carrot salad and there was the german warm and the Waldorf, all my favourites and all in one place.
The story of your home is sweet. And, Hammocks, oh my, a true joy.
I have run away to the West Coast twice and end up back on the far East coast of Canada; Newfoundland. The description of that land brings back memories of loveliness and ease. Heavy sigh. Thanks
33 Tom // Dec 30, 2011 at 4:02 am
Hi Allison, thanks for the kind words and visit, and here’s to your beautiful part of the world!
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