Also, no mosquitos! I can't express how different it is to not be assaulted by mosquitos and humidity. I've found that there are a lot of reasons why folks in this part of the country love nature so much. It's not as cruel to basic activities as it is most elsewhere.
A quick Summer Summation:
Vancouver and Chilliwack, BC - by automobile
Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival - by automobile
Portland, OR - by train
Bainbridge island - by ferry/automobile
Solstice parade - by bus
Our vegetables:
Squash - Not gonna try again next year. Every year, powdery mildew decimates them
Green Beans - These did fantastic! We will definitely do them again next season
Raspberries and Strawberries - strangley not as many as last year. We jammed them again with an agave-sweetened freezer jam recipe
Hops - The rhyzomes I' planted from last year did not grow anything this year. I will start from scratch next season
In the works for the upcoming season(s):
Cabbage, Kale, Brussel Sprouts - First time, we'll see how these work for Fall and winter crops.