Our Journey back to the Pacific Northwest.

This is just a post to get some pics out there.   The purpose of this blog is create a record of our journey from Colorado back to Washington State.   We've been in Colorado for the last 7 years and have had some amazing experiences here.  We love the weather, the outdoor activities, the scenery, etc.   In our hearts though we always dream of being back in the Pacific Northwest where we spent our twenties and most of our thirties.   We came to the conclusion "Why Wait", as we all know you only live once.

So here it is!!!  The first entry and the start of our trip back.

After weighing our options, we've decided to relocate to Anacortes, Washington.

You may be asking yourself "Why Anacortes?"     We came up with a small town criteria. It had to feel like a small town, not part of some highway sprawl, or connected to other small towns, i.e.  Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro Wooley, etc.   Anacortes has it's own identity.

View to the West from Cap Sante Park.

View of Campbell Lake and Whidbey Island from the top of Mount Erie.

Next being close to the water was key.   Anacortes is on an island, so it's surrounded by the stuff, and the island has 8 lakes.

Outdoor Activities was really high on the list.  Anacortes has over 67 miles of trails set aside in the Anacortes Forest Lands.  Great for Mountain Biking and Hiking. Awesome water access for kayaking too, oh and did I mention the Ferry dock is there that goes to the San Juan Islands.

Mount Baker

Being close to a major airport was another concern.  90 minutes to SeaTac or Vancouver airport.  We can still go places easily and have access to two great metropolitan areas.   Close to other amenities too.  Your big box stores, etc are only 20-30 minutes away in Burlington.

Young Madrona trees

After settling that part, we went about trying to find a place to live.  We saw some houses that we thought were doable, but in the end decided we could really get what we want if we built our own house.  So we bought a lot in the Skyline neighborhood and plan to begin construction in 2015.  That is really what this blog is about.  Our journey back, and the construction process of our new home.

Our patch of dirt in Anacortes

Looking South from the top

Here are the before pictures.

Salmon Cakes

I've been making salmon cakes for years using an older Cooks Illustrated recipe.  I really loved them, they were incredible.  The other night I was watching a newer episode and saw them make a version that appeared to be much simpler and faster.  Well tonight I unthawed some of the wild Alaskan Salmon I caught in the Russian River last Summer, and gave it a try.     Needless to say I don't think I'll be using the old recipe anytime soon.

Here's how it's done.

In a bowl mix the following:
3Tbsp Panko
1 lemon juiced
2 tsp dried parsely
1 tsp dried thyme (heaping)
2 Tbsp Mayo
1 tsp Dijon or Stone ground Mustard
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne
3 garlic cloves minced
1 shallot minced ( I put this in the mini chopper with the garlic to save my eyes from watering )

Now for the fish:
skin about a pound of salmon, chop it into one inch cubes, throw it in two batches in the food processor, pulse about 5-8 times for one second.   Shouldn't be mush, but close to ground beef consistency.

Finish it up:
Throw the salmon in the bowl.   Mix thoroughly.   Pack it into a 1/3 cup, whack it a few times to get it to fall out onto a baking sheet, repeat until out of salmon mix.   Roll each cake in some panko.   Heat some oil in a pan.   Cook about 4 minutes a side with the cover on until crispy on each side and about 130 degrees in the middle.  Serve!!   I usually whip up a simply tartar sauce to put on top.