Sequim, pronounced SKWIM, a small community of about 4,200 folks, is located on a plateau which extends to the water's edge at the Straits of Juan de Fuca, in Northwestern Washington State.

To the south this plain rises to become the foothills of the Olympic Mountain range. This northernmost plateau offers several gateways into the majestic Olympic National Park , featuring one of America's temperate rainforests, all mossy and wild and wet, toward the Pacific coast. Canada's Vancouver Island, with it's dominant city of Victoria, lies north across the Straits ninety minutes away by ferry, and on clear days we can see it.

the Sequim Irrigation festival 2003 celebrates the Dungeness Valley's reclamation from dry prairie to farmland. The first irrigation ditches were constructed over 100 years ago, in 1896. The first celebration was at that first "grand-opening" of the headgate as the waters' raced down the flume hand -dug during the previous winter.
There's an old-fashioned country fair atmosphere to this May 5-14th celebration.

Recreational Boaters will enjoy the Dungeness Bay and the John Wayne Marina - the land for the marina donated by the family of the Duke. He really enjoyed his visits to the Bay.

In July Sequim celebrates a Lavender festival! Yes, I have some growing in my backyard already!!! my favorite fragrant herb. mmmm! I wish I could e-mail a sprig to y'all. Dd you know there are 25 different varieties of lavender? And that Sequim is a true center for lavender growers in this country?

And in the stores are many garden basket gifts just waiting to be taken home.

and there's Nash's Organic Farm out the Dungeness Road among the many local farms here in Sequim and two local wineries. I can see many webpage excursions coming up as I become familiar with my new hometown in the coming years.

Our visitors today included a frog, in a flower tub on the deck, and these ducks who wandered our way from the little pond in back of the neighbor's house. We also have a visiting cat - a tuxedo cat with white spats - who has come a-calling on our 3 spayed females... our felines show only mild curiosity.

On The Sequim area Calendar for April:

• Sequim has a First Friday Gallerywalk downtown, with artist receptions at the Blue Whole Gallery and Lin McJunkin Glass Gallery


• The Irrigation Festival draws nearer each week - preparations everywhere.


• Travelers' Journal - this Thursday , at the Sequim Middle School cafeteria another in the series of travelogue by real people - .


• The Agnew Helpful Neighbors Club will hold their annual garage sale Saturday , featuring tables inside the building and tailgaters outside. 9-3... watch out for the early birds. Old Oly and North Barr Rd.


• The Strait Men Chorus and the Sweet Adelines, along with several chapter quartets, will present their annual show in the Port Angeles High School Auditorium. They rehearse in the Sequim Middle School music room every Tuesday at 6:30 and those who wish are invited to join them for voice placement.


• Entry Aplications for a place in the Irrigation Festival parade are due by April's end. Apps are available at Olympic Game Farm or Olympic Bank.


• A plant Sale will be held April 24th in the Pioneer Memorial Park clubhouse - sponsored by the Sequim Prairie Garden Club, from 9 - 1.

© Helen Hille and deebrrs, 2004
Last updated March 27, 2004