Camano Island State Park - Camping

My family and I went to Camano Island State Park for an overnight camping trip on Saturday - Sunday.  The park is pretty popular.  Most of all the campgrounds are in a wooded setting.  None of them have direct access to the beach.  However the beach is very close and is in walking distance.  The camp currently is having a shortage of water.  I recommend bringing 5 gallons from home plus some for drinking.  The water tastes bad.  Expect some noise,  think of this park of a place to drink with your pals or a quick trip out of town.  If you want the feeling of getting away from it all, go some place else.  There is a large field for games and flushing toilet.  Also showers are available. At the time I visited a wood bundle was $7 and kindling was $3. Even if at the park entrance the sign says "Park Full" I recommend going and talking to the camp host.  She/he may know of a few sites that are leaving that day.  Cost of a single site is $22 with one car.
The beach it self is rocky and perfect for a picnic or kite flying and has almost no shade.  The water is calm enough to let the little ones slash and play on toys.


http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Camano%20Island

Things I like:

• Very close
• There is a beach
• Flushing Toilets
• Fire rings and tables
• You can take your dogs

Things that need improvement:

• Water supply

BARK Espresso Seattle, Wa

BARK Espresso is one of my favorite places to visit while I am in Northgate visiting my acupuncturist.  Who is right next door to them. This coffee house is split into two hang outs.  One for humans and one for humans and their doggies.  It is attached to Great Dog (grooming, daycare, obedience, shop and adventure time for our pets).  BARK serves Caffe Vita espresso. The day I visited I had a decaf americano and a squash bread with pumpkin seeds.  The coffee was plenty strong and tasty.  My squash bread was lovely also.  One of the things I like about BARK is that there is a comfy couch. Something missing in some coffee houses.  I love to kick back and enjoy my coffee and play words with friends and be left alone.  I can do that at Bark.  Service is always friendly and quick.  I never have to wait in line for my coffee.  I asked the barista what made BARK special and her response was, We always display local art that is pet related and we serve a doggie latte to our 4 legged friends who come in.  The doggie latte is made from peanut butter and soy milk and served gently warmed.

The last trip I made to BARK, I visited the doggie side.  I found it to be equialy cozy with a faux leather couch and lots of tables and chairs.  On the doggie side you go to a ordering window to get your drinks.

Things I love:

• Doggies are welcome
• Lunch is available
• Lovely baked goods
• There are Gluten free items on the menu
• Cozy and quiet
• Easy Parking
• They take cards and do not charge you an extra fee to do so
• Wifi with purchase of a drink or food

Things I would like to see:

• More people and doggies to visit BARK

Check out my pictures of BARK on photobucket
http://s1172.photobucket.com/albums/r576/cvankeu1977/BARK%20Espresso/

BARK Espresso
Hours: Monday 7am to 4pm
Tuesday-Friday 7am to 5:30pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 9am to 3pm

Address: 11335 Roosevelt Way NE
               Seattle, Wa 98125

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail

Bridge at the end of Langus, this
is also where you enter Spencer Island

Langus Riverfront park is located just north of Everett on Smith Island.  If you start your walk at the beginning near the Animal Shelter and you walk to the bridge its about 3 miles.  You can walk, bike, ride your scooter, walk the dog (on leash of course) or Rollerblade on the trail.  The path is wide enough to let the little ones ride there bikes and feel safe doing so! It is all paved.  The views are of the river and wetlands.  On our trip we saw Coots, King Fishers, Ducks, Swallows and Herons. A bird watchers paradise.   This is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.  There is lots of parking and bathrooms available.  Also there is a picnic shelter and a boat launch.  The Launch fee is $5. Payable by cash or check in the drop box.  This park and trail is a fabulous place for people of all ages.
Over all this park is a fantastic place for family.

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail is open from 6am to dusk


Thinks I like:

• Kids can ride their scooters or bikes while the parents talk
• Dog friendly
• Doggie bags are available
• Trailer parking
• Wildlife viewing

Things I would like to see:

• Dog owners picking up after their dogs

Zippy's Java Lounge in Everett, Wa

So I had to re-review this place because I gave it a bad review on city search before when the place was on Hewitt Ave. The owner has really turned this place around and I love it!

To me Zippy's is reminiscent of the coffee houses in Portland, Or. This place is cozy, homey, and cool. They offer lunch items, breakfast items, coffee drinks, smoothies, pastries, loose leaf tea and vegetarian options. Oh and a Dalmatian (Zippy ).

Today I had Pea and Garlic soup with grilled focaccia bread with a herbal tea. I spent about $6 on every thing. The soup was made in-house and it was outstanding! Lightly spicy and slightly Thai flavored. The owner brought out the soup and tea for me. She was very sweet and chatted politely with all her customers with out being too friendly.

What I liked:

• The vintage couches to chill out on.
• The fact Zippy's composts.
• Live Music.
• Various groups who meet at Zippy's (knitting, book club, and many more).
• WiFi.
• Laid back and cozy atmosphere.
• Focus on community and Environment.
• Zippy ( the doggie who like to visit with the customers).
• Supports local artist and suppliers.
• The community feel of Zippy's.

What I would like to see:

• I would change nothing!

http://www.zippysjava.com/

hours:
Mon: Closed
Tues-Wed: 8am-5pm
Thurs: 8am-9pm
Fri: 8am-7pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm

location:
2811 Wetmore, Everett

425-258-4940