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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Destinations

Lake Crescent Lodge — let the soul float in nature’s magic

July 17, 2023 by Matthew

Two brown rocking chairs sit peacefully on a small entry porch outside a cabin at Lake Crescent Lodge. Three large fronds of Sword Fern rise up to the deck as a hanging begonia pot clings to the rafter. The double hung windows reflect the hundred year old charm of this cabin.

The blue depths of Lake Crescent cleanse the soul. The lake that formed millions of years ago as glaciers sliced through the terrain continues to inspire the freedom to wander -- in mind, body, and spirit. Fir trees cascade from steep peaks to the gravelly banks that welcome the slow laps of pristine glacial melt-off. The 12-mile-long lake is perhaps the flagship welcome … [Read more...] about Lake Crescent Lodge — let the soul float in nature’s magic

Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

July 6, 2022 by Matthew

The impressive view of Lake Quinault Lodge shows the cedar shake siding and green shutters contrasting with the blue sky above.

Are you looking for a place where you can get away from it all -- while still being within a reasonable drive from the population centers around Seattle and Portland? Does the thought of waterlogged goodness inside a temperate Washington State rainforest wonderland open your heart a little wider? Lake Quinault Lodge, in the Olympic National Forest, awaits to fulfill your … [Read more...] about Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour

November 10, 2021 by Matthew

View of a briskly flowing creek near the Staircase entrance to Olympic National Park. Snow is falling and the fir and deciduous trees have accumulated snow as well as the rocks in the creek.

This is an updated version of an article originally published January, 2020. Washington State is a diverse land with topography ranging from high desert to fierce waves crashing against soft agate beaches. In the northwest corner of the state is the majestic and remote feeling Olympic Peninsula. Often dubbed the rainiest place in the United States, this area is home to the … [Read more...] about Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour

23 interesting things to do in Port Townsend, Washington

August 18, 2021 by Matthew

An ornate victorian era building inspires thinking about bygone eras of the seaport town of Port Townsend, Washington. There are so many things to do here, like glance up at this blue and white painted building.

A historic harbor exists in a place where the tidal sways of the Salish Sea wash daily to fold into the powerful Pacific Ocean. They meet along the Strait of Juan de Fuca -- separating the United States and Canada by 12 miles. Here, it seems that all the elements unite to create a balanced ecosystem, complete with proud cedar and fir trees leading to the pebbly shores. Just … [Read more...] about 23 interesting things to do in Port Townsend, Washington

John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

August 4, 2021 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi poses for a photo at the overlook to the Blue Basin in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The canyons are a variety of blue and green colors and continue up to grass covered slopes leading to pointed peaks. There are endless canyons in the background that flow to partly cloudy skies. Matthew is wearing a red shirt and green shorts and a backpack and blue hat. He looks sweaty, as if he is hiking.

Oregon is famous for natural diversity and Central Oregon hosts something for just about everyone. The famous variety of attractions cater perfectly to outdoor enthusiasts of all octane levels. Often overlooked is the other-worldly wonderland of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the fascinating drive that offers an up-close and personal connection to this colorful, … [Read more...] about John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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