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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Day Trip

Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

September 8, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful view of Spirit Lake, Washington from the Windy Ridge Viewpoint. In the foreground is decomposing stump on a hill with golden grass amongst ash from Mount St. Helens. The lake is vast and blue in the background.

Mount St. Helens is a captivating area of the Pacific Northwest, combining the volcanic mystique of the famous 1980 eruption with uplifting examples of Mother Nature’s regenerative ability. She also happens to be located directly East of the only major North/South roadway in the Pacific Northwest, conveniently between Seattle and Portland.  There are many ways to enjoy … [Read more...] about Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

8 of the best things to do on Whidbey Island

July 7, 2021 by Matthew

The Coupeville Wharf is a fun thing to do on Whidbey Island. The red wood building is entirely over the water on a dock while a few boats are tied to the pier. In the foreground is a curved metal lamp with a light bulb coming from the fixture. There are a number of seagulls sitting on the point of the wooden roof. The sunset is casting a pinkish yellow glow on the hills in the background.

In the heart of the magical Salish Sea lies an island steeped in rich history. Growing up in Oregon, I didn’t know much about Whidbey Island until my friend Jerry showed me photos of a visit to friends living in a tiny farmhouse amidst a flowing field of overgrown greens — sporadic flowers pushing their way through the noise to reach the sun. Since then, I’ve always had a rich … [Read more...] about 8 of the best things to do on Whidbey Island

Day trips from Seattle — 16 of the best getaways

July 1, 2021 by Matthew

Big Four Mountain commands this landscape photo with patches of snow amongst fir forests and a mowed meadow in the foreground.

Early morning day trips from Seattle can be the perfect salve to the soul. The stress of traffic is lulled away with the aspirations of exploring and experiencing all the magic the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Even thirty minutes into the voyage, the ratio of concrete to green vastly adjusts to fir trees and roadside patches of local shrubs. With a little more time, open … [Read more...] about Day trips from Seattle — 16 of the best getaways

La Conner, Washington — the best of Skagit Valley

May 26, 2021 by Matthew

An hour north of the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington, lies the bucolic Skagit Valley, where Mt. Baker and the North Cascade Mountains keep command of the scenery and quaint red barns and farm stands offer fruit and local honey. While more visible towns like Mount Vernon and Burlington, WA, enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the steady vehicles of commerce along I5, … [Read more...] about La Conner, Washington — the best of Skagit Valley

7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

May 12, 2021 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi deplanes from his Alaska Airlines flight after using frequent flyer miles to fly to Redmond/Bend Airport for a quick getaway. He's wearing a face mask and carrying a backpack.

The pandemic has been pretty good to mileage balances with airline plans, especially if you use a loyalty credit card and have still been spending money on Amazon during the pandemic. While it might still be too soon to cash in six figures of points — and many exotic locations are still not available — there are several ways to whet your travel appetite and gently dip your toes … [Read more...] about 7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

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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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