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Kessi World

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Olympic Peninsula

Where to stay to connect with the land in the Pacific Northwest

March 17, 2024 by Matthew

The inside of an eclectic lodge in the Pacific Northwest shows the morning after, with the plaid bed sheets ruffled and two pillows strewn about the bed. The window has a green border and blinds and there is a poster that reads Olympic National Park.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I grew up with a keen sense of my Irish heritage, where it wasn't a suggestion to wear green on March 17th but a requirement. And as I've traveled to the old sod many times over the years, I appreciate the connection kept alive between us in the "new world" and those who remained to keep the home fires burning.  My ​Zoom-guided … [Read more...] about Where to stay to connect with the land in the Pacific Northwest

ShiShi Beach Trail photo meditation

August 31, 2023 by Matthew

ShiShi Beach trail at low tide with barnacle clad glacier rocks exposed. They are surrounded by low tide pools while more dramatic rock stacks rise up in the distance under gray skies.

I hopped in my car this week and drove to the Olympic Peninsula. While I love living in the Emerald City, sometimes it's healing and powerful to make a clean break away from the hustle and bustle represented by the sea of highrises towering over the Space Needle.  My destination was the Makah (Ma - caw) Indian Reservation, on the very tip of the Peninsula. The current … [Read more...] about ShiShi Beach Trail photo meditation

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

25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

May 8, 2023 by Matthew

The Frenchglen hotel lights up the night with several windows shining bright as the stars in the sky above push out their light too. There are many cars parked in the front of the hotel, which is hidden under the brushy popular and cottonwood trees.

Some people consider lodging simple utility in a journey, but not me. The location, the spirit (or vibe), and access to nature are crucial to creating an inviting setting to unplug, unwind, and be open to new experiences -- with yourself, loved ones, and the land. Watching all the paid advertising when searching for Oregon and Washington hotels can be challenging. I've … [Read more...] about 25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

Quinault Loop Trail — nature’s magic in an Olympic Peninsula rainforest

July 27, 2022 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi gazes up at a giant hemlock tree on the Quinault Loop Trail near Olympic National Park. The roots of the giant tree trickle down the dirt path toward another thick tree and the forest foliage is alive with shades of green and various textures.

Are you looking to get away to a magical place, where old growth douglas fir tower above canyons flowing with alpine water?  Is time limited on an epic journey around the Olympic Peninsula?  Do you want access to pristine nature just steps away from a cozy lodge?  If the answer is yes to any (or all) of these questions, head for the (Lake) Quinault Loop Trail in … [Read more...] about Quinault Loop Trail — nature’s magic in an Olympic Peninsula rainforest

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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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