…by Theresa Crater
A couple of years ago I reconnected with two long-lost bosom buddies from those rollicking high school days of oh, so long ago. It is hard to imagine how such close friendships could have faded away over the years, but somehow career, family and relocations brought an end to ours… until Facebook stepped in to help, that is.
I had reluctantly joined the social network I’d heard so much about for the sole reason of viewing family photos—but now I’m a true believer. The “techie” in our group rounded us up through Facebook, which gave these “forever friends” a second chance.
I found myself to be a little nervous before our first meeting after decades apart, but no sooner did we set eyes on each other than the air was filled with cries of delight. We had a lot of catching up to do. A familiar banter soon returned and we found ourselves laughing to the point of tears as we recalled the antics we survived in high school and beyond. The closeness of girlhood bonds is difficult to replicate in adulthood, and that unique connection sparked easily to life again.
We all still live in the Northwest, though each in a far corner of the Puget Sound area. But not so distant that we can’t have lunch every couple of months. Still, each time we lingered over meals and said our slow goodbyes, there was still so much to talk about. Finally, one of us suggested, why not take a trip together? Great idea! Since each of us had attended Western Washington University in Bellingham and we also had ties to nearby Samish Island, we planned a single trip to both locations.
First stop: Quaint, picturesque Samish Island, a driveup island in Skagit Valley with a lazy, quintessential beach-vacation quality. We stayed at the Stone Cottage, a fairy tale of a place that looks out over the bay and San Juan Islands. It has been lovingly restored yet retains a perfect, rustic charm. Although it has a fully equipped kitchen, we found ourselves traveling twice a day the short distance to Edison, a tiny jewel of a town that has an unbelievably extensive array of mouth-watering eateries. During our numerous walks, we found ourselves lingering in front of the Stone Cottage’s sister establishment, the equally wonderful Beach House. We agreed that should we come back with our husbands, The Beach House (which sleeps two), would offer the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
Then we were off along scenic Chuckanut Drive to Bellingham. Where to stay while there? It was a no-brainer. We chose the historic Fairhaven Village Inn, located in the heart of Fairhaven, Bellingham’s ultra charming neighborhood. It was interesting to learn that the Fairhaven Village Inn is also a favorite of groups visiting from retirement communities—its location combined with historic charm and all the comforts of today (along with a great breakfast!) makes it a popular destination.
We toured our alma mater; we talked; we laughed. We toasted our irreplaceable friendship, and finally, FINALLY had enough time to truly catch up.
MORE INFORMATION
- The Stone Cottage, Samish Island, 360-757-8771, www.samishislandgetaways.com/stonecottage.html
- The Beach House, Samish Island, 503-895-7620, www.samishislandgetaways.com/beachhouse.html
- Fairhaven Village Inn , 1200 10th Street, Bellingham, WA, 1-877-733-1100, http://fairhavenvillageinn.com
- Curious about Facebook.com or Classmates.com? Try it, you might like it!
This article first appeared in the September 2010 issue of Northwest Prime Time, the Puget Sound region’s monthly publication celebrating life after 50. For more information, visit www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com
