Pia The Peacemaker

Another day, another troll. The winter's day was sunny but cold. Pia the Peacemaker didn't not disappoint. 

Since we had driven all the way up to Bainbridge, we decided to check out a few of the other sites. We visited the Halls Hill Labyrinth and Lookout. Not a labyrinth the way I was thinking, but I really liked the idea of a meditative walk along the paths.

We also discovered some spectacular views of Seattle which explains the cost of living on Bainbridge Island.

We also found the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Particularly apt given recent events.

This was my last troll so I guess I will need to find another mini bucket list for our adventures.

More Troll Adventures

Well, hello there Frankie Footsplinters! This jolly wooden troll is the only one hanging out in a more urban environment as he stands (aptly) right out side the National Nordic Museum. 

Since we had made the trek all the way up to Ballard to see him, we decided that we might as well check out the museum. It was interesting and, at times, a surreal experience. At least I can now say that I have seen shoes made out of fish "skins".

Another bucket list item for me was a visit to the Central branch of the Seattle Public Library. After a stop at Starbucks (as one does in Seattle) we visited this incredible building.

I had heard about the floor that was all red. I think it is supposed to symbolize the heart of the library. Another surreal experience.

And then it was time to head home and make sure all the minions were still alive. (They are.)

New Year's Day Hike v7.0

Jason and I welcomed in 2025 with a trip up to West Seattle to enjoy a walk along the Sound and to see Bruun Idun. 

This troll plays a lovely flute.

I also took advantage to use one of my Christmas presents and check out the feature of taking pictures with it. 

Hang on to your hats folks, this year is sure to be, um, interesting.

Vashon Island and Oscar the Bird King

Today I marked another troll off the list. I have visited Ole Bolle, Jakob Two Trees, and now Oscar the Bird King. Since Oscar lives on Vashon Island, it made sense to make a day out of it. Jason and I brought Isaac with us for some sun and adventure (and to prevent the nonstop fighting guaranteed to happen with the three boys home for the day). We started off waiting in line for ferry in Tacoma. We had a bit of a wait, so Isaac and I took a short walk over to the "chutes and ladders" section of Point Defiance park. Crazy amount of stairs, but a lovely view at the top. 

Isaac discovered that having his fleece under him increased his sliding speed significantly.

Having kept him occupied during the wait, we were all still in good spirits for the ferry ride over to Vashon. 

Our first stop on the island was Oscar. He did not disappoint. Child seen below to give you an idea of the troll's size. 

Oscar had these eyes that seemed to follow you wherever you went. I think these trolls are so charming.

Below is the only evidence I have that Jason was with us for the day.

This park included a path down to the water and a lighthouse.

Not so much interested in the lighthouse, Isaac enjoyed the strong winds coming off the water and playing in/around the driftwood structures on the beach.

Other interesting discoveries on the island include this example of how big the Democratic tent is.

And the alley of doors. This is a fence behind a house on the island and the owner decided to get really creative when it came time to repair his fence.

Two of our favorites: Isaac and the Harry Potter door (his hand is next to the letter sent to Harry's house inviting him to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry).

Me and my favorite (or should that be favourite?) police box.

Then we took the ferry back to Tacoma and settled in for a drive home. Not a bad adventure for a Saturday!

Ole Bolle in Portland

After the conference I popped in on my second troll: Ole Bolle. It was raining so I had the place to myself.

Good thing he is cute, because the traffic heading home at that point was horrendous!

Troll Hunting: Jakob Two Trees

What better way to send Rachel off back east than with some troll hunting? Her U-Haul box is packed and locked, ready to be picked up for the long trip. With all of that stress behind her, Isaac and I took her on an adventure where we met Jakob. He is a Thomas Dambo project constructed out of recycled materials. There are 6 of them in the Pacific Northwest so 1 down, 5 to go.

He is not a small troll and the details are super fun with a birdhouse necklace and arms grabbing the trees.

A close up pic of my troll hunting buddies.

And along the drive up we had to make a short stop for pictures at the Poo Poo Point Trailhead because...poopoo.