EPISODE 003 - "Invitations"

A Few Other Things it Might be Nice to Know

LODGING

Ovanelle's Heritage Inn

Luna has a thing about this ranch. She really likes the main house where you check in and she loves that they are still a family run business after all these years. The ranch is still functional. We buy our steak and fat for tallow here.  
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(It might be a little booked up, we didn't realize the weekend of our wedding is also some kind of Canadian Thanksgiving.)

Airbnb

There are a lot of places available on Airbnb. Just avoid anything that claims to be glamping or RV camping. And double check the address. Some of the listings claim to be "Concrete" but they're actually in Lyman or Hamilton, ~ 30 minutes away,

Rockport is the closest town to us. Marblemount is also close, but deeper into the boonies.

Rasar State Park

Camping may sound a little rough, but the park is nice and there are showers for campers if you're feeling adventurous. We're happy to lend our tent, sleeping pads and sleeping bags if it helps.

This park usually has cabins you can reserve. The cabins look booked for right now, but if you're interested, check back for cancellations. (Again, Canadian Thanksgiving?!?)

Downriver Hotels

If you're not comfortable staying so remotely, or if you're stressing trying to find something affordable upriver, there is a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot, ~ 50 minutes away in Burlington.

There is also a smaller non-chain hotel, ~35 minutes away in Sedro-Woolley called Three Rivers Inn - this is probably the least-expensive hotel room option.

TRAVEL

Getting To Concrete

We're located about 8 miles east of Concrete proper. If you click the link above, google will give you directions to "Public Fishing" which is the second best thing to our actual address. For our address go to wedding details!

The two closest big airports are Bellingham International (BLI), and Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) *((most common)).

If you're struggling with flights you might also try Boeing's Paine Field (PAE) in Everett.

Whether you take the 5  south from Bellingham or the 405/5 north from Seattle, you'll eventually come to the City of Sedro Woolley to join SR-20 and head east. This is usually where you can find the cheapest gas for a while.

**If you don't care for pit stops and you're coming from Seattle, Take the  Mountain Loop Highway (HWY 530). You'll get off 1-5 at exit 208 in Arlington and take 530 all the way to Rockport for the most beautiful winding scenic route through Oso and Darrington.

Transportation Tips

It's probably easiest to rent a car from the airport. We recommend getting a gas powered car if you have a choice, because electric vehicle driving can be a twee bit of a hassle in this area.
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If renting a car is standing between you and coming to our wedding - Text one of us. We can figure out a way to get you to and from the airport.

Weather & Dress

Libra Season in Concrete is the start of Autumn! The sun still shines brightly, but the air is crisp and cool. Usually mid/high 60s in the day with definite sweater weather at night. The daylight starts fading around 5:30. Rain is always a possibility.
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Light layers are great with a jacket or sweater. Good idea to pack some warm socks, close-toed shoes, and a beanie or hat of some kind.

Our ceremony will be outside. We'll have a tent and a bonfire, but the ground  can be rocky and hilly in places so  avoid the strappy sandals and stilleto heels!

Pit Stops and Snacks

If you're coming from
SEA-TAC...

PCC - Bothell is right off the 405 and it has decent  bathrooms. With a plentiful, and delicious salad bar, hot-food bar, pizza bar, alternative snacks, beverages, and bakery treats --It's well worth the 8 or so minute detour.

If you take the 5 all the way north, PCC - Edmonds is about a 15-20 minute detour. But same thing... it really is the best stop for all things till you get to Mt. Vernon.

The Skagit Valley Food Co-op in Mt Vernon is the LAST clean, alternative, local-source, fair-trade focused, non-chain grocery store on your way here. (Caitlin... I see your face!!)
It's less than 5 minutes from I-5 and they have a great cafe. Stop here for a taste of downtown Mt. Vernon and the spirit of the Skagit Valley Community. Best stop for anything you need from a freshly blended smoothie to natural toothpaste

THINGS TO DO

Drive East

This early in the season, the pass is still open and it makes for a fun day trip to hit the road heading east.

SR-20 will take you around Seattle City Light's dams,  through the town of New Halem, through North Cascades National Park, and across to towns like Mazama, Twisp, and the Old-West themed, tchotchke-rich town of Winthrop.

Whale Watching

90 minutes west on SR-20 will take you to Anacortes where you can catch a whale watching tour.

Anacortes will also be your hub if you want to catch a ferry to any of the San Juan Islands or Vancouver Island, where the cities of Nanaimo, Victoria, and the world renowned Busch Art Gardens are located.

Hikes & Parks

Our local name sake, Sauk Mt., is closeby for a moderate-level hike with beautiful views.
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For quickie loop trails (and to see what Jack does all day), visit Rockport State Park's 600 year-old growth forest and say hello to Grandmother Cedar.
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Cascade Pass Hike in North Cascades National Park might reward you with a billy goat sighting, weather depending.

*All state parks require a visitor pass or a day pass. And National parks require an entry fee unless you have an America The Beautiful pass.

Islands and Cities

An hour away, Bellingham is our closest big city and you'll find the usu. big city things to do there.
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It's about a 90 minute drive north to Vancouver, B.C., Canada. If you go this way, check out The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

You can take a ferry from Anacortes to any of the San Juan Islands for hiking, biking, antiquing, more state parks, and historic monuments.