The last time I went to the Bloedel Reserve was 15 years ago, with a P-I friend. It was pretty, but time, it became painfully clear that little boys are not the target demographic. All the ADA parking spots and ADA restrooms were kind of a giveaway. The boys were politely bored out of their minds, though we did see this huge owl up close, in the middle of the day!

The Bloedel family made their fortune as timber barons. It was $20 a pop to go in and gawk at the excesses of the rich. The mansion in the photos was their SUMMER house. I have a summer home too, only I live in it year-round.

My story about Bainbridge Island, off the beaten path, is in The Seattle Times here.