Visits to cemeteries and wineries in these COVID times | Ned Luce

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We just keep on driving like we had nothing better to do. 

This week I will tell you about some driving we did as well as some folks who clearly had a special destination in mind, actually several of them.

Last Friday afternoon we gave our friends Ramsey and Anne Smith a ride to a hotel near SeaTac. They were spending the night there before flying to Louisiana the next day to spend the winter near family. 

It was a nice day, so I convinced the others to take the scenic route via the Bainbridge Island ferry. As it turns out we ended up in the Winslow parking lot for 45 minutes behind an adventurous couple in a 1971 lime green Porsche 911. 

Having some history with the brand I struck up a conversation with them, focusing on our common interest. 

It turns out they are the original owners of the car and plan to get another one next year, a 2021. Something about the 50 years between cars. 

Given their long-term retirement, the pandemic and the nice weather, they had just completed their 16th picnic in Puget Sound cemeteries. They were making their way back to home in Seattle from a cemetery in Quilcene. 

Why not, they say, the locations are quiet, full of history and social distancing is a non-issue given the minimum 6-feet requirement. You do understand that all the inhabitants are “six feet under.” 

As it turns out these folks have known Port Ludlow locals John and Beth Weaver for many years as John was their financial advisor and Beth was a patient of the woman who was a dentist in Seattle. These folks were delightful entertainment whilst waiting in line. 

My need for some Pacific Northwest scenery from the ferry was not met as the haze hurt the view and we had to stay in our car unless there was an emergency, like a potty stop. 

On Saturday we were hoping for a nice day for yet another driving adventure as we needed to head out to Port Angeles to pick up some wine at the Camaraderie Winery. 

BJ also noted that the Porsche Club had sent along some suggested individual rally routes for the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Unfortunately, I was not as keen on doing a rally as she was given the miles I have already put on my backside the past couple of weeks plus the ubiquitous fog. (Reminder: week before last we went to Hood River and back, a trip with its own adventures.) 

So we quietly headed for Port Angeles. 

When we arrived, sensing her need for a little pandemic escape I talked BJ into sitting and doing a little tasting with the 15 other folks enjoying the warm fire and wine.

Unfortunately my enthusiasm while sharing the written description of the wine with BJ caused a glass to fall to the brick floor and permanently stain BJ’s pants. 

She and the other folks enjoyed giving me trouble about my physical skills and bad manners. The good news is that I got another “tasting” glass!

So, the advice this week is stay out of wineries and head for the cemeteries. The residents don’t give you as much trouble and they may appreciate anything you spill.

Love a curmudgeon, wear your mask, test negative and stay positive!

(Ned Luce is a retired IBM executive who lives in Port Ludlow. If you’re in his company and he raises a glass to you, make sure you have on PPE, i.e. pants protecting equipment.)