Susan here -
It's 11:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. our time, and we are settling into bed in Port Townsend, thankfully. We are staying at a Victorian house owned by the Girl Scouts in Port Townsend, a really quaint Victorian town on the Olympic Peninsula.
The girls have already posted on last couple of days, so the only thing I will add is that the Hostel dinner was just amazing! The hosts at the hostel were really friendly and helpful. They had an enormous kitchen and dining room area, with lots of guests in there all the time preparing meals, eating, and hanging out. The guests range in age from late teens to retired age, and all were so curious about our group and friendly to them.
The girls decorated tables with tablecloths and handmade placemats and balloons and crepe paper and lots of flowers, and had favors of Savannah taffy and pictures of the group. We were afraid no one would show up for dinner, because at 11:30 a.m. there was only one person brave enough to sign up. The goal was for the girls to meet people traveling from all over the world and learn about their lives and culture, and how and where they were traveling. You would have been so proud of the girls; we ran late coming in from Pike Place Market and ended up only having about 75 minutes to prepare dinner for about 30 - people ended up signing up at the last minute, and more drifted in.
The girls worked together really quickly and well. Sophie was in charge of the meal, and did a great job orchestrating it. Emma welcomed the guests and explained why we were there, and everyone sat down to eat near a Girl Scout. It was like magic - the room was full of smiles and laughter and excited talking, and everyone was having such a good time getting to know each other! Two hours after they sat down to eat, everyone was still there, talking and enjoying the meal and the visit, and the meal didn't break up for 2 1/2 hours. We had giant maps on the wall that people marked with their names and homes, and there was people from all over the world at the hostel. The girls were so energized after the meal, just chattering about all of the conversations they were able to have. it was one of those golden times.
Parents, the girls are getting along really well, and are just a delight! You know me; I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. We are all still tired and jet lagged, but doing okay.
Carla Abrams, a Girl Scout volunteer from Western Washington, provided bedding and pillows and pads for us tonight, and even left a huge plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies for us. We are moved by all of the kindness we have received!
We are off to Hurricane Ridge tomorrow, and we have heard there is 1 1/2 feet of snow there!
