Sometimes its not how far you get away... but how far you go.

The picture above of the Olympic Mountain range shrouded in a heavy blanket of wildfire smoke from Washington, Oregon and California was taken this week. In the blink of an eye, we have been thrown yet another curve ball. The only thing you know you better not ask is – "can it get any worse?" Don't even.

This Fjord celebrates the resilience and determination of our communities. Beneath that shroud of uncertainty (and smoke) a theme has emerged. The dialogue goes something like this. Shelton resident, Dawn Myers, decides to fill a truck with supplies for WA fire victims and posts it on Facebook. Myer reports, "we planned for three trucks to go and ended up with eight and a donated trailer." Within 5 days of the idea, in all 24 volunteers made the 550+ mile round trip to Eastern Washington.

It's not unusual for hard times to reveal that most are selfless and innovative. Inspired beyond their own comforts, they help neighbors and come up with creative solutions to overcome crushing obstacles.

A local couple during this time of social distancing has been inspired to chronicle themed family dinners. They bravely dress up in household items (and amazingly well too) and cook food that matches – like giant ribs for the Lord of the Rings night. But mostly it's their expressions that delight in the evening photo journal. Faces shine brightly with strength and solidarity. We certainly aren't getting away from this any time soon but it gives you goosebumps to see those that "go" the added mile to make a difference in their family, community, and business.

In the fall issue of Tracing the Fjord you won't find an event schedule, but you will find businesses that have pivoted in challenging times with new products or strategies to survive; communities that have rallied together to help each other; and inspiration to enjoy our beautiful and unique area with our families. Take a hike, volunteer, start a hobby, clean a geoduck and make ceviche, learn to scuba dive, and if you still can't find inner peace, read the article on the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing that is purported to reduce your stress levels. Maybe wait until the smoke clears.

Thanks for your continued support of this magazine.