The Sequim Blue Hole, or the Sequim Rain Shadow as some call it, is real and here is the proof.  This map shows that Sequim gets an average of 16 inches of rain annually, and in an uneven set of concentric circles extending out from Sequim, the rainfall increases dramatically into the Olympic Mountains to the south until the rainfall reaches 200 inches annually.

The Sequim Blue Hole

The Sequim Blue Hole is a Rain Shadow

The great rain forests are only 40 miles as the crow flies south of Sequim in the Olympics.  To officially be called a rain forest, the area must receive at least 100 inches of rain annually, and at the peak this area receives 200 inches per year.  The Sequim blue hole is explained by scientist Andrew Boyd this way, “During the winter months, strong, moist west winds blow in from the Pacific. The mountains deflect those winds upward from sea level to over seven thousand feet. They’re cooled on the seventy-mile trip across the mountains; almost all the water they contain condenses out in the form of snow or rain. That’s what causes the Olympic rain forests. Then the air, now wrung out and relatively dry — makes its steep descent. Only after it passes over Sequim, does it begin taking on more water as it heads off toward Seattle.”  Now you know how the Sequim blue hole is created.

No wonder Sequim is such an incredibly pleasant climate, and no wonder so many retirees have been quietly moving to Sequim for many years.  There really is a Sequim blue hole!

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It does rain in Sequim, and this photo taken at 6:27 p.m. on March 16th, 2010 is proof.  We may be in a Rain Shadow with a blue hole in the sky, as the pilots call it, but occasionally it does rain.  I just wanted to catch in “on film” so there would be proof that Sequim is not 100% perfect.  We are only 99% perfect.  Unfortunately, even in the rain the sun is still interjecting its cheerful disposition.

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Will the U.S. and world economies recover this year or next year?  No one really knows, although there is plenty of speculation.  I’m not a prophet, nor am I the seventh son of a seventh son, but I do like the rule, “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”  What will you do and where will you be if things go from bad to worse?  One of the safest places you could have a home is on the Northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington state’s great Pacific Northwest.  We are across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Seattle, which means we are outside the metropolitan chaos that would or could ensue if there is a more severe depression.

Having a home in a safe haven would be wise in these uncertain times.  The Sequim, Washington area (extending outward on the Peninsula) is one of the safest places to live in America right now, and because of its ideal location away from populated areas, it is an ideal location for a safe haven.  A well built home could have an area designed for food storage and even a secret safe room.  I know of a builder who could build such a home  with absolute confidentiality.  A private generator could backup electrical systems, and as a last measure we do have an ocean and rivers full of fish and forests and mountains full of deer and Elk.

We have some of the purest water in the country, and with your own well and power generator, you would not be dependent upon public systems.  Private property septic systems also release you from dependence upon public systems.   In addition, the Sequim valley soils have been tested by the Agricultural Department of the University of Washington and found to be some of the richest soil in the entire country.  If planting vegetables is a either a hobby or a perceived need, this is the place to do it.

In times of crisis we would likely be the beneficiaries of two local family owned dairies, not to mention the many cattle farms in the area.  Of all areas that are rich in food, milk, and water, this area is one of the prime locations in the U.S.  Because we are a destination on a Peninsula, we do not get traffic or tourists driving from point A to point B and just passing through.  No one just passes through this area, and so in times of major economic crisis, we are not likely to have large hordes of travelers.

We are fortunate on the Peninsula that we have many private airports as well as the Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles.  And on water we have the John Wayne Marina in Sequim and the Port Angeles Marina in Port Angeles.

For a safe Haven in times of uncertainty or even crisis, I recommend the Sequim area.  What a great investment with peace of mind.  And in good times what a wonderful place to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

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Sequim is well known as a retirement haven, and here’s the good news-it really is an incredible place to retire and to live.   I raised my own family here, and I can tell you there’s no place I would rather live.   Why?   A lot of reasons, but here are a few that might be relevant to you if you are considering moving to Sequim.

1. Sequim is a peaceful little community of 4,000 people in the city limits.
2. Sequim is far away from busy freeways and traffic jams.
3. Sequim is close to water with the Strait of Juan de Fuca and John Wayne Marina.
4. Sequim is within a short drive of the Olympic National Forest, old growth trees, and hiking.
5. Sequim is an incredible community of volunteers, more than I’ve ever seen anywhere.
6. Sequim is full of some of the most interesting people you will ever meet, including world travelers, rocket scientists, authors, artists, retired CEO’s of huge corporations, inventors, and boring people like me.
7. Sequim has an amazing variety of recreational activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, boating, running, kayaking, bird watching, golfing, and on and on.
8. Sequim has more hobbyists than any town I’ve ever seen.   Name a hobby.   There’s a group here for it, and they meet regularly.
9. Sequim is in a rain shadow, and the climate and weather are nearly perfect.   I can say that having lived in Alaska and in Nevada.
10. Sequim has no crime.   Well, that’s an exaggeration.   There was a bicycle stolen last year.   (Okay, I’m kidding, but there really is hardly any crime here at all.   Read the police blotter, and you’ll break out laughing.)
11. Sequim is about a 2 hour drive (plus, depending on your driving) from Seattle if you like to venture back into the metropolis.
12. There are so many water view lots and houses for sale here at reasonable prices, it’s almost ridiculous.   (Our market hasn’t crashed like many places in the country, so don’t ask if you can buy a beautiful 3 bedroom home for $150,000.)

Come and see Sequim.   You might just . . . love it!

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Summer has arrived in Sequim, and it is absolutely beautiful with the sun shining brightly but the temperature not too hot.   This is what Sequim looks like today.   Why aren’t you here yet?

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It was a challenging day at work, and I was looking forward to a nice jog in Robin Hill Park in Sequim.   So I opened up the sliding glass door to my deck and walked across the back yard where I opened the gate to the winding serene trails of Robin Hill Park.

I took the 2.4 mile loop, which gently meanders through the trees and across meadows, falls into a sweet little gulley and works its way up and around to my back yard again.   I didn’t see anyone.   I rarely do, although I know others are out there walking, jogging, riding their bikes, and some are riding horses on the trails designated for that purpose.

The sun was already low in the sky as evening approached, and the beams of bright light were streaking through the pine trees, which were emitting the fresh scent of pine needles and all things green and woodsy.

The 195 acre park is maintained by Clallam County and is almost hidden from public view.   The Olympic Discovery Trail runs alongside the park stretching for many miles in either direction.   There is no limit to how far I can walk, jog, or ride my bike, except my own physical endurance.

Hmm.   No wonder I love living in Sequim.

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