Olympia convention – August 14th to 18th

As per our usual timing, we left Rathdrum in Idaho a couple of hours later than planned, and so were rushing most of the way to convention in Olympia, Washington… It was a beautiful drive, and definitely showed us a different side of Washington than we’d seen when we first arrived in North America! That was fluoro green and wet, near the coastal mountain ranges, while this was rather dry and much less foresty, but still very pretty!

We had a wonderful 4 days at the grounds in Olympia, and met some lovely people there too! It was nice to see some of the visitors we’ve had in Australia and New Zealand over the last few years, now in their home territory (or in one case just visiting a different part of the States), and to meet a lot more over here too!

We noticed a few things done differently to home (ie. sleeping in tents with no men’s or women’s section (except for those in dorms), the food, a cafeteria line and trays, and disposable everything!), which was kind of exciting, but above all, everything felt exactly the same, which was great! It was nice to slow down for a few days too, and just appreciate everything – was had such a great 4 days, and as usual it was over far too quickly!

We also had a pleasant surprise when we ran into Wes & Lianna one morning before breakfast! So it was great to be with some friends we already knew a bit for the rest of the convention too J

In our little borrowed tent :)

Some of the tent area

Cafeteria area dining

Fern & David (& David's sister Hilda) - who sat next to us

New friends - Kendall & Krindee

Lawrie, Nicole, Wes & Lianna

Erika & Chris

Matt (from Newcastle), Luisa & Nicole

Lawrie & I with Debbie Peterson

3 Thom sisters - Luisa & Kimberley

3 Thom sisters - Kimberley, Luisa & Makayla