||| FROM BILL APPEL |||
A contradiction? Not at all!
This is a proposal to remind visitors and those of us who persist in mainland ways that they are now in San Juan County, where things are different. This is why we’re here, and why others come. But the mainland pace of life is hard to shake, and shake it we must … or we’re simply an illusory extension of the mainland.
To be specific: the speed limit may be 35 or 45 miles an hour. That is a permission, not an order! We may be familiar with the scenery; we see it once or twice a day. But if you’ve tired of the scenery that among other things draws nearly a million visitors a year, many bringing their vehicles, and many others who, being part-timers (irrespective of how they see themselves), arrive imbued with the mainland pace of living, having used the 60 and 70 mile per hour speed limits to get to the Mount Vernon turnoff, it’s understandable. It’s hard to slow down.
They, and some of us, need help. Accordingly, my proposal is simply to slow down and enjoy what we came for. Is that barn in good shape or is it collapsing? What view does that house on the hill have (which at the moment, includes us)? Did the recent cold spell hurt that corn? Is that a fox among the newborn sheep? Keep your eyes on the road, driver! Is that a … yes, it’s a fawn, frozen in its tracks, too young to recognize the threat we present. Give it a brake. Literally.
What’s the hurry? You’re here, where you belong at this moment. So be here. With us, who live here and treasure it all.
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Hi Bill,I find myself slowing down when a driver is pressing me !I have to admit I usually drive anywhere from the speed limit to five over and find myself still pressed!!
Safe passage to ya !
Paul Culp
When you read this aloud, Bill, I thought it was poetry.
Thank you so much for this. I always thought there should be big signs right after each ferry dock that says “we drive slow here’ or ‘slow down’ or ‘you wouldn’t speed through heaven would you?’ I’m sure someone could come up with pithy sweet slogan that would let people expand into this incredible gift we live every day-the beauty of our islands. Thank you Bill. And thanks to the police who do their best in enforcing the speed limits we have.
Thanks Bill, we all need a reminder, once in a while.
How about a sign saying
“Ah, you can slow down now, you’re on Orcas….”
Pure poetry and advice for life:
“You’re here, where you belong at this moment.
So be here.
With us, who live here and treasure it all.”
Thank-you, Bill!
Where is that 45 mph limit???? I want to see it !