E
D
I
T
O
R
’
S
L
E
T
T
Seeing With Fresh Eyes
Mikaela Judd, Editor
E
I liked the way the world
grew, one fabulous adven-
VER SINCE I WAS A girl, I’ve been
ture at a time. I cherished
a passionate explorer, and I love
getting to know new
working on a magazine that fully people, sampling treats,
and learning about nature.
embraces this pastime. In my
I still do.
early days, exploring looked a lot
That’s probably why
more like mud pies and tree climbs. I’d come each issue of explore:NW
back from the small creek behind our house
makes me giddy. I love all
with scraped knees and dirty shoes, grinning the places our stories take
us. The tidbits our writers
from ear to ear.
share. The small insights.
The gentle reminders to
keep being an explorer.
As this issue came together, my
I imagine my mom groaned at the trail
husband and I welcomed our own little
of twigs and dust I dragged through the
explorer into the world — Penellope Ma-
house. For my part, I loved seeing where
rie. It’s amazing how a little life can give
my two feet could take me, discovering
you a fresh set of eyes and taste buds!
new spots and revisiting old favorites.
E
R
Never has research been so mouthwa-
teringly enjoyable as the great Seattle
doughnut extravaganza that went into
our spotlight of the city’s best morning
indulgences (page 22). Because really,
is there anything better than eating
doughnuts? (There’s only one right an-
swer to that question and it’s, “Pass the
doughnuts please.”)
Reviewing pieces like Sara Satterlee’s
family vacation in Desolation Sound
made me hungry to pack up our little
girl and unplug. Her rich descriptions of
the mountains and the ocean and the
time spent savoring loved ones whisk
you away from the city. It transports you
to a world beyond cellphones and social
media. A wonderfully wild space (page
46).
I’m equally as excited about Slater
Moore’s photo essay (page 18). The col-
lection of breathtaking images features
whales in their natural habitat. Slater
perfectly captures the delicate beauty
of these massive creatures — reminding
us why protecting them is so important.
A lesson that can also be learned by
visiting the world-renowned Vancouver
Aquarium (page 27).
My husband, Garrett, and I often talk
of the adventures we’ll take Penellope
on. What a delight it will be to kayak
together through a kelp forest with
Crystal Seas Kayaking. To see her learn
from their trusted tour guides about the
ocean and the wildlife surrounding its
shores will fill me with such joy (page
40).
So whether you’re building a mud pie
or watching a clock steam (page 25), I
hope this issue makes you giddy. Give
yourself permission to see the world
with new eyes. To sample doughnuts. To
fly over a steaming volcano (page 29).
To explore.
And if you happen upon something
that makes your eyes light up, please
share. This amazing pastime is best
when enjoyed together.