During our many trips to Washington while Evergreen Off-Road was helping transform YOLA into our around-the-world adventure vehicle, our friends Sandy and Bob in Des Moines, Washington, repeatedly opened their doors to us.

Their beautiful mid-century-style home, with its spectacular panoramic water views, became another place where we could relax after long days dealing with the seemingly endless details of preparing YOLA.

But John has to admit there was another daily ritual he particularly looked forward to: Happy hour at 5 PM.

Right on cue, Bob would mix up a delicious gin martini with several olives. After a day of vehicle modifications, planning and problem-solving, that martini had a remarkable ability to make everything seem just a little easier.

We’re not claiming it solved any mechanical problems. But it certainly improved our attitude toward them.

Sandy and Bob, thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful home during so many of our Washington visits.