@tanner, it is still a beautiful area, and for the most part not that bad of a place to raise kids. Unfortunately if you are at all trying to exercise your 2nd amendment rights it is almost hell on earth. Since ab144 and ab1527 were signed into law here in CA, (banning the open carry of handguns and long guns respectively) I have taken to wearing my empty holster in protest; I get some of the dirtiest looks and vilest comments from people, simply for silently and peacefully protesting what I consider to be an unjust law. Yeah, like I said it has gotten worse.
@golddigger, Yup. I was aware of that. And no, I do not currently have a CPL/CHL that would work in WA. though I am planning to take a class later this year that would allow me to get one. Time and money being the only reasons I haven't done it yet. But thank you for the reminder, I had to stop a couple of times when up there last year and smack myself upside the head for almost getting into my own car before unloading. The sad part is that by the time I left, I was only there for 3 or 4 days, it had become second nature and I had to stop myself from doing it while in OR for the next 3 or 4 days. Heh. It's funny the way the brain works. As for the OC get together; I would that I could. Regretably I will only be in WA for about a day and a half, and all of that is booked with friends and family visits. However, now that I think about it, let me see if I can extend my stay for a day and if I can I will respond back to this. I will be in Seattle the whole time, so if that works maybe we can get together and share a coffee.
@freedom1man, Ah. I see. I had googled it after I posted that, but the video really drives it home. When I was there last time I got a couple of strange looks from police officers, and it was just a double take when they realized that I was OCing. They did a double take, met my eyes, saw that I was smiling and looking right at them, we both nodded and they went on their way. I have been very lucky and am very glad that I have had almost nothing by wonderful experiences while OCing. I actually had more problems from people I knew already while up there than I had from business or strangers.
I appreciate the quick and concise response. 
