Shelton-Mason County Journal - Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886

Here's how you do it:

Get up at 5:45 a.m., preferably on a Sunday because traffic is lighter, and start 1 mile south of the state Capitol with your friend, who in my case is John. The two of you leave at 6:20 a.m., while it's still dark. Maybe you point your chin at the sky to see the stars. Maybe the air is fresh and crisp, like an alpine dawn.

You walk north on Capitol Way, past the Capitol. That's the first mile and you're OK. The road, neighborhood and all else are silent. The place is dead as heaven on a Saturday night, as the poet Leonard Cohen sings.

The Olympic Mountains are sleep...