It's so Easy to Say HI

Gig Harbor is a Friendly Place

I've been training to participate in two upcoming events; the Over the Narrows 10 Mile race being put on by the Gig Harbor North Rotary this coming Saturday September 4th and the Seattle Women's Triathlon on Sunday September 19th.

So, I am out there running alot.  I run in the harbor, I run near my home on Wollochet Bay, I run on Point Fosdick, I run over the bridge, I run on Fox Island.  I also bike.

Twice this summer my husband and I have taken a weekend Get-Away and during that time we also continued our training.  We spent a weekend in Ellensburg when we attended a concert at the Gorge.  We spent another long weekend in Woodenville when we attended a concert at Château St. Michelle.  And in both places I noticed something very curious...

No one says Hi or acknowledges you while running.  No eye contact.  No smile.  No Good Morning.  Really? What's up with that?

I noticed it immediately.  When I run in Gig Harbor, or when biking, everyone smiles, makes eye contact, waves.  Most people say Hi, Good Morning and occasionally Good Job!  Some folks inquire how far you are going, where you are starting and stopping, or ask if you are training for something in particular.

Nothing in Ellensburg.  Nada in Woodenville.  Seriously - is Gig Harbor super friendly or what?

When I said Good Morning to two ladies walking in Woodenville they seemed so startled and actually somewhat suspicious.  I first noticed this when running alone in the morning.  Later in the afternoon when my husband and I were together on our bikes on the Burke Gilman Trail I mentioned it to him.  He immediately agreed that he had taken note of it as well.

So I have two things to say - First, lighten up Woodenville and Ellensburg.  And second, keep it up Gig Harbor!  Though some outsiders think Gig Harbor is "snobby" I absolutely know this is not true.  Good morning to you, is so easy to do.  And it always is a good morning when you live in Gig Harbor.