Alaskan Adventure - Day 1&2 - Seattle, Washington

Day 1 - Tom and I landed in Seattle on Wed afternoon for the start of our 21 day adventure in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  Took the train and a cab to our hotel downtown, which has a lovely rooftop terrace.  Most of the day was spent hauling suitcases and travelling, so we did not get out and explore the city but we enjoyed the view of the skyline while we ate our takeout dinner from nearby.  Turned in early on account of the 3 hour time difference.

 

Day 2 - Slept in this morning until 7:30 am local time, and then ventured to a café nearby to ingrain ourselves in Seattle coffee house culture.  Tom opted for a latte and I had my usual hot chocolate in addition to some fresh pastries.

After breakfast we toured the Space Needle and the Chihuly Museum and Gardens.  We loved the glass sculptures!

We then met my 'Aunt' Kathy (mom's cousin) at the historic Pike's Place Market on the waterfront.  She guided us around the market and we enjoyed people watching, some great Italian food for lunch, and hearing about all the travel she does with her husband Jim.  We hope to link up with them for an adventure next year.

Afterwards, we strolled along the waterfront and enjoyed the ships in port for Fleet Week.  The Blue Angels will be performing on Sat, so we got to see them practicing at various times overhead. The sea breeze is a saving grace because the temps are in the low 90s here, but thankfully no humidity. Weather in Seattle is absolutely beautiful! We came in the ~90 days of non-foggy/rainy summer weather.

After an afternoon of rest, and a few work calls, we went to Walrus and the Carpenter for a tapas style dinner featuring specialties of the region’s- microbrews, cheese, fried oysters, smoked salmon, steak tartare.  It was fabulous! We took a stroll home to enjoy the views and sea breeze, and I now write this from the hotel rooftop terrace where we sit enjoying a bottle of prosecco before we retire.

Off to Olympic National Park (rainforest area on the nearby Olympic Peninsula) tomorrow, via rental car and ferry.  Weather looks promising.