So I've returned from a land of Snow and wonder, of harbor and cloud cover, of techno-lust and healthy living, back to the scorching desert I call home.
Seattle was wonderful. Give a parched throat water and it will love you forever, and so Seattle quenched many a thirst. Albeit the home of Microsoft, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience that was the north-westernmost state in the US.
We spent a two day journey through northern Arizona, staying just outside of Salt Lake City the first night, then blasted through Idaho to Oregon and thence to Washington. I gotta say, that's a beautiful drive. The landscapes were amazing, from rolling hills to misty forests. Stopping for Gas just inside Oregon was interesting... apparently it's mandatory in the state for people to pump your gas for you. Who knew? The only downfall was when you wanted to squeegee bugs off your windshield and felt awkward grabbing the squeegee while there is someone standing next to it, whose job it is to do stuff for you and you don't really want to ask them to do it. *shrug* Other than that, it was a friendly place.
Then of course, you drive into Washington, and all thoughts leave your head once you get up the mountains. The low clouds playing mists playing upon the hills and trees, the rain in the distance, and the waterfalls off the mountains are a sight to behold. And that was before you even get into the bay!
In Seattle we started the day at Pike's place market, a cultural experience like none other. Rather than "mallify" itself, Seattle's market 50 years ago decided to upgrade while keeping the atmosphere of small vendors alive. It's a Bazaar unlike anything else you'll find in the states, with the freshest produce, fish Literally flying past your head, and gorgeous bouquets of flowers at ridiculously low prices (Something Rachel TRULY enjoyed). But up on the mountain, the taste of the local produce is incredible, not to mention the SEAFOOD! The crab and the halibut there are to die for.
The next thing to do in Seattle is, of course, the Space Needle. EVERYONE's gotta see the space needle! =) It gives a great view of the city, and "when the mountain is out", (AKA, when the clouds HAPPEN to vanish for a while), you have a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier. But first we thought we'd see what Mt. Rainier may one day become, and went to see Mt. Saint Helens.
For those of you who have never experienced a Volcano.
We drove past the Grand Canyon on the way up. We opted not to see it this time because we had other things on our minds. ...After experiencing Mt. Saint Helen's, I don't feel I missed much.
The Devastation of the mountainside is inexplicable, Awe-inspiring, tragic, and immensely beautiful. There are no words to describe how fragile you feel looking down on the remnants of a valley that wasn't as it is a mere forty years ago.
So we thought we'd see something similar to the wonder that was Mt. Saint Helen's before the blast, and we went up Mt. Rainier the next day.
...And if you've never seen a torrential waterfall from a melting glacier, no video you see will ever do the experience justice. ICE COLD WATER. FROM SNOW! IN JULY!!! (It's 110 degrees in Chandler Today).
After a day of hiking, we went back to the city and experienced things like the First Starbucks, Ye Old Curiosity shop/museum (complete with mummies), Twilight fandom everywhere (Yes, Twi-freaks, we saw Forks, and no, the Vampires do not sparkle... Though I'm sure there are some I didn't see in the built-over Seattle under-city) ;-) and of course, one thing I'll give Paul Allen Much Due Credit for, the EMP, or the Experience Music Project, with built in Sci-Fi Museum.
Dad... you gotta see this place.
For all you Music Fans, just over Half the EMP is dedicated to some great moments in Rock and Roll, most notable of course Seattle's own Jimi Hendrix. Some of the Original Les Paul and Gibson guitars reside there... it's a bit of history like none other.
Then of course, there's the Sci-Fi Museum, which I almost couldn't leave. From the Original Death Star to the suit from the Rocketeer, From the original weapon in Aliens to a tribute to Ursela K. LeGuin, and monuments to old comics, literature, and Authors/writers/producers/directors who changed culture forever, even the timeline keeps you in awe and wonder. Sadly, we did not bring the Camera into the EMP, but I encourage everyone to go.
We also spent a wonderful day with Rachel's great uncle Dale and his wife Vita. Two of the most wonderful people I've ever had the privilege to meet. I feel I could talk to them for hours on end. Dale showed us around Olympia, The Capitol of Washington and one of the coolest little city-towns, absolutely beautiful area.
Eventually, of course, we had to come home, so we thought we'd take the coastal route. Portland was actually a great place for us to see, we liked it immediately. The Oregon coast is so Diverse, though, that at any given moment you'd see Ocean, forests, sand dunes, plains, and mountain all in one glance. It's bizarre and Wicked cool. (Also wicked windy this time of year!) We passed through one town during the local Kite Festival. that was fun.
Less fun was the northernmost tip of the Coastal 1 Route once you get into Cali. If you're ever tempted to take it... DON'T. STAY ON THE 101 THROUGH THE REDWOODS. (which are SO beautiful!) Don't get me wrong, once you get to the coast it's beautiful, but that 20 mile trek down the mountain is something carved by no sane mind. And the coast itself is windy enough that you may just turn a curve and smash into a random car, forest, or even a pack of cattle. ...yes, cows. On the edge of the road, up a cliff, on the beach, with nothing between you and them. you heard me correctly.
Once we got into San Francisco, we got to Navigate their WONDERFUL traffic. A few hours later, we stopped in San Mateo for the night. *sigh*. Thence out of SF and a long drive to the outskirts of LA, around LA to the 10 and back out to the desert from whence we came late last night.
And now its time to play catch up. Laundry needs doing, oh, and my Monitor finally died. I'm Currently using the one for Rachel's old computer. I'm hoping Fry's can give me a copy of my Receipt, because I don't have it anymore, nor the box or anything. They usually keep those print-outs on record though I imagine, though I'm not sure for how long. I believe I've had the monitor just over a year, and though LG has a 3 year warranty, that won't do much good without proof.
Anywhoo. So Yes, Seattle is a wonderful place, and very, VERY tempting for a Cali boy turned desert rat like myself. See for yourselves one day... Just hope you like cold, wet weather... ;-)
