It Was a Three State Day

The day began in Seattle today with the goal to drive to Missoula, MT more than 450 miles away. The beginning stretch of Washington through the Cascades was beautiful and green with trees everywhere. The overcast day quickly gave way to blistering sun once we crossed through the Cascade Mountains.

Leaving Seattle drving through the Cascade Mountains.

The terrain from the Cascades to Idaho was full of brown fields and rolling hills. We had a quick drive through the panhandle of Idaho, and before we knew what hit us, we were welcomed into Montana.

Welcome to Montana!

While it was a long day in the car, we enjoyed the scenery and the fresh air. At one point, we had the windows rolled down and the fresh scent of pine blew in to tickle our noses.

Tomorrow we’re going to Yellowstone. I can’t wait to see Old Faithful. Another early day with lots and lots of driving.

What a Day!?

I don’t quite know where to start with today, we did so much. So, before I get started, I’m posting all of my raw photos as I go to my Flickr stream in the Road Trip Extravaganza set.

The day began with a quick walk from our hotel to the monorail at City Center. Being the SoCal girl that I am, when I think monorail, I think Disneyland. Well, this looked more like a really long city bus on a rail. Not quite what I was expecting. The ride downtown was short and left us in the middle of the shopping district. Good thing everything was closed.

A quick walk took us Pike Place Market where we saw rows and rows of fresh flowers, stalls full of fresh produce and the Pike Place Fish Market. Yes, they really do throw fish at each other. And each time something is purchased, the workers call out to each other. A very lively place indeed.

Rows and rows of flowers at Pike Place Market.

After Pike Place Market, we walked along the waterfront on Puget Sound. We passed by the Seattle Aquarium, a Norwegian cruise ship ready to set sail and more. The walk brought us to the Olympic Sculpture Park, which features modern outdoor sculpture.

The Eagle at the Olympic Sculpture Park

But, the highlight of my day was the Space Needle. So many majestic views. Here’s a few of my favorites.

Puget Sound from the Space Needle.

Puget Sound from the Space Needle.

The afternoon ended with a lovely bike ride down the waterfront. For dinner we found a delightful New Orleans style bistro called Toulous Petit. If you’re ever in Seattle, it’s a must try. Great atmosphere, great service and, most importantly, great food!

I Remember …

By this time of day, I think we all have been bombarded once again by the images of Sept. 11, 2001. It was all over the news today as it was for several days on and after that tragic day.

Aside from the news, and even while traveling far from home, it was unavoidable. Early this morning in the Seattle City Center, David and I walked by the International Fountain. This was the site for a memorial service. At 8 a.m. the mood was quiet and somber. A group had created a small memorial and were handing out breakfast. There was a man walking the ring around the fountain with a sign reminding us to “never forget.”

8 a.m. at the Seattle Center International Fountain. A quiet affair.

Later today, approximately 2 p.m., it was quite a different story. The fountain was alive with huge spouts of water and children playing in the water. The overwhelming message – LIFE MARCHES ON.

2 p.m. at the Seattle Center International Fountain. Lively and happy.

What will you always remember from this day, the 10th anniversary of 9/11?

We Made It!

We made it here to Seattle. The day started at home at the Long Beach Airport. We knew it was going to be an interesting day when they began boarding with rows 11 and higher. We were on a small airplane for the two hour and 15 minute ride north. Thankfully, it was smooth sailing.

We're ON the tarmac at SeaTac.

David called some friends and we began our trip with a very pleasant sunset boat ride on Lake Union. We saw a few sea planes land on the water. It was quite a sight. It almost felt like they were going to land on the boat. We had some great views of downtown Seattle from the water.

Downtown Seattle from the middle of Lake Union.

Tomorrow the Space Needle and more.

The Adventure Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day. We leave on our cross-country road trip in the afternoon. First stop Seattle, WA.

Ask me … Have I packed? Does this answer your question?

Leaving tomorrow. Still empty.

The Planning Began Weeks Ago

David and I are embarking in September on a cross country road trip extravaganza. The planning began weeks ago, but the current state of our dining room table proves that it has been kicked into high gear. We decided to take the Northern route. So, I-90 here we come.

Maps everywhere. Where'd the dining room table go?

Now, if we just had a car to get from Seattle to Washington, D.C. That should be booked this weekend.

On our list so far:

  1. Seattle: Space Needle, Pike’s Place Market, Boeing Museum
  2. Yellowstone National Park
  3. Grand Tetons
  4. Mount Rushmore
  5. Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan
  6. Cleveland
  7. Washington, D.C.: National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial

Those are the big places, now I just have to look for some of the “off-the-beaten-path” attractions. My newest friend is RoadTrip America. Anything along the way we should check out? Please leave me a comment.