Seattle

Up at a ridiculously early hour to catch a 7am flight to Seattle. I can't stand these "ultra convenient" e-ticket kiosk things. They never work right and require assistance from an airline staffer. And of course, there are less staffers available since they've installed this "ultra convenient" e-ticket kiosks! Apparently the airlines equate "ultra convenient" with "nearly missing your flight". Where's my coffee?

Spent the day in Seattle w/ Dan and Hol. Ate some lunch at Pike Brewery and Pub (yummy Pike Street XXXXX Stout) and then walked around Pike Market and the surrounding area. It was encouraging to see the Seattle stereotype holds true. A coffee shop or two on every corner, plus espresso at every gas station/convenience store.

Drove up to the Space Needle (arguably this nation's finest needle! ). Tried to convince Hol and Dan that we didn't need to go to the top -- it's just a big building (not even the tallest one in Seattle) and there'd be tickets to purchase and a line to wait in, etc. As you well know, I'm a party poop. They both said we *had* to do it. The tour guide in the elevator summed up my feelings nicely, sarcastically noting that the space needle is now *the* 7th tallest building in Seattle, giving the little "rock on" gesture. Exactly!

OK, ok... the wait was worthwhile. Because the Needle is set apart from downtown and the surrounding bays, neighborhoods, etc., the view is pretty damn sweet. We took tons of pictures of the view. For whatever reason, thanks to the staff docents at the Needle, we also learned that the plural of octopus is not octopi, but octopuses (he'd received a personal memo from the president of the Seattle aquarium for using octopi). Weird, eh? Education *plus* a great view (http://www.spaceneedle.com/webcam/), what was I complaining about?

We then headed for the ferry landing in Seattle to head across Puget Sound towards Port Townsend. Unfortunately it was 4:30pm on a Friday and every other commuter was attempting the same maneuver. We headed north to catch Edmonds/Kingston ferry. Waited in line through the 5:10 and 5:50 departures and finally got onto the 6:30 boat. Excellent, another chance to have some coffee! During this whole affair, we were trying to figure out how people who actually have to be somewhere handle commuting on the ferries. Washington has kindly provided Ferry Cams so you can see what the wait time and traffic is like around your area.

Had a very nice late supper at the Fountain Cafe (scroll down). One of the waitresses was also dairy and glutton sensitive so Hol was able to get something that was perfect for her. The place is slightly larger than Side Street in Newport, but just as cozy and friendly. Food was delicious. Bonus points for Thievery Corporation playing in the background.

Finally made it back to Dan and Elise's place around 10:30. We were greeted by both Nit Noi (Dan's cat) and Guinness (Elise's Lab/Newfoundland mutt). Finally got to bed around 12:30am. ZZZZzzzzz.

Pictures from today.

Posted by ben at 11:59 PM

Port Townsend Crab Fishermen

Got a chance to sleep in this morning... won't be living on coffee today (Hey, I just said I wouldn't be "living on it", pass the mug please).

Breakfast at the Otter Crossing. Delicious fried egg sandwich with biscuits and gravy. The cafe is right on the Point Hudson marina. All kinds of boats pulling in and out. Gorgeous hand-built wooden kayaks as well.

Then it was over to Swain's general store for some walking and shopping.

Dan and his buddies have some sort of rotating schedule for fetching their crab traps. It was his day to collect, so over to the Boat Haven marina to take the boat out and pick up the crab pots. Some problem w/ the engine (didn't seem to be battery related, perhaps the solenoid?), so his buddy Lane drove down and we took his boat out.

Pulled out the four pots and 10+ male crabs. Dropped off the pots on the dock near their neighborhood and picked up Lane's wife Patti. Took the boat back to the marina and hauled the catch back to the house... There is, officially, no need for me to consider a career as a crab fisherman. Pretty disgusting stuff... and given the chance they'd attempt to kill you w/ their pinchers (not that I blame them). Hol, Guinness and I watched from a distance as Dan and Lane cleaned up the catch. Ugh. ;-P

Off to dinner at the "Old Alcohol Plant", now called the Inn at Port Hadlock. The inn is a refurbished alcohol plant that's changed hands a few times, and been upgraded over time. Good dinner and view of the water. Looked like locals could dock their boats in front and come up to the restaurant for dinner.

Pictures from today.

Posted by ben at 11:59 PM

Last day in Port Townsend

Hol's 'adopted' grandma Bobbie and her daughter Kathy drove over from Yakima for a visit. Very nice to see them as it's been a good 4 years or so since our last visit.

Brunch at the Manresa Castle. A home built for a local business man and his family in the late 1800's and now serves as a hotel and restaurant.

Everyone headed back to the beach for a walk and a visit -- including Dan and Elise's dog, Guinness. Another gorgeous and warm day. Very lucky indeed.

Dinner at Sirens, a local joint w/ trivia contests and decent food. Same owner as the Fountain Cafe.

Heading home tomorrow morning. It's been a nice visit. Dan and Elise have relocated to a beautiful area. Rural and quiet, nice people and decidedly a "blue state" kinda town.

Thanks for having us up north Elise, Dan, Nit Noi and Guinness!

Pictures from today.

Posted by ben at 11:59 PM