Pacific Northwest...here we come

The Captain and I are heading out to the Pacific Northwest early tomorrow morning for a couple of weeks of vacation and to celebrate our anniversary. I am packing up my sketch book and pens since I know we will have a lot of beautiful scenery and sights to inspire. I can't wait to see all around Seattle and sketch the well known and touristy Pike Place market, visit the original Starbucks, go to the top of the Space Needle, see the Museum of Flight and experience the great sights and sounds of the area.

We are really looking forward to spending time in Seattle and going out to Bainbridge Island and visiting the art galleries and maybe walking the Bloedel Reserve there. A ferry boat takes us on our next adventure to spending 2 days over in Victoria,B.C. to see the famous Butchart gardens, tour the city and have high tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel, very British indeed! We actually get to stay overnight there as well, so that we can really explore Victoria!

Back to Seattle for a day and then we pick up our rental car and drive up to Anacortes, about 85 miles from Seattle, stopping along the way to tour the Boeing Factory to see how airplanes are made. After visiting Anacortes, we drive the car onto another ferry boat and go over to the San Juan islands for 3 days. We are going to stay in Friday Harbor on the largest island of the group, the San Juan Island, in a cute B and B right on the ocean. They are having a big arts festival there that week which should be a lot of fun to visit with the local artists and see what they are creating. One of the highlights of our time in the San Juans will be the whale watch we are going on to see the great Orca whales jump out of Puget Sound. I understand that the right whales are usually found there around this time of year as well, so there should be a lot of activity along the ocean. I am most excited about seeing the Orcas as I have read so much about them so it will be quite special to actually see them in their natural habitat, not just in Sea World.

Following our stay in the San Juan Islands, we will then meander through the Cascade Mountains enjoying the exquisite scenery, exploring waterfalls and sights along the way.

In the Cascades, we spend another couple of days in a Bavarian village town called Leavenworth, right on the edge of the woods along the river in Icicle Valley, hot tub and all, hiking, rafting, horseback riding, wagon rides, all sorts of fun adventures as they celebrate October Fest. Looks like a really fun place to see.

A visit to see Mount Rainer and surrounding areas, driving through more lovely scenery and then heading back to the SeaTac airport to catch a flight home.

I will tell you all about it when I get back. Pen and pad are ready to go!

Until then, safe travels to all,

more later,

carol

Comments

[BJ Lantz]

Sounds like loads of fun - have a GREAT time and we'll look forward to reading all about it when you get back!

[Ellen Crimi-Trent]

have fun Carol, and Captain!! can't wait to see all the photos!!

[Joyce Shelton]

Any room in your luggage for a stow away? Have a blast! Looking forward to seeing some sketches in that Moleskin!

[Trinda]

Sounds like a wonderful trip...Enjoy.

[robin zingone]

Carol...I live vicariously thru you as I sit in front of my computer. Have fun.

[kathy weller]

Hope you are having a great time!!

[Tracy]

Hi, Carol! Wishing you and the Catpain happy days away and Happy Anniversary! ((HUGS))

[Bonnie]

Carol, I live 20 min outside Seattle and the only thing I could think in your list is how I hope you two stopped in La Conner on your way to Anacortes!!! If not? You have to come back. :) Hope you both enjoyed the trip. Except for last night's wind & rain it appears you're being spoiled with less-than typical gorgeous fall weather. Blessings!