Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Back to the Emerald City!

In April, it really is the Emerald City...

No, I'm not going to see the Wizard...well, actually, if she's at the docks, I will! I just booked another trip to Seattle! This time, though, I'm not just passing through on my way to Alaska! I've always wanted to spend a few days just exploring the place and well, here we go. My friend Carrie and I, on a whim, just booked a trip for the day after my 28th birthday! It was one of those live in the moment kind of decisions. I got an email from Southwest airlines telling me fares to Seattle were 50% off and she had just said "I need a vacation!" I took that as a sign. So, off we go on a wing and a prayer! :D It's been a day for change to be sure, a new President, a new Boss at work, and a new trip to plan! These are the days I live for. I can't wait!!!

Here are some shots from previous trips to the awesome city of Seattle, Fisherman's terminal, and surrounding areas such as Ballard.

The beautiful park at the Locks in Ballard.Walking along the waterways.The F/V Northwestern freshly painted and ready for Kings.The Hall family boat, The F/V Provider.The deck of the F/V Time Bandit during the summer overhaul from the wheelhouse.The F/V Rollo tied up in the PFTThe deck of the Wizard about a week before it left for Kings, Crosby and Travis escorting a few other guests around the boat.
The F/V North American before Kings.

I find the fishing vessels extremely interesting (and dangerous!) places. I've been fortunate enough to have been on several and have had a look at the inner workings. What you see on TV doesn't really give you the best indication of scale. The decks are smaller, the stairwells are steeper , and the boat itself is not as large as it seems. There must be times on those waves that they truly feel insignificant in comparison. God be with all who brave the sea.

The spillways at the Ballard LocksThe Troll under the bridge on Troll StreetSome of the offerings from Pike Place MarketGorgeous flowers at the market.A street musicain outside Pike Place...I plan to paint this.

Pike Place Market is a wonderful center of activity! I can't wait to go back and sample more of the offerings. I love the atmosphere of the place and the smells and colors and frenzied action. There is music in one corner and fishermen in the other tossing salmon this way and that! It's really just a lot of fun and those flowers...$5. WOW!

Qwest Field....and last but not least, the famous Seattle landmark, The Space Needle!

I can't wait to see it all again! Carrie, get to packing!!!! :D

5 comments:

carrie. said...

Dude. You don't even know how excited I am!! I've never been to Seattle, and your post made me even more excited!! Spring cannot get here quickly enough! And the best, best part? This time while you're off exploring and having a great time I won't be stuck in my cubicle missing our daily chats! I'll be right there with you taking a zillion pics and having the time of my life! SO excited!!!! :D

Elizabeth Douglas said...

I know!!!!! I'm practically squealing! I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun!!! I can't stop using "!" because I'm so excited!!!

purrduedvm said...

That sounds very cool. I'm excited FOR you just reading about it. I'd love to see Seattle and hope to myself in July if all goes well. Nice pics..esp of the NW :)

Cookie Dough said...

FUN!! My kids and I are going to Seattle in June for a couple of weeks. We'll probably mostly visit relatives, but we always try to attend a baseball game!

You'll see more than we do, I bet :) It's tiring to convince 3 big kids to check out very many tourist attractions and they'd flip out if we went to look at boats, they're on vacation, no crab boats!!

We haven't left the state of AK since X-mas LAST year....it's time!
Mel

Elizabeth Douglas said...

I'll see if I can get a few more shots of the NW for you if I see her! :)

Oh Mel! I'm glad you and the fam will be getting to the lower 48 for some family times and baseball. You should make them go to the Fisherman's Terminal anyway and take pics of them being surly! ha! I hope you get to see everything you want to and have a fantastic time!!!