Seattle bound

Let's go back to the beginning. Our first destination on this little road trip was Seattle.

Mark had done all the research on this marvellous vacation and tragically there were no camping sites nearby. Thankfully he did come across three out of town. The first was the closest. A KOA in Kent. It was kind of different camping off the road and all. But we had showers, grocery store nearby AND wifi. And really we were just there to sleep. Plus it had an added bonus of being close to the bus route to take us to downtown Seattle! And that is just what we did. 

The first day we were up and out. And it was a busy day! Took the bus on the outskirts of downtown. Walked and looked at the people, buildings and bustle. 

Got to the top of the hill and saw Pike market. Huge and fantastic is all I can say. Okay I can say more. There were dozens of vendors with flowers, beautiful arrangements, for cheap cheap cheap. Fish vendors tossing fish around and calling to the crowds. A bakery that had apple fritters and other doughnuts the size of footballs. Not to mention the odds and end stores throughout the place selling toys, pet goodies and clothing. It was a fun place to be. The only commercial thing they had was the first Starbucks and that is just because when it first opened it was the very first one on that street and it wasn't a chain then. 

 

 

Next we hit up a tour, called the underground tour (not before walking down to the pier). Very fun. We had a pretty funny tour guide who made fun of Canadians and anyone who wasn't from Seattle and then even if you were. Not to ruin it but basically a fire happened and luckily no one died but a rebuild was in need. At the same time they needed to build the city up due to floods. So they built the buildings as is but anticipated a build up so the second stories were going to eventually be first stories. I found it amusing. 

 

During the time we went Seattle/ Washington had just legalized marijauna. I mean that day. And as we walked wouldn't you know that there were already tour buses set up to take you to the stores and get the merchandise and allow you to smoke it in their bus. Interesting although not interested. Ha ha. 

After the underground tour we walked towards Safeco field, because we decided to see a baseball game! But before we had time to kill and I found an antique mall that was absolutely huge and fantastic right by the Starbucks headquarters. Didn't buy anything, shocking I know!

Once at the Mariners game I found myself kind of amazed. It was a super experience even if you are not a baseball fan. The stadium was so clean with multiple food concessions nothing of which I am used to. I had crab and chips while Mark had a brisket that was being carved on the spot. Yummy. And during that time we happened to get seats right beside two guys from Calgary (on a road trip of their own). Small world! Unfortunately the home team lost but fun overall with many bloopers to see in between innings and multiple things to watch. I mean it had to be good if we stayed for all nine innings right?

 

It was a pretty busy first day. Our second we spent going to the space needle and checking out the "duck" tour. A tour that boasts going both on land and water. Again our guide was quite fun as he invented games like saying "ch-ching" everytime you see a Starbucks, played great music, and frankly any tour that encourages dancing to the 'YMCA' when you see construction workers is good in my books.  We went throughout the city and then checked out the houses on the water. Even saw the house from 'Sleepless in Seattle'.

 

 

After that we checked out the gum wall. Kind of gross. All I have to say about that. Then we bought veggies and fresh fish (at the Pike market again) for our journey south. In the mid afternoon we hopped into our truck and cruised down the US 101!

Love