A Lockdown Virtual Journey (North America) Day 15

Day fifteen

Tuesday morning arrived way too early. Chris and I chatted about whether my friends and I should fly back with the ladies or travel south to San Diego or head north to Alaska. Chris felt that as a group we were unlikely to travel back this way so we should continue the journey. ‘North or south’ I asked. ‘That is for you three to work out.’ Was her reply.

Washed and dressed we made our way to the lobby and eventually gathered with the others. It appeared we had all had similar conversations and all come to similar conclusions. But Alaska then south or straight south from Seattle.

We walked south along Alaskan way. The road was busy but the views across the docks and water were stunning. Even the views to our left in towards the city were new to us. There were what looked to be small blocks of flats with newer taller buildings beyond them. We stopped at the aquarium and had a chat about whether to visit or not. We would think about it and decide later. We crossed the road to the Pike Place Hill Climb Walk. It turned out to be a series of steps fortunately interspersed with spaces of flat. After having spent most of the last two weeks sat down I, and judging by the looks on Chris S and Pete’s faces, we were feeling the climb. It was a pleasant enough walk up the stairs as there was shade from the sun from the trees that grew up the right hand side of the walk. We also managed to engineer a few breathers by stopping, turning and admiring the view!

At the top of the walk we turned left and fairly soon passed an ‘elevator to the waterfront’ sign. We exchanged glances but said nothing. There was a stairwell on the opposite side of the road just before a very bright and colourful building. Jean pointed out that the stairs should lead to the market. Pete asked how she knew and she pointed out the sign on the building which proclaimed it was the place we were looking for. Jean rolled her eyes.

The lower levels of the market building were taken up with fruit and vegetable type stalls as it had been for a hundred years or more. The scent of fresh produce filled the air. The street level, but not the street level we had come in by, was mainly taken up by meat and fish. There were lots of tours on offer but we decided to just wander around for a while. It was a great place to wander, the amount of produce was amazing. A real feast to all the senses.

Having previously decided we would breakfast out and not in the hotel. It wasn’t long before we found a place to eat ‘Sound View Cafe’. I imagine named after Puget Sound, the main waterway to the Pacific. Coffees and cokes ordered we did an even split on the breakfast omelets. Three opting for the Market omelet (Salmon, prawns and cheddar in a three egg omelet.). Three for the vegetarian (Mushrooms, red onions, tomatoes, cheddar and spinach in a three egg omelet.). I had opted for the veggi omelet and it was just packed with flavour. The meal was eaten in a relaxed, easy silence. A good indicator that the others thought their food was excellent as well.

After consuming our brunch Pete said that if it was alright with the ladies he would like us three friends should go to Alaska on the ferry and drive back. He said he had googled the route from Anchorage. There was a road north from Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay but from Fairbanks it was one road in and same road out. I asked how far it was on the one road. Five hundred in and the same back. Chris asked Pete if Fairbanks would be far enough north? ‘Lets see when we there.’ Chris seemed happy at the thought and I was happy to tag along. I had a feeling we would be travelling north a long way.

First though a tour of Seattle. Pete went online and bought five seniors and one adult tickets for the ‘Space Needle.’. No – I’m not going to say which of the ladies is the youngest. We decided to walk so out of the market and a left onto 1^st Avenue. There were trees along both sides of the road and the unfamiliar shops looked interesting. We passed one named ‘Alaska Trading’ and made a mental note to check the weather in Alaska. Jeans and tee shirt may not cut it! The buildings were a mix of modern and older brown brick buildings. The former usually being many floors higher than the latter. The spaces between buildings often parking areas. On our left there were several blocks of flats that had shops on the ground floor. As we were about to cross Eagle Street and all looking right, we saw the ‘Space Needle’. We appeared to have walked to far. We followed Eagle street to Denny Street and then seeing the Needle in front of us walked along Broad street. We were soon at the base of the needle.

We were queuing for the check in desk and as usual Chris had found someone to chat to. They were talking like long lost friends when Chris turned to Pete and I and said ‘you two need to hear this.’ Chris’s conversation partner told us that the ferry to Alaska is usually booked up well in advance. There was a departure from Bellingham on Saturday but that it was probably full. I said that if it was full then we could take that as an indication we should be heading south. In the northern hemisphere I always prefer to travel south. Pete suggested prayer – we prayed. Then Chris continued his chat as our group reached the desk. Our e-tickets were accepted and we were directed to the lifts.

The walk to the lifts turned out to be circular and up one floor. The lift arrived and we and another fourteen got in. Less than a minute later we exited at the top of the ‘saucer’. The views of the harbour and city were stunning. I think we were all pleased that the weather was clear and sunny. After lots of sight seeing we descended another flight of stairs where I and I suspect a few others took advantage of the ‘facilities’. Another flight of stairs and we were able to step outside. The glass walls slopped outward and there were glass benches to sit on. The floor was also made of glass. It’s an incredible feeling to stare at your feet and see the ground a little short of six hundred feet below. Then to realise that your moving, slowly going around the tower. I think we were all a little hesitant about stepping onto the glass floor and possibly even more so to sit on the benches and lean back against the outward slopping glass walls. Photos were taken in which we all looked fairly nonplussed and appeared to be enjoying the experience.

Pete spotted some gardens near the base and said that tickets he had got included a visit there . Chris had his photo taken with his new friend and we found out later, fellow scrabble player. It was an amazing experience to share with my wife and some of our friends. Chris and I had been been to the top of the Eiffel Tower on a visit to Paris years ago. We had also been to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto and eaten in a revolving restaurant in Ottawa. They were all great experiences and although the Eiffel and CN Towers were taller than the Space Needle, it was still a wonderful experience. Definitely recommend it.

The ride down in the lift was, thankfully, no quicker than the ride up. With our feet firmly back on the ground Jolande asked an attendant if there was a cafe in the gardens? We were assured that there was and the entrance to it was about a hundred yards away. The young gentleman pointed us in the right direction and having thanked him we made our way there.

Pete showed our e-tickets and we were admitted. In the cafe all except Pete (Black coffee cold milk on the side) had a cold drink. We managed to get a table altogether and sat and chatted about the trip to the needle. I think we all thought it a good experience. The glass floor and walls produced some amazing photos. I imagine with a bit of editing it might be possible for us to look to be in free-fall!.

Drinks consumed, we made our way through the galleries. I have seen glass vases, statues and even ornaments before but nothing like these. It mostly looked fantastical. Often the exhibits were above head height so the light coming through the clear ceiling back lit them. There is a large glass house with what looks like a grape vine suspended from the ceiling. You soon realise that it is a sculpture of glass that intrigues and dazzles. At the far end and outside the glass house is a huge ball of glass tendrils in colours ranging from bright yellow to orange. They are arranged to form a huge ball to represent the sun. Outside the gardens were not very extensive but just as impressive. The sculptures, in a wide range of shapes and colours, complimented and even enhances the natural beauty of there surroundings. As much as I admired the skill of the folk who made the sculptures, my favourite gallery was the one with the brightly coloured blankets. The colours and patterns were so vibrant that I just had to stand and stare. Only when I turned to follow the others did I see some exquisite vases created in a variety of shapes and sizes. I hadn’t done that since I stood and stared at the Canaletto at Upton House.

The trip to the Needle and the gardens took up most of the afternoon. As we stood on the pavement/side-walk outside the gardens we discussed our next move. The consensus was that it was too early go back to the hotel or eat. Pete suggested a stroll to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which he thought was nearby. With no other ideas we followed Pete who was following google to the building.

We followed Pete who took a traffic free path along next to the Museum of pop. At the top of the lane we turned right. We very soon turned left and walked along side 5^th Avenue and stopped when we came to Republican drive. To our right was a complex of buildings which proclaimed themselves as belong to the Gates Foundation. The buildings are of modern design and fairly boxy (Big Boxy). They looked good in the sunshine and I was impressed that there was on-site covered parking. The Discovery centre looked interesting and I did wonder what went on there. Unfortunately it being after 5pm we were too late to have a look around. I’m impressed that the Gates’s had pioneered innovative ways to help all folk not just in Washington State but around the globe. I also liked the statement that ‘All lives have equal value’.

We sat on a low wall to decide what we wanted to do next. After a little discussion it was decided to walk the mile or so back to the hotel. We retraced our steps back to Chihuley Gardens and then headed west towards the coastal parks area. We managed to find a pedestrian bridge that took us across the railway lines that bordered the waterfront recreation area. Before we dropped down to the park we stood on a viewing platform and admired to view across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. We could see boats and ships coming into the docs further down the coast to our left. There was a fright yard to our right with it’s own dock area. We turned and took the path down as others waited for us to vacate our viewing spot.

We let the bridge and walked south. There were lots of folk walking and jogging. Plenty were just enjoying a stroll and taking in the air. We passed a concrete seating/play area. There were occasional sculptures and a building that looked a little like a stack of old vinyl records. A wall to our left grew in size, fortunately to our right was open water. It turned out the the concrete wall was another walkway over the rail tracks. Situated between the walkway and a dockside building there was a double fountain with statues of an adult and child in them.

Chris S spotted an Irish pub that did food but after some discussion we decided to meander our way towards the hotel and see what else was available and if there was nothing we fancied, there was always google to assist.

We sat in the lobby of the hotel and chatted. Coffee and soft drinks were ordered and brought to us. Photos were shared phone to phone. Several snaps were sent to families and friends.

Pete, Chris S and I listening in, rang the ferry people. It was a strange conversation. Initially there was no space on the next ferry, then a cancellation must have come in and we could book. The F150 was booked in which the booking agent thought strange as the vehicle cancelling had been an F150. It was also strange that the cancelled booking had been for three people. We took over the accommodation. The cabin was inboard which was fine as we would only be sleeping in it. So we were booked in and the fees paid. The agent asked if Pete had any questions? ‘How long does the boat trip take?’ ‘Four and a half days sir.’ Well that explained why it had cost so much!

After lots of discussion and being unable to agree on a specific cuisine and there is a lot of choice we decided to go to a place called ‘Cutters Crabhouse’. I am not a fan of crab or lobster. This was the result of a bad experience as a child that left me feeling terrible for days. Most fancied something on the menu and there was chicken and beef for those feeling like myself.

Chris S phoned to make a reservation. We all agreed to meet in the lobby in thirty minutes. Although not a long walk we decided to take a taxi and Chris S arranged that with the receptionist.

Freshened and feeling quite peckish Chris and I met the others in the lobby. We walked out to the waiting taxi/minibus. The driver already knew where we were going and got us there very quickly. He was paid, tipped and thanked.

A waitress seated us at a table set for six. Water was poured for each of us as she introduced herself as our server. Chris S was immediately joking with her, soon finding out that her father had been in the United States Air Force and had been based at Mildenhall. He now worked for Boeing. Menus were provided and a drinks order made. We went for two local wines one red and one white. I thought I would be having a burger or chicken but having seen another dinners fish and chips I opted for the same. I don’t think anyone went for either the crab or lobster. It’s great to dine with close friends, the conversation flows the laughter is easy and one doesn’t need to be too cautious about what one says. Good food and wine helps things to go smoothly. Deserts were consumed, the bill was paid the waitress was tipped.

We traipsed out of the restaurant and following Pete’s google instructions enjoyed a slow and pleasant walk back towards the hotel. Before entering, we crossed the road and stood and enjoyed the view out to sea. It was fairly cloudy night and so we couldn’t see many stars. However the lights from ships and shore seemed to dance with a magical quality across the waves.

We blessed each other to sleep well and made our way back to our rooms. I think I was asleep as soon as my head connected with the pillow.

https://soundviewatpike.com Sound View Café

https://www.spaceneedle.com An Iconic attraction in Seattle

https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com Truly amazing place.

https://cutterscrabhouse.com A good looking restaurant