Seattle Trip

Seattle, Washington

Spring Break 2009

My friend Michele and I spent our spring break in Seattle. What fun. We stayed at the Double Tree Hotel in Tacoma, Washington

Sunday, March 29th

Whale Watching Trip

Michele and I went on a whale watching trip off the Port of Everett with Island Adventure Cruises.It was incredible cold however wonderfully clear, calm waters, and such a great experience. We were able to see many whales. It was a 3 hour whale excursion. It was not very crowded which make is really nice to be able to move around the boat and not have to worry about losing a good spot. We had three crew members who were wonderful and they were very informative. Our captain went over the safety procedures at the beginning. He let us know that if we saw them running on the boat with life jackets on we probably should grab a life jacket. He also let us know that if we saw them sitting in the life raft they would wave us to join them. That was really helpful.

Line made when salt water meets fresh water

Woodland Park Zoo

After the whale watching trip we headed to the Woodland Park Zoo. What a neat Zoo. It is very scenic. You really did not feel like you were in a zoo at all. You felt like you were walking through a park on trails. We saw many animals. The orangutans were quite humorous. They would press their faces right up against the glass and look at us.

We then meet up with one of Michele's friends for a local tour of great spots to take pictures of Seattle

Gas Park

Monday, March 30th

We started out the day experiencing the Seattle Metro System. We left our hotel to catch the bus around 9:00 and ended up at our destination around 11:30. I think we have it better figured out now so we will be better tomorrow. It is really cool though. A majority of the bus ride is underground. It is amazing how much is underground in this city.

We went up in the Seattle Space needle. Which is 605 feet high. Really neat view from up there. It was a little cloudy but still a really neat view. You are able to walk all around the top for a 360 degree view.

After leaving the Space needle we went to the Music Experience Project and the Science Fiction Museum. The Music Experience Project was interesting. We were able to see different instruments and how they have changed over the years. We also went into the Science Fiction Museum since it was included in the Music Experience Project admission. I have to say we went through that very fast and was not at all impressed. We both felt we could have happily missed the Sci Fiction Musuem.

We then went to the Pacific Science Center. That was really fun. It reminded us a lot of a Children's Museum. They had a lot of hands on things. Even though is was like a Children's Museum we had a blast. The best part was going in to the area with Butterflies. It was gorgeous in there. The plants were amazing and there were butterflies everywhere.

We then had a great tour of the city with the Ride the Ducks tour. It was an hour and a half ride. Our tour guide on that one was hilarious. He wore a crazy wig and kept changing his hat to funny hats. He played all different music and sang loud with the music. We have not laughed so hard the whole trip. It was so funny. One great things was that when we were on the water we were shown the house boat that was the one used in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. That was cool. We also learned that many of the homes in the area are around a million dollars. I might move here. Really cheap!!!

Ride the Ducks vehicle in front of the space needle and the Science Fiction Museum/Music Experience Project building

We had a very wild and crazy tour guide

House from movie "Sleepless in Seattle"

Had to get this picture for Julia - Building used in "Grey's Anatomy"

Tuesday, March 31st

We went to the Public Market. We were able to see fish being thrown. There were so many different vendors.

First Starbucks was opened in Pike Place Market

Seattle Aquarium

After the aquarium we went on an Argosy cruise

Pioneer Square - that is actually a triangle shape???

We went on a really cool tour. It was the underground tour. It was really cool to learn about how they have an underground. in the early 1800's they had the city built up and an apprentice for a carpet shop left glue on the stove and it burned down the whole city. Then when they were going to rebuild they decided they also needed to raise the streets and do some moving of the land. However instead of moving the land first they build first. So all the building were put in and then shortly after the streets were raised. So what we now see as the first floor of buildings are actually the second floor to the building. What was built as the first floor is now the basement. Wasn't very well thought out. However when they built the building they knew this would be happening so they put doors on the second story for this purpose. How crazy. The tour was very informative and interesting.

Smith Tower at Pioneer Square

Underground Tour

Underground view

Above ground view

Wednesday, April 1st

Wednesday was filled with both snow and rain. We started out the day with snow falling and by the time we hit downtown it turned to rain. I have to say there were times on no rain, however most of the time it was a constant drizzle. We were able to stay pretty dry even though.

We went to a glass blowing shop and were able to see them making glass with the glass blowing. It was amazing to see it in person.

We then headed over to the Smith Tower in Pioneer Square. We went up to the observation deck and look out which is on the 35th floor. Even though it was raining it was a neat sight.

We then went to Capitol Hill and walked through a park called Volunteer Park. Very big. Would have been much nicer on a dry day.

We then went back near the Pike Place Market and did a little more touring of the shops there.

Seattle was a great place to visit. I can't wait to go back again. I think I will try it in the summer next time.