Slice of Heaven

Seattle Trip

Just recently I was fortunate to be able to accompany Dennis on a business trip to Seattle. It is hard to know exactly what to say except that it was a fabulous trip! We were there for 7 days, and it rained only on the day we were leaving. The sun shone and the air was most certainly spring-like for the entire trip. While Dennis was at work, I did quite a bit of exploring, and saw many parts of the city and outside the city too.

A familiar landmark, all it got from us was a drive-by...

Down by the Puget Sound on the SW side of Seattle in Lincoln Park My favorite part of this trip was how different the forests are to what we have back East. I was enthralled by the giant trees, root systems and moss and other green stuff growing EVERYWHERE. The forests seem to be so magical...I kept expecting to see fairies flitting around between the ferns or peeking out from behind a clump of moss.

We drove and walked over Deception Pass. The history behind this place was neat...explorer George Vancouver discovered the area and sent his mate, Whidbey, to find out if there was a peninsula or what the water was like. He returned to say that there was a small island and a narrow pass through the mountains. George Vancouver felt decieved by how the land appeared, so he aptly named it Deception Pass. The large island was named after his mate, Whidbey Island (which happens to be the 2nd longest island in the U.S.).

Of course I visited Pikes Market. The rows and rows of flowers, vegetables and seafood were just beautiful. And there was much throwing of fish!

We spent an afternoon playing frisbee golf across the Puget Sound in Bremerton, then drove to Bainbridge Island and had dinner at a waterfront place. Good food, good views.

Mostly though, I was so often struck by the natural beauty of the area. I know it was a rare treat to have so much sunshine, but am so thankful that there was. I visited the Washington Arboretum near Bellevue. Also, everyday, we woke up to a gorgeous view of Mt. Ranier from where we were staying.

My most ambitious day I spent hiking in Discovery Park. It was an arduous climb down to, around, and then back up to see a lighthouse and panoramic view of the Sound. But so worth it, and I was pretty much the only person on most of the hike, the solitude added to the beauty.

The only disappointment was that we didn't see any gray whales...this was the time of year that they migrate north and are often seen in the Puget Sound. I did see a seal, though, at Deception Pass, and we saw plenty of bald eagles, a coyote and lots of beautiful sea ducks.

I am so thankful for a wonderful Mom who was willing and able to keep the kids while Dennis & I were gone! Good memories!