Volunteer Park

While home for the holidays last week, my Mom & I took an impromptu walk (meant to be run) through Seattle's Volunteer Park a few blocks from home. Initially, we marched out the door with grand intentions of working off the 50+ chocolate salted caramels we I consumed in a holiday-induced binge, Lululemon gear on ready for max exertion. Instead, on a whim, we re-routed our course through the nearby park for a more scenic backdrop from grey city streets. Man, am I glad we did. Not only did we time it perfectly just as the sun was setting, bathing the already-beautiful grounds in all sorts of magical light, but we made up for the so-far lackluster workout by climbing to the top of the park's historic water tower. All 106 spiral stairs.

Of course, I've climbed these stairs before. The park's soaring oak trees, yawning stretches of grass, winding walkways, and stone wading pool are all familiar faces to me from a childhood spent in its greenery. But the last time I climbed the water tower was a distant memory from more youthful years, and now the circular stairwell looked especially steep.

Much to our surprise, exhilaration replaced reluctance when 106 stairs later (plus a few stops along the way to snap pics but in reality catch our breath) we crested the final step thigh muscles and dignity intact. Take that youth! We still got it!



And apparently so does the water tower. Her charming brick glory shimmered especially bright in the late afternoon sun.

After much ooh'ing and aah'ing, the descent proved far more enjoyable filled with our excited chattering over the water tower's loveliness as if we'd just discovered an unknown hidden gem in the city (ah vacation brain!). High on park life, we stopped into the Conservatory too, warming ourselves beneath the leafy palm trees and swampy air.

Finally, just as the setting sun dipped below the horizon, our wandering took us by the infamous "doughnut" sculpture with the sun's last rays peeking through the center just perfectly.

 Well done, Volunteer Park. Well done.

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A Weekend Out West

I learned two lessons this weekend: 

1. Washington State needs to master the art of the air conditioner. 

2. Something kind of magical happens when you explore your own hometown as a tourist, especially when it's with someone experiencing all the sights, sounds, smells and seafood for the first time. 

In honor of Kev's inaugural visit to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle pulled out all the stops & threw on her Sunday best of sunshine and blue skies. Notwithstanding the slight heat wave going on (90 degrees! Constant sweat! No A/C anywhere!), all four days we were there, the sun-drenched streets and sparkling waters of the city just dazzled. Even as a jaded local, I was thoroughly seduced by her nautical charms.

Like professional tourists, we packed every day tightly with the major sights and spots the city has to offer.

Pike Place Market... where Kevin discovered the infamous "gum" wall, the first Starbucks store from 1971, and the salmon throwing fishmongers. The gum wall went over exceedingly well.

The Great Wheel...where we took in spectacular views of the Seattle waterfront while sweating bullets in the tiny ferris wheel car that had a broken A/C. We were like bugs under a magnifying glass.

The Space Needle... where we squinted our way to approximately 5,000 selfies without much success.

Experience Music Project... where Kevin reconnected with the 1990's version of himself who loved Nirvana and punk rock. Also known as 2013 Kevin.

Alki Beach... where we attempted to stage a jumping photo montage. Nailed it.

The Seattle Underground Tour... where we discovered how idiotic the founding fathers of Seattle were in building the original streets at sea level when measured at low tide. Turn-of-the-century sewage pipes are no match for the force of a rising ocean. A lot of poop jokes ensued.

The Ballard Locks... where we were able to take a good hard look at what we'd been eating at every meal the last three days (eek!).

Oh, and can't forget Kaitlyn & Dave's wedding...where we watched my childhood friend tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony and took awkward photo booth pics that probably should never see the light of day let alone this blog.

Of course, a visit to Seattle is not complete without one dip in the ocean. Or at least a feet-only semi dip.

Did we miss anything!? 

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