Seattle

Thursday 16th May 2013
Up at 7am and breakfast at 8am  and on the Shuttle at 9am. Heading into downtown Seattle to the Pike Market Place.  Walked through the Markets, so much to see and great to soak up the atmosphere. Fresh Fish and Seafood, fruits veggies, flowers and many interesting crafts people still setting up. Walked along the Piers, Cruise Ship Princess Line Ship docking. Hard to imagine we will be on one of these big ships in a couple of weeks.

Pike Markets - Seattle

Joined a Free Walking tour of the city for 2 hours. Great tour, Truffle tasting, Cheese Factory viewing windows, Gum Wall, Pike Brewery info tour, Pioneer Square then down to the Pier to Ivar's Fish Bar to try some Clam Chowder & Fries and feed the Seagulls. Pacific Gulls much larger than our Sea Gulls at home. Then onto the Miners landing and more great photo's of Seattle from the Pier. Out tour guide Jake was really good and gave us lots of tips for things to do for the rest of the day. Back to the markets grabbed some lunch fish & chips and onto Bus 2 for a ride up to Kerry's Park for a postcard  view of the City, with help from the locals on the bus the driver did not know what we where talking about. A fantastic view and 1st Class area to walk around many older very well maintained homes with large gardens.

View of Seattle from Kerry Park

  Then back on the bus down the hills to downtown and a walk to the Klondike Gold Rush Museum arrived at 4.25pm, so only a quick look at it closed at 5pm. Walked to the Columbia Center and caught the lift to the Starbucks on the 40th Floor for a free view of the City. Debbie was keen o go to the viewing Deck on the 73rd Floor so up we went. We are all so glad we had a chance to view the City from here. On a clear day we would have been able to see Mt Rainier but not today.

View of Seattle from Columbia Center Skyview -  73rd Floor

Had dinner tonight at the Owl & Thistle Irish pub that Jake had recommended during the tour. Caught the free shuttle back to the Hotel arriving back at 8.15pm. Weather a little cool to start with but in the end nice sunny and warm day. Stark contrast to yesterday, so a great day for our walking adventures around Seattle.
Tomorrow we head into Canada towards the Rockies a long day in the car so time I hit the sack. Thanks for following our adventure.

Owl & Thistle Irish Pub