LET'S SEE & DO SOMETHING NEW

Last year we had tried to do the Seattle Underground, we were never able to coordinate dates and times with George. This time we did...While waiting for our reservations we went to a Fire Expo...the were several vintage fire trucks on display and booths informing people of other attractions in the area. We walked through the UPS water gardens, and went to the National Klondike Museum.

The Seattle Underground was literally going under a portion of the city. This was part of an original building windows. There was lots of dust dirt, musty smells, along with sewer. The guide told stories of the history and color of Seattle. It was entertaining, would I recommend it.....no. There are better things to do in Seattle...try lunch in the Space Needle for one.

I did learn something I will take with me from the tour. In old towns, if you see glass laid in the sidewalks, it wasn't an artistic touch, but a source for light underground, "skylights"

We had talked about talking a harbor cruise during our mission time (yes we took ferries 2-4 times a week, but not the same). We had a beautiful sunny day and cruised the Seattle Harbor. Our guide described the city skyline, with stories and general information. We also had lessons about the Olympic Mts, Rainer and the weather. We cruised by the Port of Seattle and saw ships being unloaded. It was a nice hour...better than the underground too.

A trip to Seattle is not complete without a trip to Pike's Place Market, but to add to the diversity we had to find the infamous "GUM WALL" and add to it.

We went back to Vashon Island to see Morningside Farm, go to the best quilt store ever and visit with friends. We happened to be there for the annual Strawberry Festival. We went into town for breakfast in "Sporties" Breakfast in the am & a bar in the afternoon & evenings. The choices on the Island are some what limited and they make a "GREAT" blueberry pancake. A little later was the Parade...2hrs. I didn't see any fresh strawberries, we were told they now come from Mexico.
We went to visit our former missionary partners David & Linda Grant. They moved to Bremerton after their mission. They like cold weather. We drove out to Point no Point lighthouse. We watched the birds and ships go by.
We alos attended the Kitsap Blue Jackets baseball game. It's a semi pro league played for 2 months in the summer by college players. It was a local fun time. We played the Kawoni team from Canada. USA won that game.

The next day we toured the USS Turner, a Vietnam era destroyer. Pretty impressive. Look the sky matches the gray of the ship.

Our last big excursion, was going to Orcas Island. It's an hour ferry trip. You can see Canada & Victoria Island on a clear day...but remember this is the Northwest...It wasn't clear, you can see the fog rolling in.
We hiked around to look from the observation tower, back on a small trail, and down to the beach. We had a picnic, Larry was a good sport and carried the ice chest 1.5 mi. We did some beachcombing and watch Jodie & the kids pick up starfish and crabs. We barely made it for the return ferry.
Before we left for Washington, Larry asked the kids what would they like to do while we were visiting. They said bowling. So for Jodie's birthday we went bowling. I don't think I've been bowling for 10-15 years. I did manage to bowl my average, about 100.
The next day George thought it would be a good thing to hike to the Ice Caves. He had talked about doing this on previous trips. It's 2 miles round trip, we all survived. As far as the ice caves...it was OK. Not high on my list to do again. I'd put it up there with the Underground.
July 27th we left Seattle and headed for Thatcher, UT. We were stopping for a day to visit with our last missionary companions Ron & Sherrie Colby. They planned a full day for us on the 28th. First stop was a park, it was built by the land owners for the community's use.
Sherrie used to work at the local rocket manufacturer (ATK) They have a park with several of the rockets, missles and boosters that were built there. The large horzonital rocket is 1 of the pair that sends the space shuttle off into space. Sherrie was a very good guide for us.
They live near the Golden Spike Monument. (where the east & west railroads met) They have a nice visitors center. They also took us to the bird refuge in Brigham City, We toured the Tabernacle there, saw the Temple site, and the Brigham City Museum. The following day we made the 2 day drive home.

<