There was not too much travel in 2009, however in May of that year, I was lucky to take a short trip to the west coast with my daughter – we had a good flight, but a cool rainy day arrival. After touching down at SEATAC airport, the schlepping of luggage from baggage claim was even greater than expected – up an escalator, up in an elevator, down an elevator to a car rental van pick-up area, over to the rental place………anyway, so began a lovely trip. The mountains (Cascades) that we drove through were still covered with snow. Breathtaking! When arriving at our final destination three hours from landing at SEATAC, the little Bed & Breakfast in apple country was slightly less than expected. Still, the proprietor was lovely and we had a huge room; apple trees surrounded the property. The day after arrival, we visited several wineries in the Yakima Valley (one of Washington State’s AVAs.) Oh joy, lots of food, good wine, and lots of driving with a few directional challenges. It was nice to come back to our little B&B. The following day, after a fabulous breakfast, we returned to Seattle, armed with good driving directions to our Seattle hotel provided by a couple staying at our B&B. We found The Inn at Queen Ann with no difficulty. Here was an old building, circa 1928, once used as a dormitory for nuns (no elevator – fortunately we were only on the second floor.) Once settled in the quaint but adequate room with kitchenette, we walked the area, the water front, and studied the bus route. The waterfront area became well known as we traversed it again on Saturday on the way to Pier 52 for the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Once on Bainbridge, we visited with a friend I had not seen in years and had a totally lovely lunch. I adored the ferry ride. The next day we spent in Woodinville, a few miles northeast of Seattle, visiting several boutique wineries in that area. Truly lovely! Our favorite was Novelty Hill/Januik Winery housed in a contemporary building with a lovely patio – we stopped here twice. On Monday, we walked the city central, Pike’s Market, and visited Seattle Public Library (One wonderful place, only five years old at the time; built with lots of glass, steel and sustainable material. Their book return conveyor belt was fascinating. They were using RFID.) At any rate, it was hard to leave Seattle – and yes, because it definitely wasn’t easy getting a traveling companion up before 5:00 a.m. to get to the airport! (Good thing we did leave early, since we had to return the car, and then get to the gate schlepping luggage via elevators and escalators!) Seattle, hope to visit again!
Cascades, returning from Yakima Valley - 2009
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