How can you visit Seattle and not walk through Pike's Place Market?!? I felt like a tourist with my camera...but I got over my issues because no one I saw there would ever see me again. So I enjoyed being a tourist!
This farmer's market is massive! Level upon level and a never-ending walk way...it was awesome to be there. And we all know about the flying fish there. Here it is:
And there was live music that was actually pretty good. Seattle was a very different city than others I've visited. I loved the atmosphere. And the architecture was amazing. So unique.
I was surprised to see how the Space Needle was separated from the rest of the city. I thought it was closer to downtown. The Needle was fun to see.
The last day of the trip we got out of our meetings early in the afternoon. So I took advantage and headed south to the Capital building in Olympia. It was a beautiful setting.
And Mount Rainier. What a sight to behold! It took the entire week before I could see it. I was asking EVERYBODY where the best place to see it would be. And everyone kept saying "you can't miss it." But with the slightest overcast in the area, the active volcano blends in and is hidden from sight. It's over 14,000 feet...and from where I took this picture in Tacoma, it was easily 60 miles away. Imagine how giddy I was when I finally saw it. Yep...pretty giddy. :)
I drove and I drove and I drove...trying to soak it all in. On a clear day, you really can't miss it. And it was as beautiful as you can imagine. It was even more amazing as the sun set.
And then flying home, I was hoping to be on the side of the plane that Mount Rainier was on. But no luck. So I snapped this picture of the Cascades in the distance. From a landscape perspective, I don't think I've ever been to a more diverse city. Seattle was beautiful.
This past week, I took another business trip...this time to Philadelphia. Being enamored with history, I spent an evening at Valley Forge. If you're interested, this blog better describes my feelings. I loved walking where George Washington walked during that pivotal turning point of the Revolutionary War. This was his headquarters from December 1777-June 1778.
This is where his guards were stationed...twelve men to a cabin.
Although not a single fire was shot here, 2,000 men died for our country. This was hallowed ground.
Unlike Valley Forge, Independence Hall was crawling with tourists! I thought a Thursday afternoon would be rather quiet, but every school district in the area must have planned a field trip for the day I went. Once most of the kids started the tour and went inside, I was able to hear myself think and enjoyed the atmosphere a little more. The Declaration of Independence was signed here on July 4, 1776. Eleven years later on September 17, 1787, our Constitution was completed here at Independence Hall. Some of the best men to ever walk the earth were right here a little over 200 years ago.
And there was live music that was actually pretty good. Seattle was a very different city than others I've visited. I loved the atmosphere. And the architecture was amazing. So unique.
I was surprised to see how the Space Needle was separated from the rest of the city. I thought it was closer to downtown. The Needle was fun to see.
The last day of the trip we got out of our meetings early in the afternoon. So I took advantage and headed south to the Capital building in Olympia. It was a beautiful setting.
And Mount Rainier. What a sight to behold! It took the entire week before I could see it. I was asking EVERYBODY where the best place to see it would be. And everyone kept saying "you can't miss it." But with the slightest overcast in the area, the active volcano blends in and is hidden from sight. It's over 14,000 feet...and from where I took this picture in Tacoma, it was easily 60 miles away. Imagine how giddy I was when I finally saw it. Yep...pretty giddy. :)
I drove and I drove and I drove...trying to soak it all in. On a clear day, you really can't miss it. And it was as beautiful as you can imagine. It was even more amazing as the sun set.
And then flying home, I was hoping to be on the side of the plane that Mount Rainier was on. But no luck. So I snapped this picture of the Cascades in the distance. From a landscape perspective, I don't think I've ever been to a more diverse city. Seattle was beautiful.
This past week, I took another business trip...this time to Philadelphia. Being enamored with history, I spent an evening at Valley Forge. If you're interested, this blog better describes my feelings. I loved walking where George Washington walked during that pivotal turning point of the Revolutionary War. This was his headquarters from December 1777-June 1778.
This is where his guards were stationed...twelve men to a cabin.
Although not a single fire was shot here, 2,000 men died for our country. This was hallowed ground.
Unlike Valley Forge, Independence Hall was crawling with tourists! I thought a Thursday afternoon would be rather quiet, but every school district in the area must have planned a field trip for the day I went. Once most of the kids started the tour and went inside, I was able to hear myself think and enjoyed the atmosphere a little more. The Declaration of Independence was signed here on July 4, 1776. Eleven years later on September 17, 1787, our Constitution was completed here at Independence Hall. Some of the best men to ever walk the earth were right here a little over 200 years ago.
On the west wing of Independence Hall, two original documents of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were on display (they weren't the ceremonial documents). They were in a dark room and no flash photography was allowed. There was an incredible spirit of reverence in that room. 
Following my historical treat, I walked down the road about a mile to view the future site of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1739 Vine St. And it appears to be a parking lot. :) I checked my coordinates on the GPS and looked at the street signs on either end of the block. If the address is correct, this has to be the place.
This is what you see looking across Vine St. It's near the heart of Philly...and only a mile from where this nation was founded. A prime location. I wonder when they plan to break ground?
And then on my drive home from Philadelphia, I saw the D.C. Temple. Yes, I took the picture while I was driving...some would say it's a talent. My wife and mother may disagree. But this was a beautiful site after being away from home so much.
Following my historical treat, I walked down the road about a mile to view the future site of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1739 Vine St. And it appears to be a parking lot. :) I checked my coordinates on the GPS and looked at the street signs on either end of the block. If the address is correct, this has to be the place.
This is what you see looking across Vine St. It's near the heart of Philly...and only a mile from where this nation was founded. A prime location. I wonder when they plan to break ground?
And then on my drive home from Philadelphia, I saw the D.C. Temple. Yes, I took the picture while I was driving...some would say it's a talent. My wife and mother may disagree. But this was a beautiful site after being away from home so much.
Now I'm off to Virginia Beach, Newport News, Lynchburg, and Abingdon, Virginia. Followed by every city and town found on the map of North Carolina. I know...Karen deserves anything she wants after all these trips.
2 comments:
Two of the best places to visit is Mt. Rainier and the drive along the Columbia River in Portland and seeing Mt. Hood. Your blog about Valley Forge is wonderful. Karen is indeed worth her weight in gold. Take very good care of this family treasure.
do you realize how fortunate you were to have blue sky in Seattle? I'm glad you loved one of my favorite places as much as I do. I KNEW I liked you!
and Karen deserves anything she wants for LOTS of reasons...not just your traveling ;)
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