Sleeping in Seattle
September 22nd, 2011
A bed. Sunshine. A roof over our heads. A new tent. A new knee (well, a repaired one at least). Mouth-watering food that didn’t start with a ‘p’ (peanut butter, porridge, pasta). Our two and half weeks in Seattle were the perfect city break; a chance to put down roots just briefly, pause and get ourselves set for the next stage of the adventure.
Best of all, it gave us the chance to spend time with my aunty Junie Liz and my cousin Barbara – probably longer than I’ve spent with them in the past 30 years combined. They looked after us like royalty, and it was hard to tear ourselves away.
James
Here’s just a snapshot:
Barbara oriented us with a fantastic alternative Seattle tour. We took in the Ballard Locks, where boats queued to head back into Lake Union after a day soaking up the sun in the Puget Sound…
…tourist favourite Pike Place Market for some obligatory fish throwing…
…hidden gems like the houseboats on the shores of Lake Union…
…and culminating in a Seattle sunset from up high in St Anne’s.
For once, we’re not begging your food sympathy – thanks to a leaving present from my former workmates at Challenge for Change, we feasted at Chez Shea, a great french brasserie overlooking Pike Place Market. One to be savoured for many months to come.
Across the water to Junie’s beautiful house and garden at Port Orchard – early morning coffee on the deck with a view back across to the city…
…followed by day rides through lush countryside and along the coast.
We stripped down our panniers and spent our final weekend touring the bike-friendly San Juan islands with B. It was bike touring bliss: ferry hopping between islands, great camping, and at the Doe Bay resort even hot tubs to soothe tired legs in the evening.
Having missed Vancouver on the way down, we jumped on a train with our bikes for a flying overnight visit before we headed south – and were not disappointed. City beaches, mountains all around for weekend outdoor escapes…
…plus of course a good network of bike routes – no wonder it keeps topping the polls for being one of the world’s most ‘liveable’ cities.
Thanks to Jess and Robbie for hosting us – and for pointing out where we could find the best Chinese steamed buns in the city!
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Fab pictures
sounds bliss x x my brother was in Seattle for a while many moons ago x
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September 29th, 2011 at 12:12 am
Not been keeping up! Only just spotted this one. Another lovely set of pictures and great write up. Well done. So glad the knee is mending and you are back in the saddle. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
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October 18th, 2011 at 7:32 am
How wonderful it all looks and you both look fantastic, I’m sure you touch up before the photos!!!! NOT!I love the foodie one and glad to hear you are stuffing loads of calories down!!!
All well here, it’s half term but has gone very cold, we had been spoilt with a real Indian Summer!! Christmas is already in all the shops and Amelie is getting into the idea this year, she is such fun!! D and C are going for a professional photo session tomorrow 19th then all coming here for dinner!! Lots of love to you both and take care and enjoy!!! Margy xxx
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October 22nd, 2011 at 12:04 am
Butchy & Bedders, we’re coming to get you!! (if Ed makes it to the airport that is…)
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