MV Dirona travel digest for Fall 2022


Show Fall 2022 travel log map Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map, with the complete log of our cruise.

On the map page, clicking on a camera or text icon will display a picture and/or log entry for that location, and clicking on the smaller icons along the route will display latitude, longitude and other navigation data for that location. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at //mvdirona.com/maps/LocationCurrent.html.


   

9/1/2022: Pumping Concrete
We love all the innovation happening in the construction industry. Here a cement distribution boom is mounted centrally on top of a building under construction. Cement is pumped from the street and up the center of the building to the distribution crane. The crane allows quick pours over the entire building so the construction crew can do a pour, raise the central tower by one floor, assemble another floor of forms, and then repeat the process with another pour.
9/1/2022: Spitfire
Spitfire "helping" James get a little work done in the evening. Spit has learned the best place to get attention is directly in front of the computer screen.
9/1/2022: Sunset
Dramatic flares as the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains.
9/1/2022: Garden
Looking down from our patio to the wonderfully-designed gardens between the two buildings in our apartment complex.
9/2/2022: Fog
Two cruise ships at Pier 91 about to disappear from view into a fog bank.
9/2/2022: Loading Truck
Loading up our truck with gear for a three-night camping trip on Labor Day Weekend. We bring down an Engel cooler and two LL Bean duffels from the apartment, and keep the rest of our camping gear stowed in a storage locker next to our parking spot.
9/2/2022: Elbe Hills
Since we have a three-night trip, we're going to explore farther south than usual. Here we are looking for campsites in Elbe Hills State Forest, one of two state forests in the area directly west of Mt. Rainier.
9/2/2022: Gate
Most of the potential campsites we'd pre-scouted online were behind locked gates or road obstructions.
9/2/2022: Turner Scott Rd
A fabulous view to The Mountain from Turner Scott Rd in Elbe Hills State Forest. Unfortunately large ditches have been cut into the roads leading to several possible campsites in the area. The State Forest seems to be discouraging wilderness camping in a big way.
9/2/2022: Eatonville National Road
Attractive woods on either side of Eatonville National Road in Elbe Hills State Forest.
9/2/2022: Logging
Freshly cut trees from current logging in Elbe Hills State Forest.
9/2/2022: NF 8412
We gave up on the state forests and decided to head farther south into Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Here we are returning back along Forest Road 8412. We explored as far as we could looking for a campsite, but the road was too overgrown to reach a couple of potential spots we'd pre-scouted online.
9/2/2022: Fallen Tree
A recently-fallen large tree along Forest Road 8410. We carry a couple of small handsaws to cut debris away from the road if we become blocked, but clearing a tree this size would require a chainsaw and that's more than we bring along with us.
9/2/2022: Outcropping
5,000-ft (1,500 m) rock outcroppings, viewed as we head west along Forest Road 8410.
9/2/2022: Potential Camp
A potential camp along Forest Road 8410, with a partial view to Mt Rainier through the trees if you are standing up. It didn't appeal to us enough, so we continued a short distance to the end of the road. There was a campsite there, but trees blocked any view.
9/2/2022: Trailhead
A few cars parked at the Teeley Creek trailhead as we return back out along Forest Road 8410. Although camping near a trailhead is convenient for hiking, we don't like the increased car traffic this brings.
9/2/2022: Mesatchee Creek
Large berms on either side of Mesatchee Creek prevent any further progress along Forest Road 8415.
9/2/2022: NF 8514
A nice view to Mt. Rainier as we return along NF 8514. And a campsite is just off the road on the left, but trees block the view.
9/2/2022: Cora Lake Road
On the satellite imagery we could see what looked like an excellent view campsite at the end of Cora Lake Road, but the way was blocked for vehicle access. Someone had camped just this side of the blockage, but there wasn't any view. We don't absolutely have to have a view, but most of the reason we're out camping is to enjoy natural beauty, so we're fairly picky about where we stop for the night.
9/2/2022: The View
After three hours of driving and exploring, we finally found a wonderfully private campsite along Forest Road 8430 with a spectacular view to Mt. Rainier (14,417 ft; 4,394 m).
9/2/2022: Dusty
Our little SUV is very dirty from all that driving on the dusty roads. But we aren't bothered. We carry a bottle of cleaner with some rags, and can clean it up pretty quickly before setting up camp.
9/2/2022: Campsite
Our spectacular campsite with its clear view to Mt. Rainier.
9/2/2022: Fattoush Salad
Mixing a Fattoush Salad for lunch at camp. We prepared all the ingredients at home and just do the final stages at camp.
9/2/2022: Lunch
Lunch with that amazing view to Mt. Rainier.
9/2/2022: Van Trump Glacier
Van Trump Glacier along the southern flank of Mt. Rainier is actually a collection of several glaciers. We also viewed the group on our recent hike to Mildred Point in Mt Rainier National Park.
9/2/2022: Hot
The temperature is so high today, even up in the mountains, that our phones go into thermal shutdown if left out in the sun.
9/2/2022: Noble Fir Cones
Several large noble fir trees are growing near our campsite. The trees can grow up to 200 feet (60 m) high, and their distinctive cones are quite large at 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long.
9/2/2022: Afternoon Walk
Looking back to Mt. Rainier on a short afternoon walk along Forest Road 8430.
9/2/2022: Rockslide
A big rockslide across Forest Road 8430. Some 4x4s have crossed it, but the terrain is much to difficult for our little SUV. The road also is quite overgrown even before reaching the slide.
9/2/2022: Tahoma Glacier
Tahoma Glacier flowing west from the summit of Mt. Rainer, with St. Andrews Rock (10,992 ft; 3,550m) on the left.
9/2/2022: Crab Cakes
Making crab cakes for dinner. It would be hard to find a galley with a better view.
9/2/2022: Camp Muir
While eating dinner, we realized we could actually just barely see Camp Muir from our campsite. It's at the top of the snowfield on the right (clock image for a larger view).

At elevation 10,187 feet (3,104 m), Camp Muir is the highest you can go in Mt. Rainier National Park without a permit and is used as a staging point for climbers attempting the summit of Mt. Rainier via the Gibraltar Route on the mountain's southern face. The camp is named after naturalist John Muir, who in 1888 was part of the group that made the sixth recorded ascent of the mountain.
9/2/2022: Sunset
Mt. Rainier lit pink in the setting sun.
9/2/2022: Evening
Enjoying the final views to Mt. Rainier as the sun sets. We continue to keep finding "the best spot ever", and this one will be hard to top.
9/3/2022: Morning View
The view from our truck as we got up this morning. With the low clouds we can hardly see the trees beyond our campsite, let alone Mt. Rainier.
9/3/2022: Charging
We can easily go a night at the campsite without charging our EcoFlow mobile battery, or even two nights when we're not using Starlink. But we'll be here for at least two nights and are using Starlink, so need to charge the EcoFlow.
9/3/2022: Mountain Top
The tip of Mt. Rainier appeared above the clouds around noon.
9/3/2022: Campsite
Looking back to our campsite along Forest Road 8430 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest as we set out on a hike. The sky is clearing, but we still can't see much of the mountain yet.
9/3/2022: NF 8430
Walking south along Forest Road 8439 from our campsite. The way is very overgrown a short distance beyond our camp, with a rockslide not far after that.
9/3/2022: Woods
James pushing through some thick woods to reach a potential viewpoint.
9/3/2022: Cliff
A steep cliff with a nice view to the south.
9/3/2022: Valley
Taking in the view south across the Berry Creek valley in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Packwood Brewing Co is calling, so we'll be heading out through the valley towards Packwood on our way home from camp.
9/3/2022: Pearly Everlasting
Pearly Everlasting growing on a sunny south-facing slope, with some Pink Monkeyflower added to the mix.
9/3/2022: Mt. Rainier
The mountain was almost completely out from the clouds by the time we returned from our hike.
9/3/2022: Grilled Steaks
Cooking steaks for dinner on our new grill pan. They came out wonderfully, among the best we've ever made, even barbecuing. We're super-impressed with the pan and love being able to grill at camp without having to carry a separate barbecue.
9/3/2022: Clouds
Mt. Rainier disappearing behind the clouds again.
9/3/2022: Evening
A final evening view to the mountain, a little more visible than earlier.
9/4/2022: Dawn
We woke up to this spectacular dawn view of Mt. Rainier.
9/4/2022: Morning
The skies remained wonderfully clear by mid-morning.
9/4/2022: Camp Toilet
The folding camp toilet setup inside the privacy tent.
9/4/2022: Loo with a View
The view to Mt. Rainier from our camp toilet.
9/4/2022: Shower
James taking a shower using our Kradl Portable Camping Shower. The shower worked well, but was insufficiently durable and suffered a nozzle failure. We'll have to try a different design.
9/4/2022: Microfiber Towel
For space-efficient and fast-drying camp towels, we use 4Monster microfiber travel towels. They are highly absorbent and dry quickly. The two extra-large ones, pictured, are 30x59 inches (76x150 cm), but fold up into a compact 3x2x2.5-inch (7.6x5x6.3 cm) carrying case. The towels also have a built-in snap loop to easily hang them to dry. We also have an extra-small size that is great for drying dishes.
9/4/2022: Blow Dry
Jennifer blow drying her hair after a shower at camp. The EcoFlow can easily support the load of the 1,800 watt hairdryer.
9/4/2022: Truck
Barely a half-dozen vehicles passed us the entire time we were here, and a few stopped to comment on what an awesome campsite we'd found. The view from here really is exceptional.
9/4/2022: Evening Walk
We went for a short walk from our camp and hiked up a nearby hill to see if we could get view in different directions. But we didn't find any breaks in the tree cover.
9/4/2022: Formula 1
Formula 1 has gotten a lot more competitive over the past few seasons and we've really been enjoying the races. Here we are watching the Netherlands Grand Prix from our campsite. It's amazing that the Starlink satellite system can actually deliver an entire race without a flicker.
9/4/2022: Sunset
A glacier on Mt. Rainier lit pink for our final sunset from the campsite on Forest Road 8430.
9/5/2022: Breaking Camp
A final glimpse to Mt. Rainier, partly covered by clouds, as we depart the campsite along Forest Road 8430. We initially were planning to camp in a couple of different locations over the long weekend, but this one was too good to give up.
9/5/2022: Potential Campsite
Checking out a potential campsite at the end of a spur off Forest Road 8460. We found several good sites in the area with clear mountain views.
9/5/2022: New Road
A new logging road under construction off Forest Road 4745.
9/5/2022: Rockslide
A major rockslide along Forest Road 4745 nearly blocks the way, but we can just get around it.
9/5/2022: Wildflowers
Colorful wildflowers and a view to Mt. Rainier at a campsite along the edge of Forest Road 4745.
9/5/2022: Road
A lovely drive through sun-dappled woods along Forest Road 47
9/5/2022: Large Group
A large group parked along Forest Road 47 near Packwood. The people density is much higher at lower elevations near population centers compared to the higher-altitude areas we prefer.
9/5/2022: Skate Creek
The bridge over Skate Creek is in much better shape than most of the bridges we crossed earlier in the weekend.
9/5/2022: Gorge
A dramatic gorge just south of the intersection of Forest Roads 47 and 52.
9/5/2022: Leaving Forest
Exiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Packwood.
9/5/2022: Packwood Flea Market
Our plan in coming to Packwood was to turn right from Forest Road 52 and head to the Packwood Brewing Co. for lunch. But the road into town was jammed for the annual Packwood Flea Market. It's one of the largest flea markets in the western US, attracting hundreds of vendors and thousands of shoppers. Even if we could reach the brewery in a reasonable time, we probably couldn't get a seat. So we turned left instead.
9/5/2022: White Pass Tacqueria
At White Pass Tacqueria just outside Packwood. We had a great meal there and enjoyed watching the varied traffic passing by from our shaded table on their terrace.
9/5/2022: Mt. Rainier NP
Entering Mt. Rainier National Park on our way back home along highway 123. We're just about to join our path of a month ago from Stevens Canyon Road to Sunrise. This section of road we're driving on is closed in the winter.
9/5/2022: East Side Tunnel
About to pass through East Side Tunnel, completed in 1939 as part of the development of the Sunrise area of Mt. Rainer National Park.
9/5/2022: Cayuse Pass
Arriving at Cayuse Pass (4,675 feet; 1,425 m) and the junction of State Routes 123 and 410. We'll be taking 410 home to Seattle.
9/5/2022: MBS NF
Exiting Mt. Rainier National Park and entering Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just south of Crystal Mountain Resort. This is the point we drove to earlier in the year from the north when the road was still closed for the winter.
9/6/2022: Duck Dodge
74 boats competing in the final Duck Dodge race of the season on Lake Union. The name is said to derive from the number of ducks that must be avoided during while sailing the course.
9/7/2022: Cat Carrier
We've seen a few of these pet carriers around town recently. It's an interesting backpack design.
9/7/2022: Foundation
Another level of foundation has been poured at the Fourth & Bell construction site.
9/7/2022: Sunset
Beautiful sunset over the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay.
9/8/2022: Spitfire
Spitfire doing what he does best, and most :-), sleeping in the sun.
9/8/2022: Norrona
Jennifer's Norrona Lyngen jacket we purchased in Bergen a couple of years ago is literally wearing away at the seams from so much use. We really like it, so ordered another from Norrona in Norway, and it arrived three days later.
9/10/2022: Full Moon
A full moon lighting up Elliott Bay at 5:30 this morning.
9/10/2022: King Street Station
At King Street Station for an overnight trip to Portland, Oregon. We've not taken a train trip in the US before and are looking forward to the adventure.
9/10/2022: Station Interior
The striking interior of King Street Station. Opened in 1906, the station had undergone a series of renovations over the decades that removed or covered much of the original decor and was recently restored to it's former splendor.
9/10/2022: Cabin
Our cabin on the Starlight Express train. The full route runs from all the way to Los Angeles overnight, arriving 35 hours later, and the cabin can be converted to two beds. But we're only making a four-hour run to Portland.
9/10/2022: Station from Train
The view to King Street Station shortly before we depart Seattle.
9/10/2022: Green River Farm
The Green River Farm in Kent sells their produce through a community stand that also supports other local small farms.
9/10/2022: Western Self Storage
One of several lots we passed with a large number of RVs in storage.
9/10/2022: Swiss Lunch
We brought a "Swiss lunch" with us of wine, crackers, sliced meat and cheese.
9/10/2022: Tacoma
The Tacoma Dome event center, partially visible at left, as our train reaches Tacoma.
9/10/2022: I-5
The train crosses Interstate 5 near DuPont.
9/10/2022: Pattison Lake
Pattison Lake in Olympia, one of four lakes in the Woodland Creek drainage system that eventually reaches the Puget Sound at Henderson Inlet.
9/10/2022: Kelso Station
Kelso Station, the fifth and final Washington stop on our route before we cross the Columbia River.
9/10/2022: SW WA Regional Airport
A floatplane and small helicoptor at Southwest Washington Regional Airport, known until 2009 as Kelso-Longview Airport.
9/10/2022: Lewis River
Crossing the Lewis River, a tributary of the Columbia. The sky is getting smoky here due to the number of wildfires in the area.
9/10/2022: Pacific Coast Shredding
Pacific Coast Shredding recycling center in front of Great Western Malting Co. Founded in 1934, it is the oldest malting company in the western US and supplies malts to brewers, distillers and food processors in the United States, Canada, Asia and South America.
9/10/2022: BNSF Railway Bridge 9.6
Taking the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge 9.6, completed in 1908, across the Columbia River. We passed under this bridge in Dirona on our Columbia River trip.
9/10/2022: Wastewater Treatment
The Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant processes an average of 70 million gallons of wastewater each day, a number that can increase to 450 million gallons on rainy days.
9/10/2022: BNSF Railway Bridge 5.1 (1908)
About to cross the Willamette River on the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge 5.1, built in 1908. We crossed under this bridge as well when we visited Portland in Dirona.
9/10/2022: Substation
A power substation a short distance out of Portland train station.
9/10/2022: Fremont Bridge
The graceful arch of the Fremont Bridge across the Willamette River.
9/10/2022: Deere
We're always happy to see a John Deere in the wild.
9/10/2022: Portland Arrival
Four hours after departing Seattle, we disembarked our train in Portland.
9/10/2022: Portland Station
The interior of Portland's Union Station is not quite as grand as Seattle's King Street Station, but is still light-filled, airy and appealing.
9/10/2022: Union Station
The view to Portland's Union Station from a pedestrian bridge over the tracks as we walk to our hotel.
9/10/2022: Refueling
It seemed odd somehow that a truck would come to refuel the trains, but that's how it's done. We were expecting the station might have it's own underground tanks for fueling.
9/10/2022: Steel Bridge
The Steel Bridge over the Willamette. The double-decker lift bridge was built in 1912 and carries rail and non-motorized traffic on the lower level with vehicles on the top level.
9/10/2022: Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market, first held in 1974, is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the country. The market combines arts and crafts with live music and food venues.
9/10/2022: Drummers
A group of playing a variety of different drums in the park alongside the Willamette River.
9/10/2022: Battleship Oregon Memorial
The Battleship Oregon Memorial in the park of the same name along the Willamette River. Launched in 1893, the 351-ft (107 m) battleship saw action in the Spanish-American War and other conflict, and eventually was decomissioned in 1919. This mast from the ship was made into a memorial honoring all those who served aboard.
9/10/2022: Hawthorne Bridge
Looking up the Willamette River to the Hawthorne Bridge, a vertical lift bridge built in 1910.
9/10/2022: Dragon Boats
We had arrived into town on the weekend of the Portland Dragon Boat Races, held annually since 1989.
9/10/2022: Heathen Brewing
We loved the Heathen Brewing custom beer truck serving up pints at the Portland Dragon Boat Races. It's an old tanker truck converted to have taps down the side.
9/10/2022: Marriott
The view down to the Willamette River and the Hawthorne Lift bridge from our room at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. The Portland Dragon Boat Festival is being held in the park in the foreground.
9/10/2022: Spectating
On our way out to dinner, we stopped off to take in some of the dragon boat races. And we couldn't resists a pint from the Heathen Brewing beer truck. Portland is a major craft beer center and we plan to do a mini pub crawl as part of our trip. This seems like as good a place to start as any.
9/10/2022: Teams
Some of the nearly two dozen teams taking part in the Portland Dragon Boat Festival. They seemed to be a very fun-loving group.
9/10/2022: Power Distribution
A distribution box for supplying power to the Dragon Boat Festival.
9/10/2022: Salmon Street Springs
The interactive fountain Salmon Street Springs at the foot of SW Salmon St. in downtown Portland.
9/10/2022: Departure
A great meal on the patio at Departure rooftop restaurant in the The Nines hotel. We broke our pub-crawl theme and went with wine with dinner.
9/10/2022: Departure View
The view southeast over Portland to the Willamette River from the terrace of Departure restaurant.
9/10/2022: Momo's
Back on our Portland mini pub crawl with drinks on the back terrace at Momo's. The pub is rather unassuming from the street, but has this wonderful terrace almost hidden in the back.
9/10/2022: McMenamins
Continuing our mini pub crawl at McMenamins Market Street Pub.
9/10/2022: PSU
Walking past the Portland State University campus on the way back to our hotel.
9/10/2022: PSU Music
A wide array of instruments owned by the Portland State University Music Department.
9/10/2022: Bridge at Night
The Hawthorne Lift bridge lit up at night, viewed from our room at the ortland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.
9/11/2022: Sunrise
Sunrise over the Willamette River through a hazy, smoke-filled sky.
9/11/2022: kwansum
Portland fire boat 21, kwansum, doing a pump display before the start of the dragon boat races.
9/11/2022: Stretching
One of the dragon boat racing teams stretching together before the day's event.
9/11/2022: Semi-Finals
A close contest in one of semi-finals of the Portland Dragon Boat Races.
9/11/2022: USS Blueback
The USS Blueback, a Barbel-class diesel-electric submarine launched in 1959. This was the last non-nuclear submarine built for the US Navy and when decommissioned in 1990 made the US combat submarine fleet entirely nuclear. The vessel is now part of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, with guided tours available.
9/11/2022: Apple Store
A security fence around the Apple store in downtown Portland. In May of 2020, after rioters protesting the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd smashed the store's windows and stole product, the store was boarded up and closed. The fence was installed in February of 2021 as the store was re-opening, with plans currently in place to erect a less imposing barrier.
9/11/2022: Cat in Repose
Jennifer with the limestone sculpture Cat in Repose by artist Kathleen McCullough in 1977.
9/11/2022: Jake's
A yummy lunch streetside, with craft IPAs, at Jake's Famous Crawfish.
9/11/2022: Weinhard Brewery
We could see the large vats of the Weinhard Brewery Complex from our lunch table. The former brewery was completed in 1908 and now is on the National Register of Historic Places. Operations ceased in 1999 and the buildings were renovated into mixed-use area consisting of offices, retail, and condo towers called the Brewery Blocks.
9/11/2022: Owl on Lowbrow Lounge
Fabulous painting by Ashley Montague of an owl on the side of the Lowbrow Lounge in Portland, viewed as we walk to the train station.
9/11/2022: Union Station
Back at Union Station for our train trip from Portland, Oregon back to Seattle.
9/11/2022: Albers Bros Milling Co
The Albers Bros Milling Co building, erected in 1909, viewed as our train departs Union Station in Portland, Oregon. Headquartered here, the Albers brothers founded the largest flour and feed milling enterprise on the West Coast in the early 1900s. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and converted to office buildings in 1989.
9/11/2022: Centennial Mills
The flour and feed mill is the only remaining of a complex of 12 that made up the Centennial Mills facility.
9/11/2022: Willamette River
Recrossing the Willamette River by train on our way to Seattle from Portland, Oregon.
9/11/2022: Freight Train
Our train about to cross a bridge over tracks carrying a freight train east.
9/11/2022: Class Harbor
The Class Harbor floating home community along the Columbia River.
9/11/2022: Vancouver Lake
Vancouver Lake near Vancouver Washington. Lake River flow from the lake into the Columbia River but sometimes, due to seasonal variation in lake heights, the flow reverses and hte lake fills from the Columbia River.
9/11/2022: Sikorsky S-61
A Sikorsky S-61 at Southwest Washington Regional Airport. This is one of 10 Sikorsky S-61 owned by heavy-lift specialist Croman.
9/11/2022: Dinner
A surprisingly good pasta dinner on board our train to Seattle. We ordered it in the dining car and they delivered it to our cabin.
9/11/2022: Lacey Station
Passing Lacey Station, one of five stops our train makes in Washington.
9/11/2022: Nisqually River
Our train crossing over the active Nisqually River near Olympia.
9/11/2022: Military Cargo Plane
A military cargo plane heading to Joint Base Lewis-McChord passing over our train just south of Tacoma.
9/12/2022: Tunnel Entrance
Last year's tunnel entrance on display at the Seahawk's Touchdown City pre-game party. The players ran through it and onto the field as their names were announced. The entrance was replaced by a more high-tech version this year.
9/12/2022: Tunnel
James got an opportunity to be on the field prior to the Seahawks Monday night game against the Denver Broncos. Here he is walking through the tunnel onto the field.
9/12/2022: On the Field
James and Peter DeSantis on the field prior to the Broncos vs Seahawks Monday Night season opener. This will be ex-quarterback Russell Wilson's first return to Seattle and it should be exciting.
9/12/2022: Lens
Really big, and expensive, Canon lenses are common at all major sporting events. This one looks like an RF600mm F4 L IS USM that retails for $13,000.
9/12/2022: Taima
Taimi the auger hawk, the Seahawks live mascot, with handler David Knutson. Taimi flies out of the tunnel before the team at the start of every home game.
9/12/2022: Michael Dickson
The Seahawks punter Michael Dickson, who grew up playing Australian Rules Football. In 2015, at the age of 19, he was picked by the University of Texas as a punter after training with Prokick Australia, a coaching program designed to help Australian kickers and punters enter American football.

Dickson was named MVP of the 2017 Texas Bowl and drafted in 2018 by the Seahawks in the 5th round, 149th overall. In his first season he punted the ball 78 times for 3,759 yards, for an average of 48.2 yards per punt. This was the second-highest in the league and he was the first rookie punter voted into the Pro Bowl since 1984.
9/12/2022: Tyler Locket
Tyler Locket, one of the Seahawks star wide receivers, catching a practice pass before the game.
9/12/2022: Coach Carroll
Coach Pete Carroll walking the sidelines as the players practice and warm up.
9/12/2022: Geno Smith
Geno Smith, the Seahawks starting quarterback. Geno is no lightweight at 6' 3" (1.91m) tall and weighing 221 lbs (100 kg).
9/12/2022: Austin Blythe
Geno Smith practicing a snap with guard Austin Blythe.
9/12/2022: DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf, another of the Seahawks star wide receivers, in the air to catch a practice pass.
9/12/2022: Gabe Jackson
Big boy Gabe Jackson stretching before the game. Jackson plays guard and is listed at 6' 3" (1.91m) and weighing 350 lbs (158 kg).
9/12/2022: Stretching
The Seahawks stretching before the game. The coaching staff, with coach Pete Carroll at right, are walking among the players and shaking their hands.
9/12/2022: Russell Wilson
Seahawks ex-quarterback Russell Wilson finishing up pre-game warm-up and heading to the dressing room in his first game in Seattle since being traded to the Denver. It's still a half-hour until game time, so the stands are far from full, but the fans still can muster a good-sized 'Boo'.
9/12/2022: In the Stands
James and Peter up in the stands, with Kimanh Moreau, to watch the game.
9/12/2022: 17-16
With only 15 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the score is 17-16 for the Seahawks. In a closely-contested game, that the Seahawks were expected to lose, we actually beat Denver and ex-Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Hardly anyone left the game at the end and just stayed there cheering. It felt very much like we'd won a playoff game rather than game one of a seventeen-game season.
9/12/2022: Blue Thunder
The Seahawks Blue Thunder drumline entertaining fans as we leave the game. What a great win and start to the season.
9/13/2022: Gravel
Truckloads of gravel being transferred by conveyor to the far side of the Fourth & Bell construction site prior to another cement pour.
9/13/2022: Kraken Locker Room
James entering the Seattle Kraken locker room at Climate Pledge Arena for a work meeting.
9/13/2022: Film Room
The Seattle Kraken hockey team film room.
9/13/2022: Jersey
James got a personalized Kraken jersey with the retired number 32.
9/13/2022: Kraken Logo
The beautiful Kraken logo, central over the Kraken dressing room.
9/14/2022: Urban Animal
In line at 8:00am to get a walk-in appointment at Urban Animal for later in the day. Spitfire is doing fine, but is due for bloodwork.
9/14/2022: Uptown Hop House
Dinner at Uptown Hop House near Climate Pledge Area where James had a two-day offsite.
9/16/2022: Cement Poured
The cement has been poured over the load of gravel that was recently distributed at the Fourth & Bell construction site.
9/16/2022: Wrong Way
The driver of the white car got surprisingly close to oncoming traffic before noticing they were going the wrong way on Fourth St.
9/17/2022: Salmon Homecoming
Members of the Suquamish tribe arriving by canoe for the annual Salmon Homecoming and to bless the recently refurbished Pier 62 landing. It's looking rough out there this afternoon.
9/17/2022: Leschi
The Seattle fire boat Leschi performing a pump display as part of the re-opening of the Pier 62 landing.
9/17/2022: Ramp
View to the ramp up from the lowest level of the parking at the Fourth & Bell construction site, with the elevator shaft on the left.
9/20/2022: SeaTac
Not many people are in the SeaTac waiting area at 04:55am. James was there for a 6:00am flight to San Diego.
9/20/2022: Port of Seattle
View over the Port of Seattle, center, and Elliott Bay at right, as James' flight to San Diego takes off.
9/20/2022: Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier at dawn from the air.
9/20/2022: Columbia River
The Columbia River winding away from an orange dawn sky.
9/20/2022: Point Castillo
Looking south along the California coast to Point Castillo.
9/20/2022: Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the former location of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) whose TOPGUN training program was depicted in the movie of the same name. NFWS moved just outside Reno in 1996—we passed closed to it on our road trip across the US.
9/20/2022: San Diego Bay
San Diego Bay, with the graceful Coronado Bridge at right. Directly left of the bridge is Naval Base San Diego.
9/20/2022: USS Makin Island
The USS Makin Island, an 843-ft (257 m) amphibious assault ship, underway off Tuna Park in San Diego Bay for Naval Base San Diego.
9/20/2022: Harbor Island
Two huge marinas in Harbor Island at the north end of San Diego Bay near the San Diego airport.
9/20/2022: Naval Base San Diego
Looking north across Naval Base San Diego as James' flight descends towards the airport.
9/20/2022: San Diego
The San Diego skyline, with San Diego Bay beyond.
9/21/2022: Smoke
Looking across Lake Union to a smoke-filled sky from the many forest fires that are currently burning.
9/23/2022: Loading Truck
Spitfire in his carry case in the passenger seat, ready for a stay at Wagly, as we load up the truck for a two-night camping trip.
9/23/2022: Traffic
I-90 westbound is closed at Mercer Island for construction this weekend and the traffic is backed up for miles.
9/23/2022: Military Vehicle
An eight-wheel military vehicle being transported east on I-90 by flatbed truck, likely heading to the Yakima Training Center just east of Ellensburg.
9/23/2022: Mt. Rainier
A great view to Mt. Rainier along Forest Road 4934. It felt a little early to stop, and we were interested in checking out a site a little further along, so didn't stop and risked that that the spot might be taken if we couldn't find anything better.
9/23/2022: Lake View
We'd scouted a potential site online at the end of Forest Road 4948-133 and it turned out to be amazing, with a sweeping view southeast across Kachees Lake.
9/23/2022: Cleaning Truck
Our online research skills were improving, and this was the first time we'd driven directly to a campsite without any sidetracking along other roads. So our truck wasn't nearly as dirty as when we normally arrive at a camp, but it still needed a wipe down. Here Jennifer is just finishing up before we setup camp.
9/23/2022: Sesame Asian Slaw
Sesame Asian Slaw for lunch at camp with a view over wildflowers to Kachees Lake.
9/23/2022: Chipmunk
A cute chipmunk near our campsite.
9/23/2022: Fighter Jet
We loved seeing several fighter jets roar across Kachees Lake during our time at the campsite. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island uses this route for training runs.
9/23/2022: Camp Site
Our wonderful campsite above Kachees Lake.
9/24/2022: Dawn
The dawn view to Kachees Lake from inside our truck as we get up in the morning.
9/24/2022: Sunrise
The morning sun setting the wildflowers aglow beyond our campsite.
9/24/2022: Loo with a View
We bought a privacy tent mainly for use with a camp shower, but it's great to have for our folding camp toilet as well.
9/24/2022: Offroading
Several vehicles at speed near our campsite. It's rare to see anyone, so this is not really a problem.
9/24/2022: Fall Colors
Vibrant fall colors in the hills beyond our campsite.
9/24/2022: Three Queens
The triple-summit of Three Queens (6,687 ft; 2,038 m) at center and Hillbox Mountain (6,547 ft; 1,996 m) at left, just visible in the distance in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Viewed on an afternoon walk from our campsite.
9/24/2022: Trailer
A fairly high-tech-looking trailer parked at the second campsite at Keechelus Ridge North, where we'd camped a couple of months back.
9/24/2022: Target
Shooting is allowed on most National Forest land and is very popular. We often hear gunshots in the distance when we are out camping in the National Forests. Unfortunately, some shooters leave shell casings and used targets.
9/24/2022: Ruts and Rocks
The route to our camp at the end of Forest Road 4948-133 is full of ruts and big rocks. We find it amazing what our little Passport can get through.
9/24/2022: Alta Mountain
The view north from Forest Road 4948-133 to 6,152-ft (1,875 m) Alta Mountain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
9/24/2022: Baker Lake Trail
The topo maps showed Baker Lake, but no obvious trail to it. We expected we could likely reach the lake, and found a very well-trod trail leading there from Forest Road 4948-133.
9/24/2022: Cutout
The trail to Baker Lake was not just well-trod, but also well-maintained, with steps chainsawed into several fallen logs.
9/24/2022: Baker Lake
We reached tranquil Baker Lake after about a ten-minute walk along the trail.
9/24/2022: NF 4948-133
Returning to our campsite after the walk to Baker Lake.
9/24/2022: Campsite
Our fabulous campsite overlooking Kachees Lake at the end of Forest Road 4948-133. We continue to find spectacular view sites in the area.
9/24/2022: Wasabi Salmon
9/25/2022: Sunrise
Another striking sunrise view from our campsite at the end of Forest Road 4948-133.
9/25/2022: Breaking Camp
All packed up and ready to head home from camp.
9/25/2022: NF 4948-133
Working through the ruts and rocks along Forest Road 4948-133.
9/25/2022: Drop-Off
A narrow section of Forest Road 4948-133, with a steep drop-off to keep it interesting. The scenery is amazing, but you need to keep your eye on the road.
9/25/2022: Nissan Homy
A Nissan Homy, with a Tokyo license plate, parked on the street near Lumen Field as we walk to the Seahawks game. The caravan was sold domestically in Japan as the Homy between 1965 and 1997, and in other countries under a variety of names, including Caravan, Urvan and King. It still is produced today and sold as the Caravan in Japan.
9/25/2022: Bratzooka
The Seahawks' "Bratzooka" firing cooked, packaged and ready-to-eat bratwurst sausages up to the crowd. While not very refined, it is vaguely entertaining :-).
9/25/2022: Collins Pub
Post-game chicken wings at Collins Pub near Lumen Field. James came to Collins often when we lived in Seattle and his office was nearby, but hasn't been here for ages. The Seahawks lost to the Falcons 27-23, but it was a great game and we really enjoyed it.
9/25/2022: Heather Brewer
Blog reader Heather Brewer, who was also at the Seahawks game, noticed us at Collins Pub and stopped to say hello.
9/27/2022: Moving Car
We needed to move our truck today while the garage is being cleaned. Our apartment includes a third parking spot that looks very tight for our not-that-large SUV.
9/27/2022: Tight Spot
Our Honda Passport wedged into a tight spot as far over as we can get. It's still pretty dirty from the weekend of camping as we didn't get a chance to wash it yet.
9/28/2022: Candlestick Point
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, roughly at center, with old Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard at upper left and Highway 101 at bottom right, viewed as James' flight descends into San Francisco. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is the former site of Candlestick Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball from 1960 to 1999 and the home of the San Francisco 49ers National Football League team from 1971 through 2013. The venue was also used for concerts and famously was the location of the Beatle's last concert together in 1966. To commemorate the stadium prior to demolition, former Beatle Paul McCartney played the stadium's final concert in 2014.
9/28/2022: The Office
James has a very portable office. His current one is the patio of his room at Rosewood Sand Hill hotel in Menlo Park where he is attending a conference.
9/29/2022: Tight
Looking down out the driver's door as we back our SUV out of its super-tight temporary parking spot. On the right is the reflection of the BMW in our door, with barely a few inches between the two vehicles.
9/29/2022: Car Wash
The soap dispenser at our apartment building's car wash seemed to be on overload today.
9/29/2022: Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River winding under the Southbay Freeway as James' flight takes off from San Francisco. The large green shape is the Topgolf driving range.
9/29/2022: Wastewater
The San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, top, with Zanker Landscape Materials in the foreground and a bit of the Coyote Creek estuary at right.
9/29/2022: Dusk
Dusk over Elliott Bay on a calm and clear night.
9/30/2022: Parked Car?
Parking skills vary widely, but this one pushes the definition of parked.
9/30/2022: Wood
A wood surface installed at the Fourth & Bell construction site prior to the next level of rebar and cement.
10/1/2022: Cruise Ships
A busy day for cruise ships in Elliott Bay with the Norwegian Bliss moored at Pier 66 in the foreground, the Eurodam and Ovation of the Seas out of the picture at Pier 91, and Seabourn Odyssey anchored off in the background.
10/1/2022: Reuben's
It's fresh hop beer season in the Pacific Northwest, and Reuben's Brews is our first stop on a Ballard fresh hop beer tasting.

Most beer is made from dried hops, while fresh hop beers are made from hops that have never been dried. Fresh hop beer must be brewed very soon after the hops are ripe, so can't be made very far from the fields. Since over 77% of the nation's hops are grown in nearby Yakima valley, the majority of fresh hop beers are brewed in the area as well.

This is our first time tasting of fresh hop beers, and we really liked them. The same way fresh and dried herbs taste similar, but different, so do fresh hop beers compared to dried hop beers. In some ways the fresh hop flavors are a little more intense, but also a little less bitter.
10/1/2022: Model T
A beautifully-maintained Ford Model T parked near Reuben's in Ballard.
10/1/2022: Great Notion
Stop number two on the fresh hop beer tasting is Great Notion. We didn't have to walk far—our first stop, Reuben's, is the orange and blue building on the opposite corner of the intersection directly left of James.
10/1/2022: Obec
Obec Brewing is just around the corner from Great Notion. They didn't have a fresh hop beer, so we didn't stop (we have standards :-)), but they have a beautiful brewery.
10/1/2022: Stoup
At Stoup Brewing, a half block down the road from Obec, for the third stop on our fresh hop beer tasting. James is just visible in the shadows at center (click image for a larger view). The weather is wonderfully clear and warm for October.
10/1/2022: Tuba
An Octoberfest tuba being stowed after a nearby performance.
10/1/2022: BBQ
We ordered dinner from the BBQ food truck parked outside Stoup Brewing. Our next stop, Urban Family, is visible across the road at left.
10/1/2022: Urban Family
Stop number four on our fresh hop beer tasting was Urban Family. We're just sharing a pint at each venue so we have some hope of still being able to walk at the end of the evening :-).
10/1/2022: Wheelie Pop
Fresh hop beer tasting stop number five at Wheelie Pop, a block from Urban Family. We've not been to Ballard for ages and are just loving all the craft breweries that have sprung up. It's a wonderful area.
10/1/2022: Trailbend
Ballard is just chock full of appealing-looking pubs. Trailbend Taproom is next door to Wheelie Pop, but we didn't go in because we are sticking to fresh hop breweries. And even being that restrictive, we still won't be able to visit all the fresh hop breweries within walking distance or taste all the fresh hop beers on offer at the breweries we will visit.
10/1/2022: Decision
A decision to make: beer to the left and beer to the right. It actually was an easy call, since we've already been to Wheelie Pop. So we'll head right to Lucky Envelope.
10/1/2022: Solvi Olafsson
Solvi Olafsson is president of ISolv Technical Services, who specializes in the service of marine industry centrifugal separators. His shop is across the road from Lucky Envelope Brewing and contains all sorts of interesting hoses and equipment that caught our attention. We stopped to chat and spent an enjoyable 20 minutes with him discussing marine technology and boating.
10/1/2022: Lucky Envelope
Lucky Envelope Brewing, stop number six on our fresh hop beer tasting.
10/1/2022: Biodiesel
Dr. Dan's Biodiesel across the road from Lucky Envelope Brewing looks a bit primitive, but they're serving biodiesel.
10/1/2022: Tail
A car with a raccoon tail parked along 9th Ave NW in Ballard.
10/1/2022: Sasquatch
Sasquatch mural on NW 49th St. by prolific local artist Ryan Henry Ward. Under the professional name Henry, he has painted over 2,800 canvases and 500 murals, and features Sasquatches so much that he's become known as the "official Sasquatch artist".
10/1/2022: Night of the Living Draft
We got a giggle out of this poster advertising an upcoming beer festival, Night of the Living Draft. Hosted by the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA), the 35th annual winter beer tasting will feature microbrews from more than 30 Northwest breweries and cideries, with some beers custom-made for the event. What a wonderful part of the world we live in :-).
10/1/2022: Fair Isle
We took a wrong turn on the way to our next fresh hop brewery and reached Fair Isle Brewing. They didn't have a fresh hop beer, but had such an appealing outdoor bar that we broke our rule and had a pint there anyway.
10/1/2022: Bale Breaker
At Bale Breaker, the seventh fresh hop brewery and the eighth stop on our beer tasting.
10/1/2022: Fresh Hops
A glass full of fresh hops on the counter at Bale Breaker.
10/1/2022: Last Stop
Celebrating the last stop on our successful fresh hop beer tasting with a fresh hop IPA from Bale Breaker. We had an absolutely amazing evening, really enjoyed the fresh hop beers, and loved the Ballard vibe. In less than a mile we'd visited eight pubs and walked past several more. We'll definitely be back.
10/3/2022: Zeeks
Dinner at Zeeks Pizza before heading to an NBA exhibition game at Climate Pledge Arena.
10/3/2022: LA Clippers
The LA Clippers practicing at Climate Pledge Arena for an NBA exhibition game.
10/3/2022: Home Team
The LA Clippers are the home team, so the game is run like a game in LA, with the Clippers Dancers and the in-arena hosts on-site.
10/3/2022: Portland Trailblazers
The Portland Trailblazers practicing before the exhibition game.
10/3/2022: Ball in Play
The ball in play for only the second time two NBA teams have played in Seattle since 2008, when the Seattle SuperSonics were relocated to Oklahoma. A decade later, in 2018, another exhibition game was held in Seattle between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. We enjoyed watching the games and would love to see an NBA team back in Seattle.
10/3/2022: The Glove
Former Seattle SuperSonics player Gary Payton, second from left, taking in the game. Payton is considered one of the greatest point guards in the game and was the only point guard to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award until this year. His defensive abilities earned him the nickname "The Glove". Payton played for Seattle between 1990 and 2003, and we loved watching him play when we attended games at Key Arena.
10/4/2022: Fog
The view from our apartment window on a foggy and smoky morning. Wildfires are still actively burning and creating substantial air pollution in the Puget Sound region.
10/4/2022: Rebar
A layer of rebar being installed over the wood base, getting ready for the next cement pour at the Fourth & Bell construction site.
10/5/2022: CCA
This afternoon we presented at the monthly meeting of the Pacific Northwest Chapter Cruising Club of America, and after received our burgee and tie.
10/8/2022: The Mint
Lunch at the historic Mint restaurant in Enumclaw on our way to Yakima, WA to attend the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.
10/8/2022: Woods
The afternoon sun filtering through the trees as we drive along Highway 410 north of Mt. Rainier from Enumclaw to Yakima.
10/8/2022: Mt. Rainier NP
Entering Mt. Rainier National Park en route to Yakima just south of where Highway 410 will close for the winter in a few weeks. Taking I-90 to Yakima from Seattle is a little faster, but we wanted to take the Chinook Scenic Byway. The portion of the route between Enumclaw and Naches is considered one of the most scenic in the US.
10/8/2022: Cayuse Pass
The view to Naches Peak (6,452 ft; 1,967 m) as we climb Cayuse Pass on Highway 410.
10/8/2022: Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier often appears in the sky when least expected. Here we are driving away from it east through Cayuse Pass, but the road has such extreme switchbacks that we ended up driving back towards the mountain for a bit.
10/8/2022: Tipsoo Lake Trailhead
We initially were planning to make the short hike along the Tipsoo Lake Trailhead since we'd be passing right by. But the entire area was mobbed with people, so we decided to pass.
10/8/2022: Wenatchee NF
Exiting Mt. Rainier National Park for Wenatchee National Forest. The footbridge we're about to pass under carries the border-to-border Pacific Crest Trail over the highway.
10/8/2022: Chinook Pass
We've just crested Chinook Pass, with a maximum altitude of 5,430 ft (1,655 m), and will be descending towards Naches from here.
10/8/2022: American Ridge
The view east to to American Ridge (6,240ft; 1,901m) in the William O. Douglas Wilderness from the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway.
10/8/2022: Naches River
Driving along the Naches River as we descend from Chinook Pass.
10/8/2022: Rolling Hills
The scenery east of Chinook Pass is much different than on the west side, with rolling, grass covered hills replacing tree-fill mountains.
10/8/2022: Yakima
We arrived in Yakima, checked into our hotel and now are out for a walk through town. Established in 1888, Yakima is an agricultural town that is one of the leading producers of apples in the world. And over 77% of the nation's beer hops are grown here, in addition to wine grapes and other fruit.
10/8/2022: St. Michael's
St. Michael's Episcopal Mission, completed the year of the city's founding in 1888, is the oldest church in Yakima.
10/8/2022: Capitol Theater
Yakima's Capitol Theater opened in 1920 and is the main performing arts facility for the region.
10/8/2022: Abundance
The sculpture Abundance by local artists Michael Gray and Chad Gray in a small park in downtown Yakima.
10/8/2022: Avenida Cantina
One of several drawings on the face of Avenida Cantina. We particularly like the quote drawn on one wall: "Feed me tacos and tell me I'm pretty".
10/8/2022: Crafted
Drawing/advertisement on the side of highly-rated restaurant Crafted in Yakima. The city seems to be going through a bit of cultural resurgence and we found it quite appealing to walk through.
10/8/2022: Mak Daddy
Italian sodas, hold the cream, at Mak Daddy in Yakima.
10/8/2022: Single Hill
Single Hill is one of several craft breweries in the Yakima area. The lineup is for bus to the Fresh Hop Ale Festival. We initially were considering taking the bus, but the line looked awfully long, so we took an Uber instead.
10/8/2022: Toyota Tundra
A capable-looking Toyota Tundra parked in downtown Yakima. This is a popular off-roading vehicle in the areas where we camp, and would be a much better than our little Honda Passport for some of the terrain we tackle. But we like the handling and driving comfort of our vehicle, so feel it is a good compromise.
10/8/2022: Vineyard Church
The church of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Yakima, housed in the old 1907 First Christian Church.
10/8/2022: Chalk Fest 2022
The annual Yakima Chalk Fest took place earlier today, resulting in several sidewalks full of impressive drawings.
10/8/2022: Fresh Hop Ale Festival
After spending some time exploring Yakima, it was time to attend the Fresh Hop Ale Festival a little outside downtown. We'd really enjoyed our Ballard fresh hop beer tasting, so decided to go all out and attend the festival.
10/8/2022: Single Hill
Our first tasting was Fresh Hop Lateral A, a hazy IPA from Yakima-based Single Hill that is brewed in collaboration with Zeek's Pizza, on of our favorite pizza restaurants in Seattle. The festival also is a judged competition, and Fresh Hop Lateral A took 1st place for in the IPA category this year.
10/8/2022: Sunset
A beautiful sunset over the Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival tents.
10/8/2022: Georgetown Brewing
Next up, a fresh hop Bodhizafa from Seattle-based Georgetown Brewing Co. We really like Bodhizafa (aka "bo-dee"), and pretty much everything Georgetown produces, and the fresh hop version was excellent.
10/8/2022: Hop Creep
Hop Creep, a band made of beer industry people, taking the stage at the Fresh Hop Ale Festival. They were quite good, and a lot of fun. Hop Creep is a industry term referring to an unwanted second fermentation of dry-hopped beer.
10/8/2022: Denali HD
A nice-looking GMC Sierra HD Denali pickup truck on display, inside a bed of fresh hops.
10/8/2022: Fresh Hops
Fresh hops surrounding the stage at the Fresh Hope Ale Festival.
10/8/2022: Crux
A New Favorite fresh hop hazy IPA from Crux Fermentation Project of Bend, OR.
10/8/2022: BBQ
One of the food vendors at the Fresh Hop Ale Festival brought a giant barbecue.
10/8/2022: Tacos
Delicious street tacos from one of the food vendors at the festival.
10/8/2022: Hellbent
Trying a Romancing the Cone fresh hop hazy IPA from Seattle-based Hellbent brewing.
10/8/2022: Fresh Hop Bicycle
A man serving beer from a bicycle-powered beer stand covered in fresh hops. He was actually able to ride it around without tipping over.
10/8/2022: Valley Brewing
Citra fresh hop hazy IPA from Yakima-based Valley Brewing.
10/8/2022: Evening
We'd arrived reasonably early to the festival and the place was really filling in by nightfall.
10/8/2022: Bale Breaker
A truck from Yakima-based Bale Breaker, whose brewery stands in the middle of their family's fourth-generation hop farm. We loved the statement on the side of the truck: "We don't just make our beer. We grow it." Their Seattle tap room was the last stop on our Ballard fresh hop pub tasting.
10/8/2022: Wander Brewing
A Vibe Quest strata hazy fresh hop IPA from Wander Brewing based in Bellingham, WA.
10/8/2022: Santa Poco
Seattle-based honky-tonk band Santa Poco was next on stage. We enjoyed listening to them, and particularly watching Pat McHenry play the steel guitar.
10/8/2022: Burke-Gilman
Fresh Hopotheosis hazy double IPA from Seattle-based Burke-Gilman Brewing.
10/8/2022: Dru Bru
Mozaic, a hazy fresh hop from Dru Bru. The brewery has two locations, one on Cle Elum and the other right next door to the Commonwealth at Snoqualmie Pass, that we often visit on our way back from outdoor activities.
10/8/2022: Mirage
Don't Play, a fresh hop hazy pale ale from Seattle-based Mirage Brewing.
10/8/2022: 20 Corners
A citra fresh hop hazy IPA from 20 Corners, based in Woodinville just north of Seattle.
10/8/2022: Boundary Bay
A Sabrocadabro fresh hop hazy IPA from Boundary Bay Brewing Co in Bellingham. We had dinner at their brewpub when we went snowshoeing at Mt. Baker earlier in the year.
10/8/2022: 1st Place IPA
Single Hill Brewery celebrating their 1st place win for an IPA at the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.
10/8/2022: Caleb Hawley
R&B/Soul singer Caleb Hawley headlining the concert at the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.
10/8/2022: Ice Harbor
A fresh hop IPA from Ice Harbor Brewing of Kennewick, WA. Their brewery is at the intersection of the Columbia and Snake rivers, not far from the Ice Harbor Dam that we passed through on our trip up those rivers to Idaho.
10/8/2022: Varietal
Varietal won first place in the Imperial category, but we went with their Brisa Verde fresh hop IPA.
10/8/2022: Field of Hops
We had a fabulous time at the Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival, loved all the different beers and are really glad we went.
10/9/2022: Yakima River Valley
Driving through the rolling hills and low vegetation of the Yakima River Valley as we return home along I-90 from the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.
10/9/2022: Agriculture
Agriculture along the I-90 corridor near the Yakima River, with more visible in the distance.
10/9/2022: Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall
Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall, just northwest of Ellensburg, specializes in ultra-fresh produce from the region. Along with good gas prices at adjacent Shree's, the stop is a popular one along I-90.
10/9/2022: Wind Turbines
Dozens of wind turbines are visible along this section of I-90.
10/9/2022: Cle Elum River
Crossing the Cle Elum River over the bridge of the same name, constructed in 1949.
10/9/2022: Low Water
The summer has been very dry and the level at Keechelus Lake is down many feet.
10/9/2022: Guye Peak
Guye Peak (5,168 ft; 1,575 m) towering over I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass.
10/9/2022: 12th Man
On Seahawks games days, this 12th man banner is visible at High Point above I-90. Mike Treuting conceived of the idea in 2013 and has been displaying it above his home ever since. After the original hand-made flag needed replacing, a new one was professionally made with the help of the Seahawks outreach organization and the team mascot Blitz was on hand for the first raising.

NFL teams are limited to 11 players on the field, and the 12th man refers to the home fans who contribute to the success of the team through cheering. The Seahawks have embraced the 12th man concept in a huge way, retiring the number 12 in 1984 after the fans had such an impact on the success of the team. The Seahawks 12th man flag was created in 2003 and raised at the start of every home game to honor the fans. Seahawks fans, collectively known as the 12s, have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd in a sporting event, the most recent registering 137.6 dB in December of 2013.
10/10/2022: Window Cleaners
The fall window cleaning is taking place in our apartment complex. Here three cleaners are suspended high above the ground at work on the north tower.
10/10/2022: Sunset
A spectacular sunset over Elliott Bay. The smoky sky does have some minor upsides.
10/10/2022: Pat Selinger
James got to catch up with his old friend Pat Selinger at the 2022 High Performance Transaction Systems (HPTS) conference.
10/10/2022: Bruce Lindsay
Dr. Bruce Lindsay, a friend and mentor for decades.
10/12/2022: Mt. Shasta
View to Mt. Shasta (14,179 ft; 4,322 m) in California from James' flight home from a business trip.
10/12/2022: Crater Lake
California's famous Crater Lake, viewed from James' flight home. The lake is the deepest in the US at 1,949 feet (594 m), and ninth-deepest in the world, and also is notable for it's clear blue water. About half-million people annually visit the National Park of the same name. James has visited as a youngster, but not recently.
10/12/2022: River Junction
The junction of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers near Portland. The island partially visible at bottom center is Government Island, where we stopped on our Columbia River trip.
10/12/2022: Lewis River
The Lewis River, at right, joining the Columbia River near Ridgefield, WA.
10/12/2022: Centralia Power Plant
The Centralia Big Hanaford power plant is the only coal-fired power plant in the state of Washington and its largest single source of mercury pollution. It also is responsible for a large portion of the state's annual CO2 emissions. The plant's two boilers came online in 1971 and have a combined capacity of 1,340 MW. As part of an ongoing plan to convert the plant to natural gas, one of the boilers was shut down in 2020, and the other will be in 2025.
10/12/2022: JBLM
The runway at Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma. The facility was created in 2010 with the merger of the United States Army's Fort Lewis and the United States Air Force's McChord Air Force Base and is the Army's only power projection base on the US west coast.
10/12/2022: Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma with the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
10/12/2022: Des Moines
A large number of covered slips at the Des Moines marina just south of Seattle.
10/13/2022: Heather and Paul
Dinner at Wild Ginger with Heather Brewer and Paul Bultema, owners of Nordhavn 43 Gratitude. We met Heather after a Seahawks game a few weeks back and got together with both tonight. They purchased Gratitude, then in Florida, sight-unseen in December of 2020 and cruised from Florida to Seattle via the Panama Canal over 20 months, covering 11,000 miles in an adventure that recently was chronicled in Northwest Yachting. We really enjoyed meeting Heather and Paul, and had a great evening with them.
10/14/2022: Mt. Rainier
View to the southwestern flank of Mt. Rainier from our flight to Las Vegas to attend the NASCAR race.
10/14/2022: The Dalles
The big bend in the Columbia River at The Dalles. We passed through the dam there on our trip up the Columbia and Snake rivers.
10/14/2022: Crescent Dunes
The 110-megawatt Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project contains 10,000 mirrors that track and focus the sun's energy on a receiver tower filled with molten salt. The salt, heated to 1000°F (537°C), is released when needed for heating water to produce steam power. The plant suffered design, construction and technical issues, and didn't produce power from 2019 to 2021 while bankruptcy proceedings progressed. In July of 2021, the project was restarted by NV Energy.
10/14/2022: Spring Mountains
The rust-colored Spring Mountains northwest of Las Vegas. The red splotches in the distance are Red Rock Canyon National Park that we visited on a return trip to the US one year.
10/14/2022: Car Rental Queue
Alamo touted our car rental as "Skip the counter. Skip the kiosk. Go directly to your vehicle", but failed to mention the lengthy 20-minute wait for a bus to actually reach the car rental area.
10/14/2022: Penthouses
Heading up the elevator to our 33rd-floor "penthouse" apartment we rented for the weekend through VRBO. Typically the penthouse is the top floor, but the developers of this building appeared to have doubled-down on the appeal of a penthouse apartment and designated over a quarter of the floors as "penthouse".
10/14/2022: VRBO
The spacious VRBO studio apartment we rented. Having a balcony, a small kitchenette and fridge is a rarity in most Las Vegas hotels that we've stayed at in the past, and is much nicer for us.
10/14/2022: Sunset
A beautiful sunset for the balcony of our VRBO apartment.
10/14/2022: Driving Range
Passing a multi-tiered golf driving range as we walk out for dinner in Las Vegas.
10/14/2022: Evening
Evening view north towards the Las Vegas strip from the balcony of our VRBO apartment.
10/15/2022: Dawn
The dawn view from our Las Vegas VRBO apartment. It looks like we'll have a clear and sunny day for racing.
10/15/2022: Ferrari
One of several Ferraris and other exotic cars parked outside our VRBO apartment building this morning.
10/15/2022: Nellis AFB
The entrance to Nellis Air Force Base, known as "The Home of the Fighter Pilot" where the US Air Force focuses on advance combat training. The base employs 9.500 military and civil personnel, with a total military population in the area of 40,000 including family members and retirees.
10/15/2022: LVMS
At Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first day of a two-day weekend of NASCAR racing. We've not attended a NASCAR race since the Daytona 500 in 2017, and are it's great to be back.
10/15/2022: Neon Garage
Our weekend tickets include access to the Neon Garage in the infield.
10/15/2022: Technical Inspection
One of the NASCAR technical inspection areas in the infield.
10/15/2022: Section 2P
The view from the infield to our seats in section 2P.
10/15/2022: Gas Cans
A set of gas cans ready to go for today's Xfinity race.
10/15/2022: Spotters
Spotters getting ready for the race atop the main grandstand. The spotters are the driver's "eye in the sky" and communicate with them during the race to help them navigate through traffic or accidents on the track.
10/15/2022: Xfinity Garages
Looking down to the Xfinity cup garage area, where the teams are getting ready to bring the cars out for this afternoon's race.
10/15/2022: Pushing Cars
The Pala Resorts team pushing their Xfinity car number 78 out to the track for the upcoming race. The reason for pushing the cars rather then driving them out is because transmission aren't geared for slow driving, so it's hard on the clutch.
10/15/2022: Portable Screen
We were impressed that this huge screen could fold up completely for transport inside the trailer below.
10/15/2022: Kyle Busch
NASCAR Cup driver Kyle Busch heading out to the track for qualifying. Busch is the 2015 and 2019 Cup Series champion.
10/15/2022: Trackhouse Transports
All the racing teams have beautiful trucks to transport their cars to the track that double as on-track offices for the teams.
10/15/2022: Stilts
Part of the Las Vegas-themed performers at the speedway were several people on stilts.
10/15/2022: Xfinity Pits
The Xfinity team pits, foreground, with the Xfinity cars parked just beyond for the race later today, after the Cup Series qualifiying.
10/15/2022: Tires
Sets of Goodyear tires piled and ready for the Cup Series teams.
10/15/2022: Tunnel
It's a long way down to the tunnel to cross under the track from the Neon Garage to reach our seats at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/15/2022: Qualifying
The NASCAR Cup Series cars lined up on pit road for qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/15/2022: Xfinity Race
The field heading through corner four at the start of the Xfinity Series race on Saturday.
10/15/2022: Noah Gragson
Noah Gragson, in Xfinity car number 9, pulls out of the pits. Behind Gragson's car, the crew for Myatt Snider, number 21, is visible completing their pit stop. The jack man is just rounding the left rear and the the rest of the crew are at the front of the car. At right the last bit of fuel is going into AJ Allmendinger's car number 16.
10/15/2022: AJ Allmendinger
A later pit stop for AJ Allmendinger's car number 16 during the Xfinity Series race. The jack man, front tire changer, tire carrier have run around the front of the car and are underway, the first fuel can is partway in at the left rear of the car, and the rear tire changer is halfway around the rear of the car.
10/15/2022: 89F
It's a toasty 89°F (32°C) today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/15/2022: Josh Berry
Josh Berry doing donuts at the start-finish line to celebrate his Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/15/2022: Victory Lane
After the race, we crossed back over to the Neon Garage area. Here we are at Victory Lane as driver Josh Berry and the crew for car number 8 celebrate their Xfinity win.
10/15/2022: Ross Chastain
Looking down at Trackhouse Racing's car number 1, driven by our current favorite driver, Ross Chastain.
10/15/2022: Carvana
On our way back from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, we passed a multi-story car "vending machine" run by used-car dealer Carvana.
10/16/2022: Spitfire
Spitfire has always been a vocal cat, and has become even more so as he's gotten older. The team at Wagly, where we board him when we're away, caught a picture of him letting loose a giant "Meeow!".
10/16/2022: Mirror Man
A mirror man performing outside Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/16/2022: Officials' Meeting
An official's meeting in the Neon Garage area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race.
10/16/2022: Rear Fascia
We spent about an hour in the pit area before heading up to our seats. this is a Camero rear fascia sitting in one of the pit areas.
10/16/2022: Composite Body
The label on the rear fascia reads "NASCAR Nextgen Composite Body. Rear fascia, Camero".
10/16/2022: Pace Car
The Toyota Camry pace car for the South Point 400.
10/16/2022: Trackhouse Racing
Outside the Trackhouse Racing team pit area of our current favorite driver, Ross Chastain in car number 1.
10/16/2022: Matt Simmons
We spent ages talking with Matt Simmons, a pit crew member for Trackhouse Racing. Race teams are increasingly hiring amateur and professional athletes for their pit crews, and Matt came to the job as an All American baseball player. Under 10-second pit stops require speed and precision.
10/16/2022: Sunoco
Sunoco supplies all the fuel for the various NASCAR series.
10/16/2022: Grandstands
A view to the main grandstands from the start of pit road.
10/16/2022: Car Number 18
Kyle Busch's car number 18 being pushed onto the track for the NASCAR Cup Series race.
10/16/2022: Brakes
NASCAR next gen wheels and breaks have moved forward greatly from previous designs. Here you can see the new aluminum wheels, the quick-change central wheel bolt, and fairly exotic six-piston brake callipers.
10/16/2022: Car Number 1
Car Number 1, driven by Ross Chastain, being pushed out onto the track for the race.
10/16/2022: Kaulig Racing
The Kaulig Racing team, who campaign NASCAR Cup Series cars 16 of A. J. Allmendinger and 31 of Justin Haley, getting their tires and wheels ready for the race. This is a great time to meet the crew where they're cleaning up any burrs or rough spots on the wheels for error-free pit stops later in the day. It's a relatively relaxed time of the day and everyone is happy to talk.
10/16/2022: Jack
We noticed several different jack manufacturers in use across the various NASCAR Cup Series teams. The jacks have to be super-light and single pump.
10/16/2022: NFL Player
A former Denver Broncos player now part of the pit crew for Trackhouse Racing car number 99, driven by Daniel Saurez.
10/16/2022: Wood Brothers
Two members of the Wood Brothers team readying their wheels and tires for today's race. Wood Brothers was formed in 1950 by Glen and Leonard Wood and they're one of the longest-lived teams in NASCAR.
10/16/2022: Portable Stage
A portable stage coming out onto the track for the drivers' introductions. Other than a staircase that is brought out separately, the entire stage fits inside this trailer.
10/16/2022: Number 34
Looking down pit row from the pit box of car number 34, Michael McDowell. The numbers on the ends of the poles are used to guide the drivers into the correct pit box during the race.
10/16/2022: Valvoline Number 6
Mark Martin's Valvoline-sponsored car number 6 on display in the infield at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Martin won 40 NASCAR races, including the first at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1998 in this car. Martin did a demonstration lap at speed in this car prior to today's race.
10/16/2022: On the Track
Jennifer out walking on the track prior to the race. It's quite steep.
10/16/2022: Marbles
Tire debris, called "marbles", pushed up to the edge of the track.
10/16/2022: SAFER Barrier
A close-up to the SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) Barrier that rings Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The barrier is designed to absorb the energy of a high-speed crash to minimize driver injuries.
10/16/2022: Trackhouse Pit
In the pit box for Trackhouse racing car number 1, Ross Chastain.
10/16/2022: Mmmm ... tools
No shortage of tools in a NASCAR team pit.
10/16/2022: Cleaning Pit
Each team carefully cleans their pit box prior to the race.
10/16/2022: At the Track
Standing along pit road at Las Vegas Motor Speedway prior to the South Point 400.
10/16/2022: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash impersonators behind the driver's introduction stage. We are in Las Vegas :-).
10/16/2022: Dale Jarrett
Three-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Jarrett, in tan pants, and other announcers, preparing what they're going to say once they're back on the air.
10/16/2022: Mark Martin
Mark Martin, the winner of the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1998, signing autographs prior to the drivers' introduction. Martin today will have another first at the track and is being honored as the inaugural member of the Speedway Legends program.
10/16/2022: Davante Adams
With LA Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, honorary pace car driver for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
10/16/2022: Gilliland etc.
NASCAR Cup Series drivers, from left to right, Todd Gilliland, AJ Allmendinger, Justin Haley, and Cole Custer walking to the stage for the drivers' introduction.
10/16/2022: Chase Elliott
2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott signing autographs on the way to the drivers' introduction.
10/16/2022: Logano etc.
Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and Chris Buescher (left to right) walking to the drivers' introduction.
10/16/2022: Tyler Reddick
Back-to-back XFinity series champion (2018-2019) Tyler Reddick.
10/16/2022: Ross Chastain
A picture with driver Ross Chastain of the Trackhouse racing team. We really enjoy the aggressive and skillful driving style that often puts him up front.
10/16/2022: Crow's Nest
Looking down the walkway at the bottom of the grandstands to the crow's nest above the start-finish line where the NASCAR flagman stands.
10/16/2022: Lunch
A quick lunch in the club area behind our seats before the race starts.
10/16/2022: Corner 1
The NASCAR Cup Series pack heading through corner one with
10/16/2022: Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace leaving the track after an altercation with Kyle Larson. After Larson squeezed Wallace against the wall, Wallace intentionally drove into Larson, spinning out both cars, then walked the 100 yards to Larson's car to initiate a shouting match. NASCAR suspended Wallace for a week, without fine or point penalty, in an incident that many drivers felt Larson had instigated.
10/16/2022: Allegiant Stadium
On our way to the airport we passed Allegiant Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Raiders NFL team and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels college football team. Completed in 2020 at a cost of nearly US$2 billion, the stadium is the second most expensive in the world after US$5.5 billion SoFi stadium on Los Angeles.
10/16/2022: Sunset
Sunset from the air on our flight home from Las Vegas.
10/16/2022: Loch Katrine Fire
We're on a final approach over Seattle at low altitude, and even here we can see the wildfires burning near the city.
10/16/2022: Airport Lockdown
Just as we were about to exit the airport, SeaTac went until a full security lock down. No one was allowed in or out for nearly a half hour.
10/18/2022: Inspection
Our condo corporation was out inspecting the building facade over the past few weeks. Here a group is suspended from a platform at the top of the north tower.
10/18/2022: Sunset
The smoke-filled skies from the wildfires are producing some spectacular sunsets.
10/19/2022: Dirona
Jay Flaherty of Yacht Tech sent us this photo of Dirona moored in Baltimore for TrawlerFest, not far from where we stayed for a few weeks at Baltimore Marine Center Inner Harbor.
10/19/2022: Demolition
Excavators have completed the demolition of the burned building at 2nd & Bell.
10/20/2022: Smoke
Elliott Bay obscured by smoke from the many wildfires burning in the Cascade Mountains. Seattle currently has among the worst air quality in the nation.
10/20/2022: Wildfires
A graphic showing the many wildfires currently burning in the state. The orange circles represent fires that have started in the past three days.
10/22/2022: Booster Shot
At CVS pharmacy in Queen Anne for a yet another COVID-19 booster shot.
10/22/2022: Tacoma
Arriving into Tacoma, about an hour's drive south of Seattle by car, for a weekend at Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: Fall Colors
Bright red fall colors in the trees along Ruston Way.
10/22/2022: Silver Cloud Hotel
Our room at the new Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston, with a great view to Commencement Bay.
10/22/2022: Bedroom
The bedroom in our hotel room at the Silver Cloud has a pretty nice view too.
10/22/2022: Cymona Gemini
The bulker Cymona Gemini moored in Commencement Bay, viewed from our room at the Silver Cloud hotel at Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: Point Ruston
Looking west along Point Ruston with the Tacoma Yacht club at left and a ferry arriving from Vashon Island in the distance.
10/22/2022: Cleat Seat
We loved the cleat-shaped seats along the Point Ruston waterfront promenade.
10/22/2022: Ruston Spraypark
The fountains at the Ruston Spraypark in front of our hotel. The entire area was once an industrial site and over the past decade or so has been developed with restaurants, apartments, waterfront parks and hotels.
10/22/2022: Ole
The sculpture Olé by artists John Casey and Anita Schuller is one of many public art display at Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: Hip-Hop
Jennifer and the bunnies in the statue Hip-Hop by Georgia Gerber at Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: WildFin
Yummy street tacos for lunch at WilfFin Grill along the waterfront at Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: Port of Tacoma
The view southeast to the Port of Tacoma from Point Ruston.
10/22/2022: The Office
James getting a little work done before dinner in our weekend hotel room.
10/22/2022: RORO
A RORO (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle-carrying ship arriving into the Port of Tacoma.
10/22/2022: Jet Skis
Jet skis at play in Commencement Bay off our hotel room.
10/22/2022: Copper & Salt
We stopped for a drink in bar at the hotel restaurant, Copper & Salt, before dinner. It has a great view to Commencement Bay.
10/22/2022: BoRan
At BoRan across the road from our hotel to pick up some take-out Thai food to enjoy in our room.
10/22/2022: Dusk
Fountains lighting up the entrance to our Point Ruston hotel at dusk.
10/23/2022: Cymona Gemini
The bulker Cymona Gemini still moored in Commencement Bay as we head out for a walk around Point Ruston on Sunday morning.
10/23/2022: Ladle
A molten metal ladle from the old ASARCO copper smelting plant at Point Ruston.
10/23/2022: Frank Herbert Trail
Point Ruston was once one of the most polluted superfund sites in the world and was the inspiration for Tacoma-born author Frank Herbert's epic science-fiction novel Dune. In writing the first best-selling science-fiction novel with an environmental theme, Herbert was influenced by the foul-smelling smoke that spewed from the ASARCO smelter.
10/23/2022: Dune Peninsula Park
Looking west along Dune Peninsula Park, named in honor of local author Frank Herbert.
10/23/2022: Tacoma Yacht Club
The main facilities of the Tacoma Yacht Club, established in 1890.
10/23/2022: Lunch
Lunch along the water at RAM Brewery on our way back home to Seattle from Point Ruston. We used to come here often a couple of decades ago after scuba diving in the area.
10/23/2022: Diwali
Delicate sand patterns in the lobby of our apartment building in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, one of the most important Hindu festivals.
10/23/2022: Garage Level
The construction team at the Fourth & Bell construction site is pouring parking floors from the bottom of the foundation up towards ground level, and they're getting close.
10/23/2022: Norwegian Encore
The Norwegian Encore is the final cruise ship departure from Seattle in the 2022 season. The ship will be repositioned to the Caribbean for the winter, where we'll be taking it on a cruise in late November.
10/23/2022: Pier 66
The Norwegian Encore is a huge ship at 1,094 ft (333 m) long and really fills the dock at Pier 66 in Seattle.
10/23/2022: Edgewater
At the bar in the Edgewater Hotel along the waterfront to watch the Norwegian Encore depart. We're super-excited about our upcoming Caribbean cruise on the Encore.
10/23/2022: Celebrities
Photographs at the Edgewater Hotel of the celebrities who have stayed here, including a famous one of the Beatles fishing from their room.
10/25/2022: Fall for SLU
Fall decorations at the Amazon SLU (South Lake Union) campus.
10/25/2022: Spitfire
Spitfire missed James when he is at work and frequently looks from him in the den throughout the day.
10/27/2022: Storm
The North Pacific winter storms are starting, with gusts of 67 knots expected in the Gulf of Alaska.
10/28/2022: Spitfire
Evan at nineteen, Spitfire still loves to explore. Here he is checking out a shelf inside our hall closet.
10/28/2022: Ambulances
Fifth street between Bell and Blanchard was full of emergency vehicles this evening and down from three lanes to one.
10/28/2022: Cloudburst Brewing
The vibe at Cloudburst Brewing in Belltown reminded us of our recent beer tasting trip to Ballard.
10/29/2022: Overnight Cement Pour
The construction site to our north is doing a major cement pour to fill the foundation, requiring the closure of all but one lane on 6th Avenue to make space for the equipment. To minimize traffic disruption during the week, they are pouring 24x7 over the weekend. Looking down from our balcony we could see cement trucks lined up around the perimeter of the site.
10/29/2022: Cement Pour
A closer look at the cement pour in the construction site to our north as we walk out for lunch. Here's one of the three cement pumpers in operation today.
10/29/2022: Mahsa Amini
A large group outside Seattle Center protesting the death in Iranian police custody of 22-year old Mahsa Amini.
10/29/2022: Wing Dome
We wanted wings for lunch, so walked over to the Wing Dome in nearby Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and had a good meal there. Given how close it is, it's surprising we've not been here before. Normally we'd go to Buffalo Wild Wings, but the restaurant near our building recently closed.
10/29/2022: Dia de Muertos
Dancers on stage as part of the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival in the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
10/29/2022: Super Puff
Jennifer sporting her new "Super Puff" winter jacket as we head out to a Saturday night Kraken NHL game.
10/29/2022: Kraken Tail
A large Kraken tail is lowered to the ice as part of the pre-game events.
10/29/2022: Buoy the Troll
Buoy the Troll, the Seattle Kraken mascot on the left, working the crowd.
10/29/2022: Game On
The Seattle Kraken taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins. We won 3-1 in an excellent and closely-battled game.
10/29/2022: Banner
Supporting a big banner that was unfurled over the crowd at the Kraken game.
10/30/2022: Anthem
A huge flag covering the entire field during the singing of the national anthem before the Sunday Seahawks game.
10/30/2022: Removing Flag
Just removing a flag that large is a major undertaking. We were impressed at how quickly this was done.
10/30/2022: Peter and Kimanh
Enjoying the game with our friends Peter DeSantis and Kimanh Moreau.
10/30/2022: Homeless Jesus
One of many Homeless Jesus statues installed around the world by sculptor Timothy Schmalz, this one outside Christ Our Hope parish on 2nd Avenue.
10/31/2022: Spitfire
Spitfire knows he's not supposed to sleep on the bed if we're not there, and he looks very guilty when caught.
10/31/2022: Happy Birthday
Celebrating Jennifer's birthday at one of favorite Seattle restaurants, The Butcher's Table.
11/2/2022: Cement Pour
Cement trucks lined up at the Fourth & Bell construction site for another big cement pour.
11/3/2022: Emergency Vehicles
Fire trucks and ambulances blocked most of Pine St. this afternoon.
11/4/2022: Flight Canceled
We were scheduled to take a Kenmore Air float plane from Lake Union to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands this morning, but flight was canceled due to bad weather. So we'll drive up instead and take the ferry across.
11/4/2022: Puddle
The storm that caused our flight Friday Harbor to be canceled also brought a lot of rain. This huge puddle is outside a gas station near the Anacortes ferry dock.
11/4/2022: Samish
Boarding the ferry Samish in Anacortes to travel to Friday Harbor.
11/4/2022: Upper Deck
Taking the steep ramp to the upper deck.
11/4/2022: Our Honda
Reaching Friday Harbor by car and ferry takes about four hours versus about an hour if we flew. But it will be nice to have our car with us.
11/4/2022: Departing Anacortes
Looking back to the ferry fock as the Samish departs Anacortes.
11/4/2022: On Board
It's cold, but fun to be outside enjoying the view. We've not been to the San Juan Islands for well over a decade.
11/4/2022: Liferaft Systems
This evacuation slide on board the Samish by Australian company Liferaft Systems looks like a well-engineered system.
11/4/2022: 18 MPH
The Samish is doing 18 mph (29 kph) en route to Friday Harbor.
11/4/2022: Willow Island
Looking north across Willow Island as we transit Thatcher Pass between Blakely Island at right and Decatur Island.
11/4/2022: Spencer Spit
Looking south to Spencer Spit Marine Park on Lopez Island. We moored there many times on our first boat.
11/4/2022: Approaching Friday Harbor
A first view to Friday Harbor as the Samish arrives at San Juan Island.
11/4/2022: Disembarking
Driving off the ferry into Friday Harbor.
11/4/2022: Friday Harbor House
Our beautiful room at Friday Harbor House overlooking the harbor.
11/4/2022: Balcony View
View to the harbor, and the ferry Samish that we arrived on, from the balcony of our room at Friday Harbor House.
11/4/2022: Dinner
A great meal at the Friday Harbor House restaurant overlooking the water.
11/4/2022: Evening
Enjoying the last evening views to Friday Harbor with a glass of wine on the balcony.
11/5/2022: Dawn
Dawn looking across Friday Harbor as a ferry arrives.
11/5/2022: Two Ferries
The lower grounds of Friday Harbor House with one ferry departing and another arriving. Friday Harbor is a busy ferry terminal serving both inter-island ferries and vessels to/from Anacortes and Sydney, Canada.
11/5/2022: Breakfast
Breakfast on the balcony of our room at Friday Harbor House.
11/5/2022: Marina
The large pleasure craft marina at Friday Harbour aglow in the morning sun.
11/5/2022: Fluke
The polished aluminum sculpture Fluke by Pacific NW artist Micajah Bienvenu.
11/5/2022: San Juan Brewing Co
At San Juan Brewing Co for lunch. The brewery is new since the last time we were in the islands, and we're looking forward to trying it.
11/5/2022: Brewery Interior
The airy and light-filled interior of the San Juan Brewing Co restaurant. We had a great lunch there.
11/5/2022: Ballot
We filled out our ballots for the Midterm Elections over lunch. There are many good reasons to vote, but you can't make much of a difference when there's only one candidate.
11/5/2022: Skeleton
A huge skeleton in the yard at Julie's Nursery in Friday Harbor.
11/5/2022: Finger Boards
Finger boards outside Van Go's pizza.
11/5/2022: Springtree Suite
The lovely tree-covered entrance to Springtree Suite in Friday Harbor.
11/5/2022: Ballot Box
Dropping off our ballots in the box outside the San Juan County Court House.
11/5/2022: Fairbanks Morse
After lunch, we set out for a drive. Our first stop was Roche Harbor, once a lime plant and now a very popular resort and marina. This is one of the Fairbanks Morse generators once used to power the plant, offices and housing.
11/5/2022: Lime Kilns
The original lime kilns at Roche Harbor date from the late 1800s. At one point, the plant here had the highest lime production west of the Mississippi.
11/5/2022: Hotel de Haro
Lime company owner John S. McMillan built the Hotel de Haro in 1886 and lived there with his family until his own house was built in 1910.
11/5/2022: Hokulani
Nordhavn 68 Hokulani is one of many large yachts moored at Roche Harbor.
11/5/2022: Mansion
A large mansion being built in the hills above Roche Harbor.
11/5/2022: San Juan County Park
At San Juan County Park overlooking Haro Strait on the west side of the island. We've been past here by boat, but have never been previously ashore in this area.
11/5/2022: Forest
Driving through healthy forest along the west side of San Juan Island.
11/5/2022: Lime Kiln Lighthouse
Looking north to Lime Kiln Lighthouse, completed in 1919, in Lime Kiln Point State Park.
11/5/2022: Driftwood
A big tangle of driftwood at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Nowhere in the world have we seen even close to the amount of wood in the water as in the Pacific Northwest.
11/5/2022: The Blow Hole
We loved the name of the snack bar at Lime Kiln Point State Park: "The Blow Hole: Snacks with a Porpoise".
11/5/2022: Wells Cargo
The well-known Wells Fargo financial corporation, founded in 1852, probably is not thrilled about the play in their name this container company made. But it is creative.
11/5/2022: Strait of Juan de Fuca
Looking to the Strait of Juan de Fuca across Cattle Point at the southern tip of San Juan Island. In past visits to the island we've not had a car, and we're enjoying seeing areas we've not been to before.
11/5/2022: Radio Building
The old radio-compass building, completed at Cattle Point in 1921 as an aid to navigation.
11/5/2022: Cattle Point Lighthouse
The first light at Cattle Point was erected in 1888 and the current building was completed in 1935.
11/5/2022: Windy
It's windy today, with the storm that resulted in our flight cancellation still in play.
11/5/2022: Waves
Waves crashing into Cattle Point with the Strait of Juan de Fuca beyond.
11/5/2022: Downrigger's
A good dinner at Downrigger's, with a view to the ferry terminal just outside.
11/5/2022: Skybar
We stopped in for a nightcap at Skybar, a second-floor wine bar whose terrace has a great view to the harbor.
11/6/2022: Chelan
Boarding the Chelan in Friday Harbor for our return trip to Seattle via Anacortes.
11/6/2022: Friday Harbor House
A view to our hotel, Friday Harbor House. Our room was at the top right of the brown section. We really enjoyed our stay there and would definitely return.
11/6/2022: Friday Harbor
A last look at Friday Harbor as the Chelan departs, with our hotel at top right.
11/6/2022: Lopez Island
The ferry from Anacortes went directly to Friday Harbor, but our return trip makes a brief stop at Lopez Island. The dock near shore has sustained some pretty major damage (click image for a larger view).
11/6/2022: Foot Passengers
Soggy foot passengers boarding at Lopez Island. A heavy rain has been falling all morning.
11/6/2022: Anacortes
Arriving into Anacortes about ninety minutes after departing Friday Harbor.
11/6/2022: Rainbow Bridge
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge over the Swinomish Channel near the town of La Conner. We've passed under this bridge by boat many, many times.
11/6/2022: Lunch
An enjoyable lunch at a great table along the water at La Conner Pub. We love watching the boat traffic, and saw a Nordhavn 40 pass by, reminding us of the 12 years we spent on Nordhavn 52 Dirona.
11/6/2022: Skagit River
Crossing over the Skagit River en route to Seattle after lunch in La Conner. The river looks quite high after the recent storm.
11/6/2022: Power Lines
The storm that caused our flight to be canceled toppled trees and downed power lines throughout the region. Trucks servicing power lines and clearing debris were a common sight on our way home from Anacortes.
11/8/2022: Sunset
Another spectacular sunset in a smoky Seattle sky.
11/8/2022: Running Club
The sidewalk outside Wild Ginger restaurant suddenly got very busy this evening as a running club passed through.
11/9/2022: Olympic Mountains
The Olympic Mountains with a fresh coat of snow from the weekend storm.
11/9/2022: Brrrr
It's an unusually cold 33°F (0.6°C) this morning. The Seattle temperature rarely falls below 40°F (4.4°C) this time of year.
11/9/2022: Amazon Prime
Today we received our first delivery from Amazon on an all-electric Rivian truck.
11/9/2022: Coffee Table
Supply chain issues made it hard to find a coffee table we liked when we moved in a year ago. So we purchased a low-cost used table, and finally replaced it today.
11/9/2022: Casco Antiguo
Excellent street tacos in a great corner table at Casco Antiguo. Although the restaurant is very close to our apartment, we've not been in before, partly because they don't take reservations and typically are quite busy.
11/11/2022: Ice Breaker
The USCG ice breaker Healey arriving into Seattle. The Healey is the Coast Guard's most advanced ice-breaker and in 2015 was the first unaccompanied US surface vessel to reach the North Pole. The Healy is designated as a medium-class icebreaker and Coast Guard currently has ordered two out of three heavy ice breakers that are designated Polar Class 2 (PC2 ), meaning "year-round operation in moderate multi-year ice conditions".

No ships today exist of class the highest rating, PC1 (year-round operation in all polar waters), and only one exists of class PC2, the French expedition cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot. We'll be taking this vessel, capable of breaking 8 feet (2.4 m) of multi-year ice, on a trip to the North Pole next summer.
11/12/2022: Georgetown Steam Plant
At the historic Georgetown Steam Plant, built in 1906-1907, for a tour of the facility during their open house.
11/12/2022: Kelsey Wildstone
Our tour guide Kelsey Wildstone did a great job of explaining the history and operation of the plant. James and Kelsey used to work together on AWS, so that made the tour even more memorable.
11/12/2022: Vertical Turbine
The Georgetown Steam Plant houses the only two Curtis Vertical Steam Turbines remaining the world.
11/12/2022: Boilers
Inside the massive boiler room at the Georgetown Steam Plant. Boilers are on both sides of the room, allowing access to the oil nozzle systems that feed the boilers.
11/12/2022: 2nd Turbine
The second Curtis Vertical Steam Turbine at Georgetown Steam Plant.
11/12/2022: Model Engine
We spent some time talking with the builder of this tiny model as the gas-powered stationary engine operated on the table. Here the engine builder is explaining the valve train operation.
11/12/2022: 2nd Model Engine
Another operating model engine, with the governor central above the machine.
11/12/2022: Ghostfish
Lunch at Ghostfish craft brewery after our tour of the Georgetown Steam Plant.
11/12/2022: All Saints
A vast number of stage lights strung from the ceiling of the All Saints clothing store in downtown Seattle.
11/12/2022: Le Caviste
Dinner at Le Caviste wine bar before heading to a concert at Climate Pledge Arena.
11/12/2022: Poppy
Super-energetic singer/songwriter Poppy on stage as the opening act for The Smashing Pumpkins.
11/12/2022: Jane's Addiction
Los Angeles-based rock band Jane's Addiction did a great set as the second act before The Smashing Pumpkins.
11/12/2022: Climate Pledge Arena
A sold-out Climate Pledge Arena as Jane's Addiction finishes their set.
11/12/2022: Butterfly
A butterfly projected onto the stage shortly before The Smashing Pumpkins arrive.
11/12/2022: Smashing Pumpkins
Frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, left, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin on stage during The Smashing Pumpkins concert. We've been fans of the band since living in Toronto in the 1980s. Bill Corgan's voice was somewhat impaired, but we still enjoyed the concert.
11/12/2022: Cell Phones
Fans saluting The Smashing Pumpkins towards the end of their show.
11/13/2022: Wan Hai
A Wan Hai container ship arriving into Seattle with tug assist. With 75 ships and a capacity of more than 218,600 TEUs, Taiwanese Wai Hai is one of the largest container shipping companies in the world.
11/15/2022: Crane
The tower crane at the 4th & Bell construction site lit up for the holiday season.
11/17/2022: Peter Hayden
A great discussion over an excellent meal at Butcher's Table with Peter Hayden, owner of Nordhavn 68 Tanglewood.
11/17/2022: Flying Locksmiths
The Flying Locksmiths' van caught our attention as we walked home.
11/17/2022: 6th and Bell
Looking down into the 6th & Bell construction site north of our apartment building. They are making progress on the lower-level parking area.
11/18/2022: Marine Expo
Looking across the exhibitor booths at Pacific Marine Expo, held annually at the Lumen Field event center.
11/18/2022: Cummins QSK38
Jennifer standing next to a big V12 38L Cummins QSK38 marine engine, capable of producing 1,400 HP.
11/18/2022: Hi JET
A Hi JET 600 water jet by Hill Innovations has a 24-inch (610 mm) impeller and can be driven by up to 800 HP.
11/18/2022: Heat Exchanger
A partially disassembled plate-type heat exchanger by MechPro.
11/18/2022: Mitsubishi
An 1,100 HP S12R-Y3MPTAW-4 Mitsubishi marine engine. The person who names their engines probably could moonlight as a secure password generator :-). These large heavy-duty engines are best known for being one of the last mechanically fuel-injected engines that can meet modern emission standards.
11/18/2022: Solvi Olafsson
We first met Solvi Olafsson outside his shop during our Ballard beer tasting and spent some time with him at Pacific Marine Expo. His company ISolv specializes in centrifugal fuel and oil filtration systems.
11/18/2022: Dusk
The view at dusk looking north from outside Lumen Field as we head home after Pacific Marine Expo.
11/18/2022: Burbs Burgers
An inviting fire pit at Burbs Burgers near Lumen Field.
11/18/2022: Court in the Square
Court in the Square offers catered events in this airy atrium built in the space between two older brick buildings.
11/18/2022: Firefighter
A striking back-lit cutout of a firefighter mounted above Seattle Fire Department Headquarters near Pioneer Square.
11/18/2022: Collins Pub
Dinner at Collins Pub after attending Pacific Marine Expo. It's funny we've not been here for years and suddenly are back twice in as many months.
11/18/2022: Holiday Lights
Westlake Park, at 4th & Pine, aglow in holiday lights.