Urban Camping – Seattle Style

After a great time on the Olympic Peninsula, it was time to return to civilization. Wednesday we drove through Seattle, up to Kirkland to have dinner with our friend Mel Viscovich’s sister and her husband.  Sarah and Jeff treated us like family as we settled into their home for Moscow Mules and barbecue.   After an inspiring discussion of their visit to Burning Man where they lived in the desert for 5 days making Grilled Cheese from midnight to 4 am each night, we’ve decided to put the event on next year’s agenda.

Space Needle

The next day we met up with Andy, Tim’s sailing classmate, and his girlfriend Gail.  They were driving to Bellingham the next day to retrace the San Juan Island route on a rented boat.  In addition to a delicious dinner, we left with a reignited desire to find our way aboard a boat very soon.

After two days in Kirkland we were ready to explore the big city.  We didn’t have any plans on where to stay, we just figured that we’d make it up as we went along.  We pulled Frank into downtown Seattle and found a bright, friendly parking lot, right in the middle of Belltown.  The parking lot attendant nodded knowingly when I told him I wanted to pay for all night.  For $15 a day, we had a comfortable bed in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Seattle.

Seattle Urban Camping

On Friday, we explored the local coffee shops and discovered Bedlam, our new favorite workplace.  Here we worked through the day while sampling Bonfire, their homemade chocolate chili pepper ice cream.

Bike Friendly Seattle

Once the workday was done, we eagerly got ready to explore town.  Everywhere we went we ran into crimson colored Nebraska fans who’d flooded Seattle for the University of Washington/Nebraska football game.  Our friend Carli’s parents were in town for the game as well and though we weren’t able to catch up with them that night, their excited texts were infectious.   We walked throughout downtown, exploring the town’s best  happy hours and cool bars.

Pike Place Farmer's Market

Saturday we walked to the famed Pike Place Market.  Here is an amazing smorgasbord of food and goods.  Fish throwing, live music and America’s original Starbucks are just a few of the attractions.  You can buy anything and everything here.

A Giant Cod

Nebraska Fans Inundate Seattle

1! 2! 3! Toss!

Amazing Sights and Smells

Every Ingredient You Could Ask For

Humongous Nectarine

@ The Original Starbucks - Coffee, Tea and Spices

After a morning downtown, we packed up our “camp” and drove to the Elliot Bay Bookstore.  Here we settled in, blogged and read throughout the afternoon.   Finally we turned East and drove out of town to Mount Rainier.  Time to balance our urban life with some backcountry beauty.

On another note, we’d like to wish Christine Wilkerson a very very happy 96th!  Happy Birthday Nene!!