State number 49 and we’re finally winging it – we have no hotel reservation. Woo hoo! Do we live life on the edge, or what?! You have to understand that Bill and I have completely different travel styles, which have collided for some fireworks plenty of times during the 50/50 Tour. Bill prefers to plan out all the details of our vacation travels at least 6 months in advance. I, on the other hand, recognize that the best laid plans….are rarely executed as intended. Life is just too complicated.
By the time we reached Washington, we were both too exhausted to figure out the details of our visit. We took our chances leaving Oregon and gambled that we’d find a hotel room somewhere near the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center. We did. Not only that, it was near a Walmart, so we were able to stock up on some provisions. Have you ever been to a Walmart that wasn’t filled with shoppers?
The Visitor Center was full of fascinating information about the volcano’s eruption. But one thing struck me in particular. Throughout the 50/50 Tour, we’ve visited countless museums and memorials that document the efforts of our country’s citizens to help one another. Here in Washington, only 15 minutes after Mt. St. Helens erupted, helicopters were in the air, rescuing survivors. I continue to be awed by the selfless efforts of our countrymen. I think these were the kind of men (and women, I would add) Mr. Foss was referring to.
And, despite some lids being blown off, I continue to be awed by the staggering natural beauty of our country’s magnificent mountains.
We headed north toward Seattle, traveling on interstate 5 and routes 4, 433, and 504. Stopped for lunch in Centralia, where the Berry Fields Cafe beckoned. How many times have I said, when you see a sign like this you MUST investigate?! Absolutely no exceptions to this rule! The Marion Berry cobbler was divine and the servings were so large, we skipped dinner entirely.
We continued north, but hit horrible traffic as we made our way into Seattle. This didn’t help combat the stress that was building in our car. We were due to return our rental car at the Seattle airport, but the traffic was causing us consternation. I guess it was only fitting that we just couldn’t return the last rental car of the 50/50 Tour without a little drama. As we pulled into the city, we debated (somewhat hotly) our options for returning the car. We also debated whether we could manage to remain married long enough to finish the 50/50 Tour. Fortunately, we solved the logistical problems, returned the car with little fanfare, and managed to avoid emergency marriage counseling.
On to the Space Needle.
We enjoyed gorgeous weather in Seattle, without a cloud in sight. The views from the iconic Space Needle were breathtaking.
We joined the throngs of tourists visiting the Pike Place Market, and we even saw the guys throwing fish (though we didn’t capture it on film). The produce and flowers for sale were amazing and colorful.
Of course we had to visit the original Starbucks and wait in line to be served a cup o’ joe. Why didn’t I think of this idea? Coffee. Plain old coffee. Making millions. Who woulda thunk?
Near the market is the famed Gum Wall, a regular old wall that has been covered by used chewing gum for over 15 years. Apparently, it’s one of the world’s “germiest” tourist attractions. No kidding? It’s also popular with wedding parties — we saw a group posing near it for reasons I will never understand. Still, I couldn’t resist the urge to contribute to the cause. Do you suppose my piece is still there?
Walking back to our hotel we passed a park with this sign. Kinda says it all:
49. Washington
The Space Needle