Month: September 2012

Whale Watching in Washington

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Whale Watching in Washington State – an all-day adventure!  Whale Watching is a great way to get out on the water, view beautiful scenery, meet new people, see something that not too many people get to, and participate in nature.  On this day, towards the end of the whale watching season, we were fortunate enough to indeed see a number of Orcas. The season typically runs mid-April to the beginning of October.  Go with a friend or make it a family affair.  We booked our trip through Mystic Sea Charters out of Anacortes, WA.  We were familiar with this company through the wine and dinner cruises via Hellams Vineyard in La Conner.  So, we said… why not?  There are other departing cities as well, depending on the company you choose.

The 100 ft. Mystic Sea leaves Anacortes around 11 am and returns to dock between 4-5 pm.  The route taken will depend on where the whales are spotted, but almost all go somewhere through the San Juan Islands chain.  We got the full tour as the pods were up north in the waters around Canada (British Columbia) and the San Juan Islands.  Juveniles played and enjoyed catching salmon.  The whale fin might remind you of a shark fin at times especially as it approaches a boat. Dun um, dun um, dun um, du da (for you Jaws fans out there).

What to expect?  You’ll take a trip there and back, ours was two hours each way.   There is indoor seating or enjoy the up close and personal viewing experience out on the deck.  Bring playing cards, visit with your neighbor, or grab a bite to eat.  Bring your own picnic or purchase food and drink there…chili, sandwiches, candy bars, chips, and the like.  Grab a map and follow along as the captain will provide information…. history, facts, geographical.  The boat will move to various spots within the waters for prime viewing.  There are other boats in the area as well.  Bring or wear layers as it will probably get chilly.  Also, if photography is a hobby and you would like to record the event, a DSLR camera with appropriate lens is recommended.  I brought a point-and-shoot camera with a pretty good zoom and was satisfied with some of the photos, but a larger lens would have really got the job done.  You might need to jump from one side of the boat to the other for the optimum viewing experience but do be courteous of the other passengers as everyone wants to get the best shot.

Come aboard and see the many treasures this experience has to offer!

http://mysticseacharters.com/index.php

Do The Puyallup!

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The Puyallup Fair is here once again and runs through September 23rd.  Located in Puyallup, WA, the Puyallup Fair is also known as the Western Washington Fair to some.  Things to Do?  Whether it is the tried and true Krusty Pup, Pete’s BBQ or if you try something new… the Fair food is sure to please!  There are a number of beer/liquor/wine gardens that offer live (or TV) entertainment as well.  And speaking of live entertainment, the Puyallup Concert Series offers a good mix of artists to choose from.  Why not visit the wide variety of animals while you’re here… like the six-day old piglets (the day I was there anyway), the Beef Barn (cattle), chicks, rabbits or take in the rodeo (although you’ve missed the rodeo as it was Sept 7-9th).  Catch the largest pumpkin recorded in Puyallup Fair history or check out your favorite hobby, agriculture display, chainsaw carving, and more.  And of course, there are plenty of vendors trying to sell their goods and services.  Oh, and we can’t forget the rides now can we?  Maybe you’ll try The Giant Slide, Vertigo (swing), or Zero Gravity.  One of the new exhibits this year is the Rainforest Adventure –  you’ll find toucans, snapping turtles, roaches, and more – a welcomed addition!   And if you are looking for a bit of history… Brown & Haley is celebrating their 100th year  – you might like to purchase a commemorative tin of Almond Roca for a gift… the holidays will soon be at our doorstep.  They are also part of this year’s Fair Museum.   So much to see!

Check out my September 2010 posting for additional insight or  http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/  Whether you are a seasoned fair goer or this is your first time …. you’ll want to come back for more!

Note:  Starting next year, they are changing the name of the Puyallup Fair to the Washington STATE FAIR.  Somewhat similar to the Evergreen State Fair… in Monroe.

 

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Bumbershoot 2012

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This year, I will describe Bumbershoot, which takes place every Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center… in a word search (by just using the words). These words showcase the first day of Bumbershoot as a whole, as my experience (and maybe yours):

VIBE   SUN   BUMBERSHOOT   SEATTLE  CENTER   SPACE  NEEDLE   ANNIVERSARY   LAWN   PROGRAM   INTRODUCTION   SAMPLING   EXPOSURE   KIDS   WORDS   INTERNATIONAL   FOUNTAIN   SHORTS  FILM   MUSIC   DANCE   PERFORMING   VISUAL   ART   COMEDY   LINEUP   ACT   GALUMPHA   ELVISTRAVAGANZA   JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND   THE HEAVY   LEAD  SINGER   BAND   AWOLNATION   RECORD   CD   BOOK   SIGNING   JOHN WATERS   AWESOME   THE JAYHAWKS   AND  MORE   BEER  GARDEN   WHITE   CORN DOG   VARIETY   ARMORY   FOOD   OPEN MIND   AMERICANA   SOUL   FUNK   ROCK   JELLO WALL   GLASS   SKYWARD   INDIE   TWEET   SEPTEMBER   SATURDAY   ONE REEL

Bumbershoot 2012 runs September 1-3 – now get ready to go!

September Events

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Football season has arrived and September is the official start of the Autumn season –  my favorite!   Will we jump into Fall or will we be blessed with an Indian Summer?  What to do this month you ask?  Well, check this out…

  • Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, Sept 20-23
  • Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth, Sept 28-30
  • Bremerton Blackberry Festival,  Sept 1-3
  • Bumbershoot, Seattle Center, Sept 1-3
  • Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, Sept 7-9
  • Puyallup Fair, Sept 7-23
  • Try out Bake’s Place in downtown Bellevue   http://bakesplacebellevue.com/
  • Wooden Boat Festival, Port Townsend, Sept 7-9
  • Deutschesfest, Odessa, Sept 14-16
  • Snohomish Pumpkin Hurl and Medieval Faire, Sept 15-16
  • See Memphis at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, Sept 18 – Oct. 7
  • Fremont Oktoberfest, Fremont area of Seattle, Sept 21-23
  • Take a drive and visit Portland’s Japanese Garden
  • Leavenworth Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival, Sept 15
  • Whidbey Island Farm Tour, Sept 15-16
  • Most Farmers Markets are still in full swing!
  • Fisherman’s Fall Festival, Seattle, Sept 22
  • Seattle Fringe Festival, Sept 19-23
  • Festa Italiana, Seattle Center, Sept 28-30 (It’s the Space Needle’s 50th Anniversary)
  • The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, Prosser, Sept 28-30
  • Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival, Bellevue College, Sept 8-9
  • Take in a Seattle Seahawks game – two home games this month!