Active Lifestyle

Mount Rainier National Park

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Which National Park is most beautiful?  Well, that is a tough one as they all have something unique that makes them spectacular.  Mount Rainier National Park is one of those.  On this day, the beauty of this mountain and park shined!  The park is a 2-1/2 to 3 hour drive from the Seattle area.  There are different routes and stops to make, like Paradise on the west side, Sunrise on the east, and more.  This trip was limited to Paradise, so that is what I will be making note of.  It is best to get there earlier in the day as parking tends to fill up during the summer months.  But don’t worry, there are shuttles and other options as people come and go.  The new visitor center is a nice stop and the Paradise Inn was recently renovated.  You can go just to visit the Inn and walk the trails at Paradise or you can go for an all-day hike…like Comet Falls, Mowich Lake, or the Wonderland Trail which encircles the park.  Mount Rainier is also known as prime training grounds for mountain climbers.  You may want to stay the night, whether it be at the Paradise Inn, lodging in or outside the park, or maybe you like to camp…it has that too!  I have camped at both Cougar Rock and White River Campgrounds.  It is fun to look out for the numerous wild flowers depending on the time of year you go.  Normally, the snow levels are high enough that you wouldn’t reach snow, even at 6800′, but this year, and here it is mid-late August, there is still a heavy snow pack on much of the trail system.  Oh, and in the wintertime, there is snowshoeing.  The only wildlife seen this time were the insects (but it isn’t that bad).  Wear and/or bring the sunscreen and bug spray.  The waterfalls were rushing.  On the way “down the mountain” stops were made at both Narada Falls  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narada_Falls and Christine Falls  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Falls.  Both of these allow for a quick walk/short visit.

A nice stop on the way…or way out on SR 706 in Ashford, WA, is the Ashford Creek Pottery/Gallery.  You will find photography, prints, jewelry, pottery, books and more.  http://www.ashfordcreekpottery.com/

“…the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings.”  – John Muir, conservationist, 1889.  You will find much of what you need to know at the Mount Rainier National Park site:  http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Seahawks Training Camp

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Since the new VMAC (Virginia Mason Athletic Center) was built on the shores of Lake Washington in Renton, WA, the Seattle Seahawks have opened up practice/training camp to the public.  This year there are 15 practices between July 29th and August 15th.  It is a nice opportunity to see the new recruits and veterans get ready for their upcoming NFL season.  You will see a scrimmage and drills.  The practice lasts about two hours and possibly a bit longer with the signing of autographs.  You must register at trainingcampregistration.seahawks.com and only those who register will be allowed at camp.  At registration, you will be charged a $5 transportation fee.  Chairs and snacks may be brought in, with restrictions of course.  There is merchandise and also food and beverages available.  Sports Authority offered a $10 coupon for anything purchased over $25 there at the complex.  We indeed made use of this. Park at The Landing in Renton (3rd and 4th level of the parking garage) and take the shuttle buses to and from the event.  They have the process down well…you will check in at the Landing prior to boarding.  This is a nice afternoon for the kids, family, and friends!

Whether it be prior to or after training camp, check out The Landing.  The Landing is still expanding but you will find a nice variety of retail options – Regal Cinemas (entertainment), services, shopping, dining, and more.  http://www.thelandinginrenton.com/.  Today’s stop was at Vino at the Landing…always recommended.  http://www.vinoatthelanding.com/home

Mercer Slough Nature Park

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Mercer Slough Nature Park is settled between I-90, Bellevue Way, 118th Ave. SE and 112th… a nature park within a mile of the hustle and bustle of downtown Bellevue.  It is approx. 320 acres of wetlands, wildlife and agriculture.  I wish I brought my camera on this day to have captured the beauty.  I will go back.

I saw dragonflies, baby dragonflies, bumblebees, a hummingbird, slugs, a stream, a waterway/slough with a few kayakers, joggers on the 7+ miles of trails, a mother and son picnicking, blackberries to pick, blueberries and fresh produce at the Blueberry Farm, and Winters House (a historical site).  There are trails that go through the open wetlands and one that goes through a wooded forest (Bellefields Trail).  I did not walk towards the boat launch this particular trip.  These easy trails can be walked in an hour or so, as the sections are .3, .6 miles and the like.  They are boardwalk style as well as gravel, bark, and dirt paths.  New to the area, located on 118th Ave. SE is the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center.  Check out http://www.myparksandrecreation.com/ParksTrails/Details.aspx?pid=91 for more fun and interesting info – great site!  This site has a bit more detail than http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/mercer_slough.htm.

Speaking of dragonflies, they have been plentiful at my home the past few weeks this summer.  There are babies in blue and red.  If you are curious about dragonflies, see  http://www.21facts.com/animals/dragonflies.php

Mystic Sea Charters… cruise in the Northwest

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Hi!  This has got to be one of the best Northwest experiences ever!  Hellams Vineyard in La Conner, WA hosts 2-3 wine and dinner cruises each summer.  This cruise was on a beautiful evening in July with the pouring of Barrister Winery wines.  Mystic Sea Charters takes us on a tour via the vessel Mystic Sea http://mysticseacharters.com/index.php  So fabulous!  The cruise started out in La Conner, moving down the Swinomish Channel to Saratoga Passage, Deception Pass, and then a stop in the waters of Bowman Bay for dinner.  Have you had the opportunity of boating under the Deception Pass bridge?  Give it a try.  This particular tour was approximately three hours in length.  Enjoy the outside deck or choose the protection of the elements inside.  Beauty abounds!  Glistening waters, tree-lined rocky cliffs, beaches, bald eagles, and sea lions were seen.  The hunt was on at one point with a bald eagle chasing a seagull… he was ready for dinner.  A sunset was observed.  The crew is great and the captain has a fun sense of humor.  Make new friends.  The Mystic Sea is based out of Anacortes and is known for their whale watching excursions.  Book a custom trip or join in on an already scheduled charter.  Check out the Mystic Sea Charters website for more information or the Hellams Vineyard site for their wine cruise schedule. http://hellamsvineyard.com/  When the weather is this flawless, this experience is one of the best out there! 

A few notes on the wine being served – Barrister Winery is located in a 100 year-old brick building on West Railroad Ave in Spokane, WA (in the Davenport Arts District).  The winemakers, Michael and Greg specialize in making limited edition red wines.  On the boat cruise, the guests enjoyed some of these limited varieties as they are sold mainly at the winery and specialty wine shops – these include Sauvignon Blanc from Klipsun Vineyard, Merlot, and the very limited Cabernet Sauvignon from Bacchus Vineyard.  These along with the award-winning Cabernet Franc and Rough Justice were served.  Do you see the law theme here?  http://www.barristerwinery.com/index.asp

On a side note, I wanted to mention Morgan and Deena at the La Conner Channel Lodge for their tried and true hospitality.  The Channel Lodge is a beautiful place to stay right on the water in downtown La Conner. http://www.laconnerlodging.com/.

La Conner in July… and Rosario Beach

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A good time was had in La Conner this July as the sun was shining, a nice breeze, blue skies, and a glistening channel was experienced.   I was able to walk through town and check out the shops…which doesn’t take too long.

Stay – La Conner Channel Lodge – a very nice stay!  Most rooms in this hotel are located on the Swinomish Channel.  Enjoy your veranda on a summer day.  Read a book or magazine with your favorite beverage.  A nice spread is served for breakfast…cereals, breads with spreads, cheese and ham, fruit, and top it off with coffee or juice.  Complimentary wine tasting takes place on Friday and Saturday afternoons accompanied by a piano.  And now, the Lodge Retreat, spa services!  http://www.laconnerlodging.com/  Great service.

Eat – Seeds Bistro and Bar –  Yum.  The seating options abound…the front deck, at the bar, in the dining room or on the patio out back.  The fare consists of burgers, salads, soup, starters, sandwiches and comfort foods too!   Much of the quality products are purchased from Skagit Valley farms and Northwest growers whenever possible.  I enjoyed the Retro Iceberg Wedge – iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, gorgonzola crumbles, peppered bacon, and served with gorgonzola dressing on the side…and I ask for it to be cut up for me, instead of it being served as a wedge.  Oh, and the homemade bread, my goodness…delicious, soft, and warm.  The Two Beers Brewery Immulsion Amber hit the spot too.  Seeds serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.   http://www.seedsbistro.com/    Note: the pictures located on the site doesn’t do the food justice…check out the pic here instead.  🙂

La Conner Thai Restaurant  –  if you like Thai, you should like this.  The Phad Thai (with Chicken) was satisfying as was the cashew stir fry.

Enjoy – A stop at the Berry Barn is a must…love the Marionberry pie, and on a 4th of July weekend, it makes the meal extra special.  They of course have old-fashioned apple too.  http://www.funattheberrybarn.com/info.php   Although Roozengarde isn’t blooming with tulips, we made a stop and enjoyed visiting the gift shop and walking the grounds.  http://www.tulipfestival.org/   I was not able to make it to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival this year, but was happy to see that the official print for this year was created by local Camano Island artist John Ebner.  Really nice.  http://www.johnebner.com/  Snow Goose Produce Market, always a must-see.  This time, we purchased rustic Northwest bread.  A bit cool this morning for ice cream.  http://snowgooseproducemarket.com/  Stop by Plug Ugly for antique and other maritime and fishing gear – available for purchase!   Hellams Vineyard is the place to go for a great selection of wine and a good time.  A quality experience…a great place to gather with friends and family.  A plate of fine cheese, meat and olives can be purchased.  And if you would like to enjoy the deck with the view of the Channel, purchase a glass of wine (or a bottle) or beer and enjoy the afternoon.  The sun broke through and blue skies were in view.   I had the utmost fortune of meeting up with family friends that I had not seen since I was a child, and it was a perfect meeting spot for this.  Good food, wine, and conversation (with Frank Sinatra heard overhead).  http://www.hellamsvineyard.com/

Rosario Beach – lovely!  A great place for a picnic and for enjoying Northwest beauty.  Volunteers were on hand to teach us about the  rocky shores of Rosario Beach… the plants and animals that live within the tide pools here.  To protect the inhabitants of certain areas, it was suggested that we follow a rope trail and yes, we were still able to see the treasures that abound…hermit crabs, red rock crab, kelp, rockweed, chitons, and more.

See July 2010 post for more on La Conner and Deception Pass area.

Opening Day…Seattle Mariners

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Opening Day with the Seattle Mariners!  This night brought a tribute to Dave Niehaus as well as awards to Ichiro… all-time Mariners hits leader and other Gold Glove awards.  Safeco Field has a new addition…The Pen, courtesy of Root Sports.  They have opened up the pitching area so that there is no cage/wired barrier.  This is a great place to view the game.  There are TV’s, great music playing, a fireside lounge, a historical journey showcasing “The Sheriff” Norm Charlton, Gaylord Perry, Randy Johnson, and others.  There is an additional bar that serves cocktails and new restaurants, like the Flying Turtle (Slow Cooked Beef Torta, Braised Pork Torta), Hamburg & Frites, and La Creperie (Strawberry crepe…you can skip this), and APizza (White Pizza…this has broccoli on it…fyi).  After trying all three of the pizza options, definitely go for the pepperoni.  There is also a M’s store called Good Stuff.  Nice!  I am starting a diet this week as we took advantage of it being opening day. 🙂  As it was opening night, they have some work to do.  The menus do not contain the ingredients…so ask what is on it before the guy says “with everything”.  Also, the scoreboards were not quite up to par as they indicated scoring from the day before and earlier in the day…so not accurate.  We were sitting in section 108 so we were able to text @msbeervendor for personalized service, as he was donating some of his tips to the Japan relief fund… #36.  Those serving the beverages are now wearing neon green shirts – I like it!  Was that the longest 4th inning in Mariners history?  I don’t know, but it felt like it.  Although there was a loss this evening, I still recommend going out and supporting the M’s and enjoying the good ‘ol American pasttime…baseball.  Safeco Field is top-notch!

UPDATE June 2011 –  still a nice experience…but, they removed much of their beer selection from The Pen.  So, if you want Snoqualmie Amber or others, you will need to find it elsewhere in the park.  It looks like they are mainly carrying the “big” boy brands.   Bummer, as it looks like they did it again…you have a good thing and they screw it up by changing it.

Serious Pie, West Seattle Bowl

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Serious Pie … I have been waiting to write about this amazing feast for over a year now.  Hands down, Serious Pie serves up the best pizza in the area…in my opinion.  The pizza is more artisan style cooked in a stone-encased applewood burning oven.  Two locations in Seattle offer visitors and locals alike, a taste of heaven…located on Harrison & Westlake Ave in the South Lake Union area (new!) and on Virginia St. in downtown Seattle.  Just minutes away from Pike Place Market and great shopping.  This is a Tom Douglas restaurant.  The ambiance…electric and the space… very cool.  The South Lake Union site was the location for this birthday dinner with a group of 13 or so.  I had a seasonal pizza… roasted apple, gorgonzola dulce, and toasted pistacios…with an olive oil base.  So delicious!  There are seasonal options as well as a few standards such as yukon gold potato, rosemary, pecorino or penn cove clam, house pancetta, lemon thyme or sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, provolone or buffalo mozzarella, san marzano tomato.  Check out the menu and more info at  http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie .

Afterwards, we enjoyed a game at the West Seattle Bowl.  I was really impressed…this has to be one of the nicest bowling alley’s in the area, and definitely would like to return sooner than later.  Winning!  http://www.westseattlebowl.com/

Everett Silvertips

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Hockey in the Puget Sound area consists of the Everett Silvertips and Seattle Thunderbirds, who are part of the WHL (Western Hockey League).  I like the Everett Silvertips for their home town, community feel.  The home games are located at Comcast Arena at the corner of Broadway and Hewitt in Everett, WA.   I try to go at least once a year.  This evening the Everett Silvertips played the Seattle Thunderbirds, their Puget Sound rival, with the Silvertips winning 6-5.  The energy and noise make it fun as many in the crowd ring their cow bells and others their vuvuzelas.   A nice variety of food and drink is available including specialty items like Top Pot doughnuts.  Suites are available. Chuck a Puck.  The 50/50 Raffle.  The evening we attended, the raffle got to $3980 with a sell out crowd of over 8,300.  Between periods, there are contests and audience participation activities that will make you smile… such as the Kiss Cam, Dance Cam, the party Zamboni, and others.  This evening, Tyler Maxwell, made four goals.  When one player scores three goals in a game, it  is called a hat trick.   When this occurs, many people throw their hats onto the ice…so don’t wear a hat that you might not want to part with!  And if you have time, check out the team store where you will find a nice variety of team merchandise (although the lines are usually long).  The 2011 Everett Silvertips season goes through March.  Check out the Hockey 101 link under Fan Zone at  http://www.everettsilvertips.com/main/index  for hockey terms and rules.

Things to Do in the Northwest

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If you are wondering what is going on this weekend around the Puget Sound or your community,  check out the NW Weekend section of The Seattle Times every Thursday.  Parts of this section can also be found at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/?from=stnvpg1 

NW Weekend has a variety of sections to tempt you… Best Bets, Weekend Highlight, Getting in Gear, and a detailed section called Datebook.  In Datebook, you will find various community events such as Animal Events, Benefits, Biking, Dance, Fairs/Festivals, Food Events, Hobbies, Museum Events, Sports, Performance…and the like.  There is always one main story showcased as well – this week it is Monte Cristo and Maples…Autumn Treasures of the Mountain Loop.

If I was to head off to one of the events this weekend…I think I might choose Issaquah Salmon Days  http://www.salmondays.org/  Enjoy!