Archive for the ‘ Washington ’ Category

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Alki Beach – The sunny side of a cloudy city

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Alki Beach is a popular coastal community located in the most westerly point of West Seattle, jutting out into the Pudget Sound.   Alki is one of my favorite places in the city. During the morning hours you can grab a cup-a-joe from your preferred coffee shop and take a stroll along the boardwalk.  Or, sit on some driftwood lining the expansive beach and watch as the colossal ferries float by.

Sitting anywhere on Alki offers views of downtown Seattle and that of the iconic Space Needle.  I especially enjoy an early morning walk…as the sun begins to rise, the water is very calm and the tide is low.  In the distance you can hear seagulls squawk, baritone ferry and fog horns blow, with the lapping of the water on the shore—during this time of day you can help but feel a great sense of serenity. You’ll often see people meditating or performing some form of martial art exercise.



By the afternoon (especially on a sunny day and/or on the weekends) the area is hopping with activity, often with special or annual events, such as weddings, volleyball tournaments and competitive runs like the Alki 5k Fun Run.  There are a ton of activities to partake in…from biking, rollerblading, running, kayaking, scuba and a whole lot more.  There are several rental facilities to accommodate nearly any whim. If you’re into Frisbee or playing catch and the beach is too full, there is a large park just a block from the beach with two baseball/softball fields and plenty of room to play.

The Alki Beach boardwalk is two and a half miles long, providing outstanding distances for activities and exercise.   Only a small portion of that two and a half miles has a sandy beach, the rest is seawall. Naturally the beach portion of the area is the most crowded, so your best bet to find parking is on the extreme ends, or inland a bit. There is however a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes or so, which makes parking beyond the beach much easier. The shuttle also allows you to explore other areas of Alki and West Seattle as it makes a big loop along the water and up and over the hill into West Seattle.

Seacrest Park, which is located on the far end of Alki, provides kayak, paddle board, scuba and other rentals.  Seacrest Park is also where you can catch a water taxi to take you to downtown Seattle to explore the waterfront district, Pike’s Place Market, Seattle Center, the stadiums and aquarium. You do not want to park in downtown Seattle, it’s a mess!  Parking and taking the pedestrian water taxi, then walking to your destination is your best bet.

While you’re at Alki Beach, you may also want to check out:

  • Alki Point Lighthouse, which is one of only eight lighthouses on the Puget Sound open to the public.
  • Log House Museum is the birthplace of Seattle and honors the Denny party who landed on Alki beach in 1851.
  • Alki Bathhouse often has art exhibits and other activities.
  • Many great local restaurants…one of my favorites is Cactus.  Cactus is a contemporary southwestern restaurant with outstanding food (I really like the seafood enchiladas) and a great open-air layout.
  • Salty’s is something of a Northwest institution. The view is spectacular, and the romantic atmosphere can’t be beat.
  • Phoenecia has a small, intimate setting with a great vibe.  The food is contemporary American served tapas style so you can try many dishes.  They also have artisan thin crust wood-fired pizza.
  • If you’re not from Seattle, you simple must try some fish & chips…if it’s nice out…take them to the beach.  The Spud is a Seattle institution and has been on Alki Beach since 1934.  My Dad used to take me there when I was a kid…”Single with extra fish please” is what I’d order. I have very fond memories going there with my Pop!
  • While the Spud is good, just two blocks away is a place called, “SunFish” which I think edges out Spud. SunFish only takes cash and the owners are a couple of old crotchety brothers…they remind me of the Soup Nazi in NYC. They’re good guys…it’s just customer service is not their forte…thankfully good food is.  The seafood skewer is outstanding too.

If you live or have been to Alki Beach, let my readers and me know what you like most by placing a comment below.  Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Alki Beach.  If you enjoyed this post and video, please click the “like” button to share with your friends and family.

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 3 Comments »

Jimgermanbar in Waitsburg, WA

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

While I was in Walla Walla, Washington staying at the ever-so-quaint Fat Duck Inn, the proprietor (Alexa) invited to take me to this up-and-coming little town about 20 miles north called, Waitsburg.  Founded in 1859, Waitsburg is a cute town that seems to be reemerging as a hip destination with some quality restaurants, including the jimgermanbar, which is where we dined.

All the buildings in town appear to be of the period and have (or are) undergone a wonderful restoration process to reflect their nineteenth century roots while creating a tasteful modern esthetic.  Each building has its own eclectic feel—you immediately get a sense that this is a community attracting the creative and the artistic.

The menu at jimgermanbar is handwritten on these long sheets of construction paper.  The food is Italian infused American  served tapas style with a mad selection of inspired cocktails.  The atmosphere is casual and almost reminiscent of a sophisticated beatnik club, which may actually be an oxymoron. I don’t even know why that description came to mind as the 60s were way before my time. :-)

Here are the items we enjoyed:

  • Claire’s Cornucopia Antipasto – House cured duck breast prosciutto, Fra Mani salami, a selection of cheeses, bocarones, Mama Lil’s peppers, crostini and crackers made by Colville St. Patisserie.
  • Cumin roasted potatoes with lemon aioli
  • Braised tenderloin with roasted asparagus
  • I can’t recall the name of the cocktails we enjoyed, but they were some sort of lemon-drop martini…very refreshing.

After dinner, something told me it was time to get back on the road…there was a very loud siren that went off in the middle of town—I’m sure it could be heard from miles away (see end of video).

If you’ve ever been to jimgermanbar in Waitsburg, WA before, please leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you think.

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Restaurant Reviews, Washington, Washington Restaurants | 4 Comments »

‘Rachel’ You’re one Serene Mountain Lake

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

It was early Fall when my cousin Nick and I decided to do an overnight backpacking trip to a mountain lake we had researched.   The weather was absolutely spectacular for this time of year, and, since we went mid-week, we saw very few people on the trail and we were actually the only ones camping. Rachel Lake is located just north of Snoqualmie Pass, about 90 minutes east of the Seattle area.

The hike to Rachel Lake is about four miles each way, and while many folks do this excursion as a day-hike, it’s simply too wonderful to just turn back without spending a night under a bright, star-filled sky.

The first 2.5 miles of the hike are quite easy and extremely enjoyable, with various streams and waterfalls cascading through the dense flora and fauna.  As the trail runs into the forest of Box Canyon Creek, the climb intensifies immensely…the next mile of assent is more than 1300’— in contrast, the previous 2.5 miles is only a modest 300’ gain.  The last half mile was a bit more moderate, but you’d hardly know it with tired legs and burning lungs.  Seemingly out of nowhere, we had reach the summit and emerged out onto the sunlit shores of Rachel Lake.  It was a wonderful hike, but we were both tuckered and famished.



With great jubilation we quickly found a stellar campsite where we got things set up in time to enjoy the views of the lake in one direction, and vistas in the other…all the while the setting sun cast an amber glow upon the scenery.  Sipping tequila with a handful of mixed nuts, we embraced the beauty surrounding us while becoming mesmerized by the serenity of being the only souls in sight.

We then gathered some wood for a small fire, filtered some drinking water from the pristine lake (the water was probably clean enough to drink, but when you have a water filter, there’s no reason to take a chance), then prepared a meal that I’ve never had while backpacking…a delicious smoked salmon salad.  We actually chopped up vegetables earlier that morning, mixed them with an array of salad greens, then put it all in a ziplock bag.  In separate containers we had a honey mustard dressing along with some fresh cherry smoked salmon that my cousin got from a friend in Alaska .  I don’t know if it was because we had worked up such an appetite, but that salad was so damn good!

We enjoyed our fire for a spell, but found firewood to be quite scarce (funny, we’re in the middle of the woods and couldn’t find adequate fuel for the fire).  The weather was quite delightful, so we ended up staring at the sky for what seemed like a couple of hours…we watched as the stars continued to increase in brightness as the sky turned darker with the loss of sunlight.  There was little light pollution and the sky was clear of clouds, so the stars illuminated with a rare brilliance.

The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunrise, and the stillness of the lake provide an awe-inspiring reflection of the surrounding mountains. After exploring the other side of the lake, we relaxed a bit before packing-up and beginning our decent. The trail to/fro Rachel Lake was lush with wild berries…we enjoyed blueberries, blackberries, red and orange salmon berries as well as watermelon berries.

Click the following link if you’d like to see more pictures from Rachel Lake.

If you’ve been to Rachel Lake before, please post a comment below and let my readers and me know what you like best.  If you enjoyed this post and video, please share the love by clicking the “like” button below.

Hike Info:

GPS Coordinates: 47.4012 – 121.2848
Goggle Map: Rachel Lake Map
Distance: 4 miles each way (8 miles round trip)
Elevation gain: 1670′
Duration:  With heavy packs, it took us 3 hours up and about 2.5 hours back.
Directions: Head east on I-90 to exit 62, then head north about 6 miles (about 90 min. outside Seattle)

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 2 Comments »

Tantalize all your senses at Pike Place Market

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

With a mix of fishmonger’s, florists, local farmers to restauranteurs and entertainers, it’s no wonder Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is such a popular place among visitors and locals alike.  The vast array of sounds, vibrant colors, textures, aromas and flavors, will put your human senses into overdrive.  Rain or shine, Pike Place is always alive and inviting.

Founded in 1907, Pike Place Market is the oldest continually operating farmers’ market in the U.S.  Located high above the famed Seattle waterfront, the Market overlooks Elliott Bay, providing its 10m visitors with fantastic views along with a plethora of shopping choices from hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, artisans, florists and of course fishmongers.

Even though Pike Place is quite a tourist attraction, the Market is sill patronized by locals alike for all the fresh fish, produce and outstanding prices on beautifully cut flowers.


Pike Place Market Hours:

Pike Place is open year-round, seven days a week (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s).  Merchants set their own hours, so it’s a good idea to check specific vendors.  Restaurants hours may vary during peak seasons.  Farmers are frequently set up and ready to sell by 8:00 am.

Pike Place/1st Avenue level:

  • Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday is 9 am to 5 pm
  • Individual shop hours may vary

DownUnder stores:

  • Monday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm

Getting to Pike Place:

  • Driving in and around Pike Place is a nightmare, your best best is to take some sort of mass transit.  From West Seattle, your best bet is to take the Water Taxi.

Brief History of Pike Place:

Photo Courtesy of the City of Seattle

Pike Place Market was born out of the frustration of a sudden onion price increase in August of 1907.  On the opening day of the Market, a total of eight farmers brought their wagons filled with produce to the corner of First and Pike.  The small group of farmers were quickly overwhelmed by over 10,000 eager shoppers…they were sold out within a couple hours.  The rest they say is…history.

A century later, Pike Place Market is recognized as America’s premier farmers’ market.  Hundreds of farmers, craftspeople and entertainers play host to over 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington state’s most frequently visited destinations.

Click the following link to see more or my pictures of Pike Place Market.  If you’ve been to the Market before, let my readers and me know what you like best.  If you found this post and video helpful, please hit the “Like” button below. Click the following link for Washington B&B’s.

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 1 Comment »

Avoid the headaches, take the Seattle Water Taxi

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Driving and parking in or around downtown Seattle is about as fun as poking needles in your eyes.  If you live near West Seattle, thankfully there is an easy and convenient way to reach many of the wonderful attractions that downtown Seattle has to offer…the Water Taxi.  The Seattle Water Taxi is a pedestrian-only ferry taking passengers to/fro West Seattle’s Seacrest Park and downtown Seattle’s waterfront district. On the West Seattle side there is even a free bus shuttle that makes a loop around the area, hitting all the main stops like Alki Beach.


Seattle Water Taxi Schedule

  • Monday – Friday the water taxi leaves every 30 minutes.
  • Saturday and Sunday the water taxi leaves West Seattle on the hour and Downtown Seattle on the half hour.
  • Fares are $3.50 each way for adults.

Seattle Water Taxi Bus Schedule

  • The shuttle bus that runs a loop from Alki Beach to Seacrest Park (Water Taxi terminal) picks-up every 20 minutes or so from a number of stops along the route.

Seattle Water Taxi Map

Things to do:

There are many fun things to do within walking distance of the ferry terminals on either side.

  • On the West Seattle side, right at the Seacrest Park terminal you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes and more.  There is also a couple restaurants and great scuba diving.  Walk down the boardwalk (west) and you will run into Alki, one of the best beaches in the city.  Watch a competitive game of volleyball, rent a bike or some skates, or enjoy some fish & chips on the beach while watching the ferries go by.
  • On the downtown Seattle side, if you walk to your right (south) you can watch a Seahawk or Mariner game at either of the two stadiums.  Head to the north along the boardwalk and you can check out the Seattle Aquarium or a number of restaurants in between.  There are also a number of tourist attractions and tours that can be found by venders along the waterfront boardwalk.  Head east, up a steep hill a couple blocks and you’ll find yourself at the famous Pike Place Market.  Head north and you’ll find yourself at the Seattle Center, where the iconic Space Needle resides.

Whatever your mood, the Water Taxi in between downtown Seattle and West Seattle will make it more convenient and that much more enjoyable.

If you’ve taken the Seattle Water Taxi before, let my readers and me know what you thought.  If you’ve enjoyed this post and video, please hit the “Like” button below.

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 1 Comment »

Visiting Leavenworth, WA in the Winter

Monday, March 21st, 2011

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, there is no place better to do so than a visit to Leavenworth, Washington.  This Bavarian themed city is located in the central part of Washington State and provides all the necessary ingredients for a fun-filled time during the winter months and holiday season.  You’re sure to find plenty of snow,  kids sledding in the heart of town, live holiday music, shops serving warm treats, and of course, plenty of Christmas lights.

Leavenworth, WA sits near the eastern part of the Cascade Mountains with the picturesque Wenatchee River running through it. The drive to Leavenworth is little more than a couple hours east of Seattle and provides for a scenic drive. The peak of the Cascades are at 8000 feet, and the decent to Leavenworth will leave you below 1500’.  There are many charming shops and restaurants to choose from, with a wide range of events throughout the year to entertain its two million visitors.

After floundering for decades, the 1960s was a time for change in Leavenworth.  City leaders made transformational changes that converted the city into what we know today… as a Bavarian-themed village. Leavenworth is Bavarian through-and-through…from the architecture to the merchant’s regalia, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported thousands of miles away to a mountainous German village.

Popular area activities include: downhill and cross country skiing, river rafting, rock climbing, sledding, golf, fishing and hiking. Outside of Germany, Oktoberfest in Leavenworth is considered one of the largest in the world.

There are a number of great places to stay in and around Leavenworth, including many outstanding B&B’s, some creek and river-side like Run of the River.  I stayed just outside of Leavenworth near Wenatchee Lake at the Pine River Ranch (click the link for my review).

Click the following link if you’d like to see more of my pictures of Leavenworth.  If you’d like to find out what “the ONE thing” is about Leavenworth, click the previous link.  If you live or have been to Leavenworth, please post a comment below on what you like best about the area.

For area B&B’s, click the following links: Bed and Breakfasts in Leavenworth,

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 4 Comments »

Vantage Bridge Wild Horses Monument Display

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

This horse sculpture display was created by artist, David Govedare and is located right in the middle of Washington state.  The display can be seen from viewpoints along I-90 on the east side of the Columbia River…the best “vantage” point is about two miles east of the Vantage Bridge across the Columbia River. The eastbound off-ramp has a rough path that leads a quarter mile to the Wild Horses Monument.

Once you reach the overlook parking lot, you’ll enjoy views below of the Columbia River and the Vantage Bridge…as well as the views above of the wild horse sculpture display. If you so choose, like I did, you can hike up to the top of the bluff to walk among the horses.  You’ll be amazed at how big the display is, and how thick the steel is…this display was built to last!  Unfortunately some feel the need to tag these sculptures with paint, so I’m sure it’s a continual battle to keep them clean for all to enjoy.


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Click here to see more pictures of the Horse sculpture Display at the Vantage Bridge Overlook.
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Exploring Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Hurricane Ridge is located in the Olympic National Park, just above the Port Angeles area.  The drive up to the visitor’s center takes about a half an hour, not because of the distance, but because of the long windy scenic road.

A ways up you start getting the first overlooks, with stunning views of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and the islands and mountains beyond. Then, after three mountain-carved tunnels, you start getting glimpses of the mountains themselves.  Once you approach Hurricane Ridge, you get a sense of being near the top of the world as you reach an elevation just over 5200’ from the sea level below.

Hurricane Ridge is an area for all levels of hikers…and the views, especially on a clear day, are spectacular. Even on days when clouds hover over the regal landscape, you can still see wind-sculpted evergreen trees outlined against the sky like a canvas painting.

There are paved trails in the Big Meadow for those who want to experience the views the ridge has to offer, without the rigors of strenuous hiking.  A number of trails begin from this area, and take visitors through the scenic majesty that Hurricane Ridge has to offer. The Visitor Center is located seventeen miles from Port Angeles.

The Visitor Center is open in the winter and also functions as a ski lodge. Even if travelers do not want to ski, the Visitor Center offers a gift shop, food concessions, a museum and restrooms. During the off season, visitors may still visit the Center and look at the museum displays, however be aware that during off seasons, the staff is limited.  I learned of this as I was there during a shoulder season and wanted to do a long hike, but no trail maps or staff were available.

The visitor center has a series of large picturesque windows, so if you’re there during cold windy weather, you can stay cozy inside and enjoy the views of glaciers on Mount Carrie and the Bailey Range. The views to the north include Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Victoria onVancouver Island.  The landscape is made up of subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, Alaska yellow cedar, Douglas fir and western white pine—there are more than 15 species of native conifers in Olympic National Park.

It’s easy for one to forget they’re only miles away from town when exploring Hurricane Ridge.  Skiers are drawn to downhill and cross-country routes, hikers to the variety of trails past crystal lakes and through backcountry.  Wildlife is abundant, as are the summit’s 360-degree views. While you’re there you might just run into a Marmot, blacktailed deer, a variety of birds to the occasional black bear. In mid-summer the peak of the ridge’s impressive wildflower display is not to be missed.

Getting there
Drive south from Port Angeles on Race Street, which turns into Hurricane Ridge Road and in seventeen miles you’ll reach the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

To see more of my pictures of Hurricane Ridge, click here. Washington B&B’s

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | 2 Comments »

Fun Foraging at Fort Flagler

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Part of the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound, Fort Flagler, along with Fort Worden and Fort Casey once guarded the entrance to Puget Sound. These posts, established in the late 1890s, became the first line of defense to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching the Bremerton Naval Yard and the city of Seattle.

The darkened corridors of these concrete ramparts where massive cannons once roared is a history buff and explorers’ delight. Your mind can’t help but wander when you peer into the long, dark tunnels where the rank & file once labored.

By the 1930s aircraft made the surrounding forts obsolete and were soon turned into state parks. Today, their locations are just as strategic for recreation as they were decades ago for defending the Sound.  Fort Flagler offers an expansive beach for wandering and watching the marine life and maritime traffic, as well as the daily rise and fall of the tides. You can camp, picnic, shore-cast for salmon (during season) soak in history by exploring the old batteries, bunkers and observation posts, or simply lounge about aimlessly.

Heavily forested, Fort Flagler is the largest and most natural of the three surrounding forts, encircling the entire northern tip of Marrowstone Island, while encompassing 784 acres.  The park includes extensive forests full of deer and miles of shoreline on Admiralty Inlet and the calmer, Port Townsend Bay.

Fort Flagler probably has the best camping of the three forts, with sites on a broad open flat just inland from the eastside beaches, ideal for watching the ebb and flow of the sea and terrific views of the snow-capped Mount Baker. Nestled in the trees on a small bluff nearby is a separate area, terrific for tent camping. Flagler also offer miles of forest paths for hiking or biking.

Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Fort Flagler State Park.  And, be sure to check out my video below for a brief  overview of the area.

Washington B&B’s

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Posted in Featured Destinations, Washington | No Comments »

Marymere Falls, A Jewel in the Pacific Northwest

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Located near Lake Crescent Lodge, along the northern border of the Olympic National Park, Marymere Falls is a popular hike among visitors.  Steep mountain ridges rise up around the area making the hike quite picturesque.  It isn’t the highest or most dramatic waterfall I’ve ever seen, but certainly worth the excursion.

The creek-side trail rises, then forks, leaving hikers two options for viewing the 90-foot plunge above the spectacular emerald Lake Crescent. Consider visiting Marymere Falls in the winter when plenty of runoff promises a spectacular showing.

The Moments In Time Natural Trail is a 1/2-mile loop that weaves its way through old homestead sites, along the banks of Crescent Lake, and through old-growth lowland forest. Massive cedars and Douglas firs tower overhead, some with diameters over 40 feet and rising up offer two hundred fifty feet from the forest floor.

The trail is well marked and surprisingly quiet, offering several places to sit and reflect on the incredible wonder of this part of the country.

Extend your hike a bit with an amble alongside Barns Creek as you seek a nice spot for lunch, or perhaps just an inviting sand bar for some feet-soaking.

To see more of my pictures of Marymere Falls, click here.  Be sure to watch my brief video of Marymere Falls below.

Washington B&B’s

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Posted in Washington | 3 Comments »

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