Sheilaclapkin's Blog;

It certainly was a surprise to see Lenin in Seattle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Lenin,_Seattle

Morning:

Off on an early start to Pioneer Square home to Al Boccalino, everything Italian, Glasshouse Studio, Laguna, a vintage Pottery Barn that had a sign advertising free stuff in the back room, the Police Museum, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and the UNDERGROUND  TOUR, which was our destination.  The Underground Tour is advertised as Seattle’s most unusual attraction. You are taken on an underground stroll under three buildings. You are shown subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that were covered over when the city rebuilt on top of its self after the fire and flood. I was worried about the ruggedness we might encounter. It is a safe journey even with a few flights of stairs. This was an enjoyable and worthwhile adventure into a small part of Seattle’s past. When I sent some of the early photos to our son-in-law he said, “These photos looks like a Garage Sale gone bad.” Ops, no one is laughing?

Our journey after lunch in Pioneer Square, taking bites between sirens and police cars, all the while saying a prayer in hopes God was watching over some poor soul in trouble, took us to the Klondike Gold Rush Museum.

Now I know what a twisted ankle feels like from beginning and I am still waiting for the end.  But a traveler must go on, and on we went. This museum offers walking tours of the area, exhibits and audiovisual programs telling the story of Seattle’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush. I also borrowed their dusty wheelchair for the visit.

Gold! Gold! Gold! The news spread like wild fire and men came streaming into the North West to strike it rich. Seattle was on the route and played a big role in the rush for GOLD! There were stories recounted of the city of Dyea, the Chilkoot Trail and the White Pass, which are trails over the Coast Mountains. The White Pass Trail was ten miles longer, but its summit was less steep and 600 feet lower.  People taking these trails were called Stampeders.  A railroad was finally built, but by then the rush was over.

Evening:

Our evening was spent with Jeff, Krisztina, and Anna.  Jeff and his family were our long time neighbors. They picked us up at our hotel, drove by the Ballard Locks and I so wanted a longer peek, but my ankle said, “Nope, you have to sit down and rest” We rested during dinner, conversations, learning and sharing. For dessert we went back to the family home which sports two huge bright windows in front allowing for a stunning view, a gorgeous park in the back and ten flavors of ice cream and a lovely plate of summer fruit. Krisztina, I am having our Movie Group over on Sunday for dessert and discussion. I made a cake that is delicious, but stuck horribly to the pan and needed extensive surgery to get it on a plate. It is still delicious, but if I have ten different flavors of ice cream, who will notice that the cake is less than perfect? Thank you for the incredible idea and a lovely warm evening.

I would like to add that all of the people we met in Seattle have a high respect for living, and are positive people living their lives in a place they call Paradise.  The weekend we visited, we shared he Waterfront with the Seattle HempFest. It was in full swing for three of the four days we were there. Hempfest was very well run and the 250,000 participants did not bother us nor did we them. They seemed to know the rules and followed them. Everything was very systematic and the lines waiting to get into the Fest were polite and orderly. I would have imagined it differently. I do say, “Congratulations to Seattle for such an organized and peaceful display” This may help you to understand: