Seattle

Just came back from a wonderful visit to Seattle to see my sister Anne, brother in law Jean, and their daughter Clare. Perfect weather - yes it can be sunny and blue skies there!

Cruise ship central there

their backyard sanctuary

We were treated royally with their new special coffee machine. It was amazing and so quintessential Seattle.

It had been way too long since we had visited. They live a most beautiful city.

We spent time hiking/walking around the many beautiful parks in the area. The views are breathtaking.

Anne adding to the gum wall

Gum wall started in 1990 by someone? and became public art

Went downtown for the touristy thing. It was so much fun, super crowded but it was a holiday weekend after all and experienced the Pike Place and the surrounding renovation. And saw the gum wall. Anything can become a tourist attraction it seems.

water taxi fun

oysters with flair

We took a water taxi over to the other side of Seattle and had an excellent meal at a local favorite Salty's. We rounded out the trip with wine tasting (lots of great wine in Washington), and some suburb sushi. We won't wait so long to come back. Thanks for showing us such a great time!

Trip to Jackson Hole

 

Amazing trip to Jackson Hole with friends Kim and Marcia. My first time. The mountains are breathtaking and the town is darling. Lots of laughter and fun was had.

Very cute place we stayed in -Parkway Inn. Everything was walkable from there and it had an enormous deck just for us.

Definitely a big play on the Wild West. In our short time we made the most of it and did lots of shopping, exploring, and eating.

Our last night was at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and dinner at their steakhouse. What a crazy hopping place! And yes the bar stools were all saddles. Super uncomfortable (at least for me) I'm no big horsewoman. Kim and Marcia had no problem of course.

Grand Teton National Park was truly breathtaking which gives me incentive to come back with Mark and do the whole area, which is Yellowstone as well. Somehow we've never made it over. Can't wait to come again!

Don and Roxanne visit

 We just had the most amazing week with our friends Don and Roxanne. They were first time visitors so we made sure we showed them everything. I'm pretty sure they went home and needed to rest. 

Killer hill from Mark's football days. Running 75yds wind sprints!

We jumped right in and started the whirlwind tour. Highlights included driving to Cumberland Pass, Taylor Reservoir, Paradise Cafe for breakfast, the CB farmer's market, dinner at Elk Prime for Father's Day, stopping by our alma mater Western Colorado University, visiting Gunnison's famous Traders Rendezvous (where purchases were made including cowhides and things) and the live concert series in Crested Butte on the lawn. And that was just the first few days!

on the way up to the summit before it got really cold

at the top with 50mph winds!

ended the jeep trip in Silverton - great lunch and shopping

And then there was the Alpine Loop jeep trip. Engineer Pass to be specific. It was amazing as always. I've never been this early with that much SNOW. The pass had only been opened the week before. Definitely required Mark's excellent jeep driving skills.

Last days spent CB shopping, eating (Camp 4 coffee, Two Twelve, Dogwood cocktails, and of course Secret Stash), and a last night at home including our neighbors and good friends for Mark's elk meatballs. What a wonderful week it was.

There were many animal sightings and gorgeous flowers all along the way too. I think Don and Roxanne are wild animal whisperers. Way too many photos for one post - see my previous post from yesterday for those.