Warning: Vacation pictures ahead.
The hub and I just got back from a road trip (my favorite kind of trip!). We flew to Seattle and then rented a car
and drove 1700 miles in 7 days.
This is just the beginning…
Peaceful space above the clouds. A sharp contrast to the turbulence in my mind (I’m still a work in progress when it comes to zen and the art of flying).
Ah. Coffee. The best? Storyville Coffee at the Pike Place Market.
Note: We passed seven Starbucks (in less than one mile) to get to it.
So I’m conflicted as I post this pic seeing as I tend to post more lively photos of wildlife,
but it is a big part of the Pike Place Market in Seattle.
And I could not stop looking at the eyes on that pink fish!
And now in case you need soothing, here’s a monster cookie.
And bonus, if you need, it’s gluten-free, from Cinnamon Works.
(Another great gluten-free option at the market: Coffee & Specialty Bakery)
A more lively bunch of Salmon at the Seattle Aquarium.
This guy was a total ham for the cameras.
Mt. Rainier as we saw it from Seattle’s Great Wheel.
This was my hub’s favorite snack. A smoked mozzarella mushroom and broccoli pie.
He enjoyed it so much he immediately got back in line to buy the sweet cinnamon cardamom braid. 🙂
A good spot for eating your market snacks is the Urban Garden at Pike Place.
Whimsical, right?
This is a popular section of post alley at the market.
Reminded me a bit of Diagon alley from Harry Potter,
except if you look very closely at the walls
you will see
Gum. Lots of it.
Some of it artistic. Some philosophical like above. #chooselove
And yes, a wee bit gross.
So hypothetically, if you were to leave your gum mark in Post Alley, what flavor would it be?
Me? Cinnamon Trident.
Next stop: Portland, Oregon. I think. I haven’t gone through all my pics yet. But Oregon for sure will be represented!. In the meantime, it’s back to work!
Happy Tuesday!
xo
Coleen Patrick 
Love this, Colleen! The Pike Place Market reminds me of the English Market in Cork (Ireland) – I loved the fishmongers there, too. I wonder what that pink fish is?
I was actually born on Vashon Island, long before there was a bridge. We left when I was six months old, but someday I”ll get back and tour Seattle.
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The islands sound cool. Someday I’d like to take a ferry or boat of the Seattle area. So much to see! And my hub asked the fish guys about the pink one–they said it’s a type of rock fish :).
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So happy for you, Coleen. Mathair and I have always dreamt of seeing Seattle. I love the weather and the vibrant green of the landscape as does Mathair (though she’s just as excited about it being the mecca for the Grunge movement.) haha Beautiful pics and our mouths were watering over the mozzarella, mushroom broccoli pie!
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I enjoyed the weather too. I don’t mind rain, especially if it means more green! 🙂 Thanks ladies!
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You go girl! I’d love to do a road trip like that what fun! So proud of you for passing 7 Starbucks to get to a good coffee, that’s a commercial right there.
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Ha ha. I do like Starbucks coffee, but when I’m traveling I like to try other coffee shops. 🙂
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I was there in 1985. Cleanest city in which I,ve ever been. Had supper in Space Needle at dusk – spectacular.
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Oh wow, that does sound spectacular. We didn’t get to the space needle this time around. Will just have to go back! 😉
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Enjoyed your day and thought the wall was a beautiful mosaic until you did the big reveal and I felt a bit bleh! Gum wall would be avoided at all costs in my book. The rest of your day looked awesome Coleen.
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Yes the gum wall was definitely bizarre. But someone pointed out to me that at least the gum wasn’t on the ground! True, I suppose. Thanks, kath!
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I was in Seattle a couple times last fall. I have a brother who lives near there, and it’s always a fun city to visit. Love Pike Place Market. I found a crumpet shop near there when I went and brought some home with me. Yum!
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Mmm. Crumpets sound yum.
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Wonderful pics! I’m looking forward to the Oregon post.
One more day and we could have visited in Lake Tahoe. Perhaps next time. (If I’m still in California.)
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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We got about as close as 6 hours drive from Lake Tahoe. We seem to be checking out California in segments. 😉 Hopefully one of these days our paths will connect!
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Road trips are the best – I agree! I love the sea lion. Seattle is on my bucket list. Did you stay in B and B’s?
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We stayed at a variety of places, including one B&B. In the city areas, like Seattle, we stayed at Courtyards bc it was more convenient and we could use their rewards program due to my husband’s business travels. 🙂
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Oh, Seattle! I used to go to visit my mother and step-father, who lived near Forks, WA for a while. I recognize the Pike Place Market. All those poor fish on ice (not a seafood lover at all).
Looking forward to the Portland post!
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Thanks, Mary! 🙂
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I would love to make a trip like that. You and your hubby sure get around. I’ve never been to Seattle, although I have friends there. I love the Pike Place Market. It’s so quaint and has fabulous food choices. Your photos certainly gave us a feeling for the area. Look forward to your upcoming photos.
We were at Siesta Key for almost two weeks, and I only took a couple of photos the entire time. The condo is right on the gulf, too. My husband must have taken 20 sunsets that all looked the same because there were no clouds. 🙂
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Oh the gulf is beautiful. I went to Marco Island once (20 plus years ago). Loved it there! And yes, lovely sunsets. 🙂
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Oh, you were out our way! Do you know how lucky you were to see Mt. Rainier from Seattle? Hope Portland was a blast. Cheers —
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I heard the phrase to say (when the mountain is visible) is “the mountain is out today.” Yeah. We had great weather and even so far away, Rainier is quite majestic.
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What an awesome vacation! I’d love to drive across the country someday, though I’m hopeful I’d have more time.
Spearmint gum here. 😀
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While there was a lot of pink gum, I’m sure spearmint was represented. 😉
I’ve driven across country once from LA to Virginia, but it was just to help my sister move. So I’d like to do it one day with lots of stops!
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Great photos, you always have the best composition and colorful whimsical photos. I love your perspective. Seattle is a place I’d live to visit – maybe someday, in time meantime I am relying on you to share your journey. I can hardly wait for Oregon and the rest of the Great Northern Route. Take care and have a great week!
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Thanks, Clay!! 🙂
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Awesome shots. You always do a nice job with your camera. What a fun trip!
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Thanks, Kate!
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Wow! You are quite the photographer Coleen. Those are some amazing pics! So glad you and hubby took the opportunity to arrange this trip. That is some beautiful country in the northwest. And Mt. Rainer. Just gorgeous. Can’t wait for Oregon! 🙂
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Yes, so much pretty scenery! 🙂
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Great pics! Seattle is on our list of must-visit cities. Those coffees and snack look delish!
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I bet you will love Seattle! So much to see–and eat. 😉
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What a wonderful vacation, Coleen. That snack your hubby had sounds super delish! Congrats on your doodles book! That’s awesome.
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Thank you, Lynn!! 🙂
And yeah, he’s still talking about the Piroshky!
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