There have been some turning of the leaves here in Everett, Washington. The massive amount of evergreen trees pretty much overpower the few deciduous trees that are in the area.
The Stanwood Hotel and Saloon
The old Stanwood Hotel and Saloon in Stanwood Washington is a fascinating old structure with quite the history behind it. Not only is there “normal” history, but there is an amazing amount of “paranormal” history to this building as well.
We stopped at the Saloon for a bite of lunch. There were a few locals at the bar. The food was good and reasonably priced. The bartender/manager shared some ghost stories with us as she related the results of paranormal investigations that have occurred at the building.
This is a nice slice of history in this old logging town. Unfortunately the local museum was closed when we were there. We may catch it someday.
We cracked nuts for this squirrel
Driving around Snohomish, Washington our truck (and other vehicles on the street) did a good job of cracking open the nuts that had fallen from a tree. You could clearly hear the “popping” sound as the tires cracked the shells .
This cute pointy eared guy took advantage of the nuts!
We enjoyed the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish
This afternoon we took a break from exploring downtown Snohomish, Washington with a stop at the Oxford Saloon and Eatery. We were there at about 3:00 pm so we grabbed a couple of sodas and a basket of fries off the appetizer menu. This is a fun place to take a break from shopping and enjoy the old pictures and stuff on the walls.
Oh, yea, the basket of fries was great: hand cut and piping hot.
Home Depot Orange
Fall is the time for the leaves to turn. At this Home Depot in Everett, Washington the choice of landscaping trees in the parking lot matched the company color scheme.
The fall season is here, with the colors in Washington State sometimes hard to find among the evergreens!
Coming in for the landing
Every once in a while you capture a photo that is pretty darn neat, even if I do say so myself! Here is one of a seagull on final approach to the beach at Kayak Point Park in Snohomish County Washington.
When I first saw the photo I thought “Oh, so that’s how they do it!”
A full plate!
Today Sher and I had a late lunch at the IXTAPA Mexican Restaurant in Stanwood Washington. My what a plate of food I ordered. I really enjoyed the meal. Sher liked hers too.
This restaurant offered great service. There was also a good free WiFi available. The setting was welcoming, and the atmosphere was comfortable. Pricing is moderate, about $15 a person.
This restaurant is one of several in the Seattle area. We would recommend dining at an IXTAPA to anyone.
Kayak Point Regional Park
Nice picnic shelters next to the beach.
Today we took a drive north of Marysville, Washington towards Stanwood
Fishing pier
on the Marine Drive road. We stopped at the Kayak Point Regional Park on the way.
The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was comfortable
This is a very nice park, and I bet it really gets crowded during the busy season.
Indiana antique tractor and steam engine show
Display tents at the show offer demos of the old machines.
Greensburg, Indiana hosts an antique tractor and steam engine festival once a year at the fairgrounds. Named appropriately Power of the Past, this show runs for four days in late August each year. It is remarkable how many tractors and engines arrive at the show, and from all over the country as well.
The show has different classes of displays ranging from full sized steam engines that used to power threshing machines, down to small engines that operated everything from wood saws to ice cream makers. In addition every brand of antique tractor is also represented. Brand loyalty is strong with these collectors. Some will have only John Deere models, others collect now defunct brands like Minneapolis -Moline.
This 1907 steam engine operated an oil well pump.
The four days are packed with various activities. One day a parade of the antique machinery heads out into the town and the countryside. There is of course judging of the individual tractors and engines, with awards given. Probably the most popular events are the tractor pulls, where the old timers hitch up to a weighted sled and see how far they can pull the load. there was also a draft horse pulling competition one day as well. They covered all forms of power from the past!
The Greensburg Power of the Past website offers details about the 2015 event.
Pretty mountain vista
Beautiful views abound in the Mt. Rushmore area. As first time visitors Sher and I we just in awe of the majesty of this area of the country.
The splendor of the land is almost overwhelming. It leaves one speechless!
Roadtirement 