Fabulous clam chowder and equally fabulous fish and chips at Anthony’s seafood restaurant in Everett Washington.

The Birds of Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
Like us, this gull enjoyed just watching the water
One thing you can always count on at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park is seeing birds. We mean seeing lots and lots of birds. When we visited we saw crows, pigeons and of course different species of gulls. We saw them everywhere.
Staking claim to a picnic table
Stretching its wings
It was interesting to note that these birds were so used to people, dogs, and moving vehicles. When we drove through the parking lot birds were in the unoccupied parking spots, but kept the drive lanes clear.
What???
The picture above shows the public boat ramp and twin docks. So what is the deal with the birds here? What is wrong with the right dock, or what is so appealing to be on the left dock? The gulls were still boycotting that right side dock when we left.
Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse
After we toured the Mukilteo Park it was off to the Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse. Maybe “off to” is misleading as the Brewery is next to the Historic Lighthouse on the waterfront, and only about 100 yards from where we were watching the water. The Diamond Knot Brewery occupies a massive building that formerly was a bus maintenance facility.
The entrance to the Brewery
The on tap menu board
A look at the bar: nice old counter seats!
Detail of the seasonal decorations
Being a brewery we of course had to order a flight of four. We chose three IPA’s and one Lager for our flight. We found all four of the brews were quite tasty. These were all smooth, free of bitterness and worthy of consumption. We tend to like beers with lower IBU numbers. ABV%? We like 6.5 to 8.5. That covers a lot of beers!
Sampling a flight of beers is fun!
And as is our normal activity at a brewery, winery or distillery, we had to try the DKB bar food. We were not really that ready for a full meal. Maj opted for Fish and Chips without the chips. These 1/4 pound wild caught cod pieces were coated in beer batter and bread crumbs for a crunchy texture and delicious taste. (Maj now has a new favorite fish!) We also ordered the Elote Mexican Street Corn dip with spicy cream sauce and warm chips. Delicious!
A quarter pound of fish per piece!
This Street Corn dip was absolutely delicious
We really enjoyed our time at the Diamond Knot Brewing Company. The food and beer was great. The staff at this pub was very nice and efficient. Our server took very good care of us, and we also had a nice conversation with the manager as well. We’d give a 5 star rating here.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
Today was partly cloudy and cool with a slight breeze. The water was pretty and there were birds everywhere. We enjoyed relaxing and watching the boats go by including the Washington State ferries running from the park across the water to Whidbey Island.
Cotton Candy Grapes taste, ah, different
No pink, sugary, fluffy and sticky confection here
There it was : grapes labeled Cotton Candy
We thought the name on the bag of grapes was a cute company name: Cotton Candy. But no, that was the name and flavor of the grapes themselves. Welcome to the wonderful world of designer fruit.
They are not GMO. Seriously, they are not.
Our daughter tells us that this brand of grapes shows up just once a year, and is usually found on the grocery shelves for at most a few weeks in August and September. The grapes are grown by a California company named the Grapery. And yes, they do taste like cotton candy!
Details are listed here on the package.
The history is that this variety of grapes was developed over a period of eight years of cross-breeding different strains of grapes. The hybrid Cotton Candy Grape is the result that is available now each fall. The Grapery has its vineyards in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley. The Grapery has other varieties of unique grapes, including Gum Drops and Moon Drops. Look for them during your next grocery shopping trip.
Trails End Taphouse and Restaurant
The Sunday lunch that we had at the Trails End was very unique and most enjoyable. The flights of beers and wines plus appetizers started things off. Great homemade comfort food sure filled us with the need for take home boxes too. We even found the beer we liked at Snoqualmie at this Snohomish restaurant! Bought a growler of it and a growler of Sangria Cider.
Good seasonal craft beer
Having a lazy afternoon in Seattle. We’re both enjoying sitting in rocking chairs on our daughter’s front porch. (yes we are that old)
Spotted on Snoqualmie’s Railroad Avenue
Snoqualmie is a lovely town about 30 miles east of Seattle. It has a colorful history and is situated between the Snoqualmie Casino to the south and and the famous Snoqualmie Falls to the north. Railroad Avenue follows the twin tracks through town and features lots of interesting sites, businesses and shops.
Hear are a few things that caught our eye:
An interesting sight
Describing the wheel above
The Snoqualmie Depot, home of the Northwest Railway Museum
Depot history and information plaque
The Railroad was first constructed in 1889 and opened up the timber and lumber industry. Prior to the railroad, logs were floated down the river and over the falls. The Depot pictured above is now home to the Northwest Railway Museum. Engines, freight cars, passenger cars and locomotives are found on various tracks and sidings. The large metal wheel supported a 65 foot long bandsaw in an early mill.
Early diesel locomotive
Street mural depicting early log hauling trucks
1936 Totem Pole
Relaxing on Railroad Avenue, enjoying the sun
History of the Totem Pole
Snoqualmie is an ideal destination for a relaxing day trip. There is so much to see with attractions for all ages. One thing we really enjoyed was how laid back everything (and everybody) was. No rushing around, you can take your time and enjoy everything this cute town offers.
Snoqualmie Falls Brewery, a detailed look
Yesterday we gave you a sneak peek at the Snoqualmie Falls Brewery. What you did not find out about was how nice a pub this is. The main seating was outside in the open with tables that were sun protected by umbrellas. The small indoor eating area had tables spread very far apart, with mask required. All staff wore masks all the time.
We had just come from seeing the actual Falls and were both hungry and thirsty. This brewery certainly took care of immediate needs. Of course we had to get a flight, so our server Kelly picked out four to sample. Sher and I liked each and every one of the flight.
We’re having a ball in Snoqualmie
The “bar food” was absolutely delicious. We love good bar food and good beer. Thus it is easy for us to say “We love Snoqualmie Falls Brewery!” The cheese bread, garlic fries and of course the Fish and Chips really hit the spot.
Flight’s gone, time for a tall one
Sher and I both liked the Mailbox Hazy IPA
Kelly on station, taking care of business
By the time we finished our meals we had also finished our flight of beer samples. It was time for more, as we were planning to enjoy just relaxing at our table for a while, enjoying each others company and the delightful weather. Kelly kept checking in and taking care of us. She made our time at the pub very nice indeed. This stop was a most enjoyable part of our day at Snoqualmie.
Snoqualmie Falls
One of the most popular attractions in the Seattle area is the Snoqualmie Falls, a 269 foot single drop waterfall. The falls are near the town of Snoqualmie, which also offers interesting attractions to tourists and locals alike.
View from the observation deck
The area became an active logging site in the 1870’s with logs actually floated over the falls. In 1889 a railroad was built, opening the logging trade further. The town of Snoqualmie was platted in 1889 as well, and by the 1890’s Charles Baker had constructed an underground hydroelectric plant at the falls. Some of the original generators still function today.
It is very easy to gain access to the falls. Free parking is available, and an easy walk on the pedestrian bridge leads to the concrete paths to observation decks. If you prefer, for $7.00 you can park next to the gift shop next to the observation decks. Due to Covid restrooms are closed, but there is a large line of port-a-pottys.
Salish Lodge, note the wedding tent
Beautiful scenery from the observation deck
The Salish Lodge and Spa offers high end accommodations, spa, and dining. Many use the striking views as a place for weddings. It overlooks the river, the generating plant and the top of the falls.
We just liked this photo
The walk to the observation decks is easy with only a couple of places with widely spaced steps. There were quite a few people enjoying the sights, but we felt comfortable and not crowded. The layout was very nice, and all of the paved paths and safety fencing was kept in excellent condition. It is easy to see why Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions.
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