Cotton Candy Grapes taste, ah, different

/ Roadtirementvintage / 35 Comments

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.

Spotted on Snoqualmie’s Railroad Avenue

/ Roadtirementvintage / 21 Comments

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

/ Roadtirementvintage / 13 Comments

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

/ Roadtirementvintage / 17 Comments

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.

Public art displayed on Camano Island

/ Roadtirementvintage / 15 Comments

Public art is loosely defined as artwork that is visually and physically accessible to the public that is installed or staged in public space usually outside. Camano Island north of Seattle has several unique pieces of public art displayed for all to see and appreciate.  The two displays below were seen on the edge of a shopping complex.

Camano Island globe!

Cute slogan, huge crab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A striking metal sculpture

The visitor’s center is also home to several pieces of sculpture, both small and very large! The large sign gives visitors a very detailed overview of the island and makes one excited to start exploring. In a way, the map is art as well.  The very tall figure of an Indigenous fisherman is a most impressive piece and commands your attention.

Public art can also be functional. This little “fish boy” has been the scene of who knows how many photos of cute little kids sitting on the boy. You can see the feet of the tall statue in the background.

 

The Pioneer Cemetery on Camano Island

/ Roadtirementvintage / 12 Comments

One of the interesting locations on Camano Island is the beautifully kept Pioneer Cemetery. The five acre graveyard has a white picket fence along the road and has  a brick column set-back entrance. It is across the road from the Visitor’s center and park.

The gates were closed and locked, so we did not enter the cemetery grounds. Those interned cover nearly 150 years. The oldest marked stone dates from 1880. Records of those offer a remarkable insight into the history of Camano Island.

Veterans from WWI, WWII, and Korea rest here. The earliest birth date listed is from 1827. Recommended is this website with a total listing of the markers in the cemetery. The research was performed (cemetery walked) in December of 2008.

Fun soccer game and pizza/burger dinner

/ Roadtirementvintage / 15 Comments

Another look at Sher

It is so much fun watching young kids playing sports, especially when one of the athletes is your grandson! Tonight we all went to an exciting place named Arena Sports. One end of the place was filled with over 80 high tech video arcade games. Play these and redeem for prizes.

Our grandson, left, on the “field” waiting for the ball

But we were there for the soccer game our grandson was to play. He is in first grade and plays once a week in a league at Arena Sports. There were eight kids in his group/team. The first half of the session is spent learning the basics. There are two coaches giving the kids a four to one ratio of coach to players. The second half of the session is an actual scrimmage game with half the kids in colored vests, thus establishing teams.

Pizzas, burger, tots, soda and beer. Best possible food with which to watch your grandson’s soccer game.

Really good pizza and burgers are also available at Moe’s Kitchen at the Arena. We had a couple of pizzas, and I popped for a bacon cheeseburger and tater tots. The beer was good, too! The food was surprisingly good. Those in our party that had pizza were impressed with the quality.

What was most fun, as you can guess, was watching our grandson out there playing soccer. He was so energetic, constantly on the move, and playing very well. (No prejudice there. None.) He can really kick the ball and score goals consistently. It is evenings like this that make us so proud of our grandson, and also very proud of our daughter and son-in-law for the excellent job they are doing raising him. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be here with them.