travel

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.

Historic and haunted Stanwood Hotel and Bar

/ Roadtirementvintage / 29 Comments

Several years ago we found this neat old place in the historic town of Stanwood, Washington. Stanwood was originally a lumber, mining and shipbuilding town. The Hotel was first opened in 1894, and a plaque on the front of the building proudly proclaims the local historical society taking note.

Stanwood Hotel and Bar

The hotel has a rather raucous history as you might expect from what in reality was a frontier town. Over the years some unseemly characters took part in rather unseemly activities at the hotel and bar. Some of these events have led many to believe that spirits of the past still roam the bar and hotel. Current staff and patrons have reported repeatedly seeing apparitions in Victorian age clothing. Some have been pulled at and pushed. I personally had a weird feeling of being observed in the hallway to the restrooms, an area with lots of reports of activity. Paranormal investigators have been here with results that are hard to refute.

Dark door to back hallway were stuff happens!

Great fish and chips

 

 

 

 

 

Our pre-snack refreshments

 

Today the bar offers some of the best ‘Bar Food” in the state. We stopped here after our trip around Camano Island for a snack. My snack turned into a full order of delicious fish and chips. Sher had what turned out to be a huge basket of the best fries we’ve had in a long time. Hat’s off to our bartender: she makes a great margarita!

The Stanwood is now back as a full service hotel. All the second floor rooms have been remodeled with modern baths. Not only can you get a great meal, but you can stay in a piece of Washington’s history. Check it out, they also have live music sometimes.

Camano Island and the Cavalero boat ramp

/ Roadtirementvintage / 10 Comments

What a beautiful day it was for some exploration. Sunny with temps in the mid 60’s promised a great weather day. So we were off to Camano Island, a 15 mile long island north of Seattle, close to the San Juan Islands and the Canadian/US border. The island has State Parks, beaches both public and private and other recreation as well as many residences, some located on the water.

Lots to see and do on Camano Island

A very tall Indigenous fisherman

The information center was closed when we were there, possibly by employment or covid reasons. The large map gives a great snapshot of the island. Several metal sculptures dotted the park around a huge kids playground.

We drove nearly the whole island. Wanting to see some of the homes on the water we found to be a bit of a challenge, as steep narrow roads were the order of the day.  We did finally find a community of lovely waterfront homes that was flanked by two gated, private beaches.

Long necked heron in the water

Beautiful water and land

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across the Port Susan water

We saw folks collecting pieces to take

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, this is where Maj collected rocks

 

Finally we spotted, quite by accident, another road that looked to be headed to the water. It turned out to be the steep drive to Cavalero boat ramp, with a fair amount of gravel parking next to a sea wall of timber with the boat ramp on one end.

The scene was calming and beautiful. A heron was loafing in the shallow water, large driftwood piled up on the rocky beach added character. The tide coming in was obvious at the end of the boat ramp. We were delighted with how quiet the place was because there were no boats on the Port Susan water. Sometimes it’s best to just sit and enjoy. That’s what we did for a while before we left the quiet and calm beach and the still waters.

Delivered lunch makes it easy

/ Roadtirementvintage / 16 Comments

Greek Fries and Avgolemono soup

Use their flatware

Sometimes it is easier to take care of lunch with a phone app to order your lunch delivered. We did that yesterday by way of the Kafé Neo Greek Restaurant  in Mill Creek. (Yes, we’re still in Seattle area.)

 

Roasted lamb gyro

Vegetarian gyro

This fine Greek restaurant has a great lunch menu with plenty of variety for any tastes. Ordering for delivery has several benefits. Sounds funny, but you can use the flatware from the restaurant. That’s several pieces of your silverware that you won’t need to wash! Plus you don’t have to get out of the house, and can continue whatever you are doing. Sher and I realize that it seems like we’re becoming a travel and food blog. So be it, you have to eat, and we are enjoying new culinary experiences.

We were very satisfied with our selections from the Kafé Neo. The gyros were quite large, and ingredients delicious. The Greek Fries were topped with Feta and came with a unique dipping sauce. I particularly enjoyed the chicken with rice Avgolemono soup. If you’re looking for either inside dining, carryout or delivery the Kafé Neo will be a good choice. Here is their website.

Hammered Dwarf Cider

/ Roadtirementvintage / 11 Comments

Yes, a rather bizarre name, but for a great variety of products. This afternoon we all went to a place that sells locally produced hard cider, beer and mead. The Snohomish facility is interesting, as the tasting room is small, consisting of the counter and tap wall, and menu boards. There are a couple of two person high tables inside.


Outside is a fenced in seating area. A series of pop up canopies provide shelter from the sun. Picnic tables offer seating along with those large wood wire spools that make good tables. It is interesting that the site of this cidery is at the back of a concrete plant.

Information board

More information

The Hammered Dwarf Cider is the result of 20 years of development and trails, starting in an apartment in California. Let the Hammered Dwarf website explain: “Our ciders are made with more traditional cider apples as opposed to the usual dessert and culinary apples that most cideries use, creating a unique flavor profile. Barrel aging is another way that we can distinguish ourselves from the rest.”

Sher and our grandson sitting outdoors

Two of our four flights

We ordered pizza delivered to our table

We got a couple of growlers to take home

 

 

 

 

 

Each of us (except of course our grandson who got root beer) got one of the flights of four to sample. We have never tried Hard Cider and it was fun to have our first time tasting true local craft ciders. They were very good, all having  very interesting and differing tastes. Most of the ciders were made on location, or provided by other local establishments. We found this to be a very unique local business. Pizza, craft hard cider and sharing time with family made for a delightful afternoon.