Coffee And...

From what I understand, October in Seattle is already the rainy season... or at least the beginning of it. So either we are very lucky or someone upstairs wished us well. As we drove from SEA-TAC airport area toward downtown, the frosty dew on the windshield melted and the fog lifted. Dressed in sweatshirts and jeans, we walked the city:

1. Pike Place Public Market, as the fish and flower stalls opened, and again around 11 a.m. as tourists collected to browse through city blocks of jewelry stalls and pastry stands, and again around 2 p.m. when the locals sampled jerky and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Klondike Gold Rush Museum National Park about ten blocks south, with a film and history displays about the old Cadillac Hotel, the starting place for thousands who sought their fortunes in the Klondike of the 1890's.

3. The first Starbucks just across from the marketplace for coffee and some Pike Market goodies.

4. The Olympic Sculpture Park about seven blocks north, with its intermingling of art and live plants.

5. The waterfront from Pier 50 to Pier 66 and its teeming throngs of ferry passengers along the Alaskan Way.

"Do you think we walked five miles?" I asked Andy.

"I'll say easily seven," he answered, "and I'm amazed at the crowds. Remember, years ago one of your relatives told us Seattle people take advantage of good weather when it comes? That's why I think we are seeing so many people out on the streets."

We drove 25 miles north to Woodenville and the Chateau Michelle Winery before the 5 p.m. closing. Here too, groups of friends gathered outdoors around small tables, appreciating the sunny skies. All the travel brochures advertised the mansion and manicured grounds as the oldest winery in Washington state with free tastings of quality vintages. Beautiful it was, but not free. A relaxing and elegant stop, we roamed the grounds and browsed through the wine shop before tackling the going-home crowds on the freeways.