MY SEATTLE WEEKEND: PART III: Browsing around Pike Market

Pike Place Market

One of the great things about the hotel I stayed in (The Four Seasons) was that it was right in the midst of all the downtown action. I only had to walk a short block to arrive at the legendary Pike Place Market which is a farmer's market extraordinaire. The vibrant atmosphere, the crowds of people some come to shop, other (like me) just to browse, make it one of Seattle's most popular destinations. Some even say it's the 'soul' of Seattle!

I'd heard about the zany fish-mongers at the market so I headed straight for the Pike Fish Market right near the entrance.  A crowd had gathered to watch the antics of the fish handler's as the banter and show up their wares, acting up while they do it. It's worth taking time to stand there and gawk awhile. They sell 120 varieties of seafood from shellfish to salmon.

The fish is kept smothered under ice to keep it fresh.

 

Besides the entertaining guys at the fish store, you can interact with other farmers and merchants all through the market area which stretches for quite a long way and includes various levels. Peruse the fresh farm vegetables, stalls selling honey, home-made chocolate, herbs, and many other food items. There's even some entertaining curio shops in the downstairs area.

 

 

 

Lots of crafts to choose from.

 

 

Or browse along the colourful tables of craft items and other shops. You'll find almost every kind of craft there from candles to ornaments carved out of the ash left from the Mount St. Helen's volcanic explosion. There's more than sixty places to eat as well as live music to entertain you.

 

Red Hot Chili Peppers

 

When the market first opened in 1906 there were only eight farmers displaying their wares. Now there's more than 200 businesses, 190 craftsmen, and approximately 100 farmers. The Market is one of the most popular places in Seattle for both locals and tourists. I could have spent much longer there than I did but in the time it took me to wander around I think I saw most of it. Another time I'd like to make it a shopping trip. This time I was just a curious tourist.  But I did stop by one of the Japanese food booths and have a delicious chicken teriyaki on a skewer for my lunch. Just $3.75! Then I headed down to pay a visit to Pike Place Brewery for a cold Indian Pale Ale.

 

NEXT: Part IV: An Entertaining Evening at the Pike Brewing Company and Pub



MY EXCELLENT WEEKEND IN SEATTLE Part II: FUN AT MINER'S LANDING

The Great Wheel

 

 From my hotel I spotted this giant Ferris wheel. It reminded me of The London Eye, only not quite as big, so I decided to go down the two flights of steps from Union Street to the waterfront area below.

 

 

 

 

It turned out to be Miner's Landing, a historic area on Seattle's waterfront where miners landed in the 1890's. The famous "ton of gold" that started the Alaska Gold Rush was unloaded in here in 1897.  Pier 57 has been refurbished and is now a lively area of shops, restaurants, a vintage carousel and the Big Wheel.

I too some time to explore inside the market area where there were a number of amusing statues depicting the gold miners as well as  my favorite, a pirates shop.  I just had to go in there and buy myself a couple of pirate souvenirs. 

The Pirate Shop

Inside the little mall there were also a couple of restaurants and some other small shops.

I decided to go back that evening to have a feast of oysters at one of the sea-food restaurants at the Pier. I had been entranced on my first evening in Seattle by the brightly lit Big Wheel so it was fun explore the Miner's Landing by night.

I chose Elliot's Oyster House as the place to have my feed of fresh Pacific Coast oysters. It had a large selection of various kinds of oysters as well as other seafood. Raw oysters seemed to be the favorite choice, and there were dozens of varieties to choose from. 

The oysters are kept smothered in ice and are picked fresh every day.  The staff shucks the oysters at the counter and prepares the trays of customer's selections.

Freshly shucked raw oysters ready to eat!

 

 

I prefer my oysters fried so I ordered a plate of a half dozen along with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

 



And a crisp warm bun made with basil served with fresh whipped butter.  And of course, a glass of white wine!  Mmmm, delicious! 

Elliott's Oyster House at Pier 56
www.elliottsoysterhouse.com

NEXT:  My Excellent Seattle Weekend Part III:  BEER & CLAMS AT PIKE'S BAR

 



MY EXCELLENT LUXURY WEEKEND AT SEATTLE: Part 1 "Living it up at the Four Seasons"

 



A few months ago I submitted a donation to Passports with Purpose to buy books for schools in Zambia. This entitled me to be in line for a prize as a donor. I got lucky and won a two-day inclusive with breakfast stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle, a luxury hotel located right downtown in the heart of all the action, walking distance to many of the tourist attractions, Pikes Market, the Mariner's Landing and lots of great restaurants and shops.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle WA

For me, usually a back-packer and definitely a 'budget' traveler, this was a huge opportunity to live it up in style in a city I have never stayed overnight in (though I've spent afternoons there while passing through en route to other places in the States.  I chose a weekend when I could attend the King Tut exhibit as well as take in some Seattle sight-seeing.

I arrive from the Greyhound Bus Station in a 'town cab' and was greeted by the hotel doormen who showed me into the lush lobby with it's tasteful art-work and fashionable furnishings.

It was, indeed, a 'luxury' stay.  The hotel staff was warmly welcoming and I was shown to a 9th floor suite with a partial view of Elliott Bay. The room was spacious and beautifully furnished. This was a room with a double bed and partial view of the Bay, worth $365 a night.

a comfy double bed

 

well stocked bar

 

work area with wifi hookup

 

 

Of course there was a big TV as well and comfortable chairs for lounging.  The bathroom alone was huge with the toilet and shower both in separate areas with glass doors.

 



 

the marble sink and deep bathtub

 

 

The hotel has an outdoor roof-top pool. (Yes, someone was out there swimming lengths!) and a fully equipped spa. The spas decor combines water, basalt rock and glass tile interpreting the Northwest's natural beauty. I had a chance at a discount but was so busy doing other things I didn't take advantage of it.

Dining room leading to the bar area

 

 

I did enjoy the dining room and the bar though because I had two breakfasts included in my complimentary stay. The dining room serves authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine.  It's tastefully decorated with detailed sculpture featuring woods native to the Pacific Northwest.with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a good view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

 

Breakfast #1: Eggs Benedict with a generous slice of ham and hash-browns, orange juice & coffee

 

Breakfast #2: Greek yogurt, crunchy granola and fruit with a mimosa for a special treat!

 

I was most impressed with all the staff at the hotel.  On my final day there I was allowed to leave my luggage in order to go to the King Tut exhibit and was provided with a taxi for my return trip to the bus depot that evening. It certainly was a memorable weekend and a real special treat. If you're looking for a luxury weekend away, I highly recommend the Four Seasons, Seattle.

 

Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle WA

99 Union Street.

www.fourseasons.com/seattle

 

NEXT: Part Two of my Excellent Seattle Adventure:  FUN ON MINER'S LANDING

 



A WRITER'S RETREAT ON GAMBIER ISLAND

We are fortunate here on the west coast of Canada, to have a great many islands where we can go for leisure time.  Many of the islands have permanent residents, some folks just have  summer homes, a few have B&Bs for visitors, and there are many with camp sites and organized camps for kids.

Horseshoe Bay Marina

Gambier Island is one of those located in Howe Sound, near Vancouver, with easy access by either sea taxi from Horseshoe Bay or via sea taxi at Langdale. There are a number of quiet coves on the island popular with boaters.

Howe Sound

BC Ferries

Sea taxi

Gambier is the largest of four islands in Howe Sound.  It's approximately twenty-five square miles with only 125 permanent residents most of them located in New Brighton, Gambier Harbour and West Bay.  There's usually more in the summer. The island currently doesn't have any commercial enterprises.  There was a general store but it closed a couple of years ago and there is one bed and breakfast. The Gambier Community Centre is the only public facility.

The Halkett Bay Provincial Park is located on the southeast side of the island.  Gambier hosts an annual "Commotion by the Ocean" blues and rock festival each summer.  It's famous for Camp Artaban, an Anglican camp for children, youth and adults and Camp Fircom, a United Church summer camp for children, youth and families, located near Halkett Bay.  At Camp Latona, an outdoor education center and youth summer camp on the north end of the island, there are hiking trails, rental for schools and private groups who want to learn about ecology.  It's also used as a corporate retreat.

The island was named in 1869 by Captain Richards, one of the British captains whose survey ships were playing the waters of the coast.  James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet, had a distinguished career in the British name and later as Governor of Newfoundland. He also served as a negotiator of the Treaty of Ghent which ended the war of 1812 between Britain and the United States.

View of West Bay

The fabulous house where we stayed.

Our WAVES writer's group was invited by the family of one of our members, to stay at their home for a weekend so eight of us set off by marine taxi laden with groceries, wine and good cheer, on a weekend to connect with the Muse.  As facilitator of the group, I chose several interesting writing prompts to get everyone inspired. One of them (posted on the wall) was a linked verse poem in the renga style — three lines of haiku (5,7,5 syllables), two lines of tanka (7 syllables) with the last line of haiku and the first line of tank linking in subject.  This was ongoing all weekend with an excellent result.

Dinner time.

 

 

The weather was absolutely glorious so a lot of time was spent outdoors either lounging in one of the several patio areas, sitting in the hot tub, sunbathing, and yes...even swimming in the sea! (Two brave ladies did this). There were kayaks too. 

Fun in the hot tub

Kayaking

And on the second day we set off on a nature hike along the trail through the woods leading to a secluded beach. The idea was to find something along the trail that would spark a memory.  Then when we reached the beach we found a special place to sit, meditate and write. 

On the trail

It certainly was not difficult to be inspired on Gambier.  From the deluxe accommodations to the beautiful natural surroundings and tranquility of the bay, we all soaked up the atmosphere and produced some interesting writing.  We're looking forward to going again next Spring. 

Leaving Gambier Island