Monday, February 27, 2006

Late Winter Adventure


I decided to get out and go on a Late Winter Adventure on Saturday. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go - but I knew I needed to get out. I saw Josh in the morning and let him know I was going to explore Bainbridge Island. (If you click on any of the pictures you'll be able to see it)

I drove down to the Seattle ferry terminal, paid my toll to Bainbridge Island and without being told what line to get into (I saw a sign that started with a B), I drove on to a ferry. As I drove on to the Walla Walla, I realized that I was now going to Bremerton... wrong ferry boat.

Oh well - that's the adventure part, right?

I got to Bremerton an hour and a half later... it was a beautiful trip and should take it more often. I walked around town for a while looking for a local map (because I had no idea where I was) and I found A LOT of nice people... but no local map. I ended up going into a Mail Express place and the girl there was really nice - from Bozeman, MT (I thought of Carston) - and she printed me out some maps from Google. She had just recently moved to Bremerton and she told me about the "shopping district" across the water in Manchester. How fun!

I drove across the little narrow bridge and stopped "down town". There were three stores - new store with expensive crap, antique store, and a local sub shop ("Kate's"). I decided to go there and get a sandwich for lunch - and low and behold there was a free local map inside! I got my sandwich and asked where I should go eat lunch. The nice young guy that had taken my order said, "There's a great cafe up the street!". I giggled - and repeated my question, but included two words "Where I should go eat my sandwhich?". The owner - a guy in his fifties - was laughing as well, looked at the guy and said, "Yeah - she shouldn't eat here, should she?". I ended up spreading out the map on one of their tables and planning out a little route along the coast.

I started driving and found a little Parks & Rec park (something Landing). It had a great grassy area with benchs down by the water. I packed everything into my backpack and headed toward the water. I made it down and there was even a little rocky beach. I made a little area on the beach and had a wonderful lunch just watching the ducks and hearing the water lapping at the shore... just eating my lunch and reading my book. :)


After lunch I headed north, driving back roads and ending up on HWY 3. I saw a sign for Bangor and headed off to the Naval Undersea Museum - how exciting! I walked in and it was Kids Day! Wow. I was greeted immediatley by Joe - who I'm sure was retired Navy. He told me all about the exibits and I went off to explore.

I then headed to Poulsbo. I had never been before and it's a very cute town. Right next to the water, and with a few quirky "old town" stores and people. I walked up and down main street - into stores and out again... and ended up with quite a few fun items. The nice lady in the last store sold me a paperweight that said, "My Life is My Message". She also drew me a map to drive onto Bainbridge... my original destination.

I got onto Bainbridge, drove south down to Winslow Ave and again walked up and down looking in shops and buying some little treasures. It was fun thinking that it was so quiet, and in 16 hours there would be 5,000 bicycles riding up from the ferry.




What a great day... new places... new people... and two ferry rides.



I don't know if you can beat that... other than at the airport. :)

Talk to you all soon!

Sarah

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Leaving Fremofia... The Grant



Grant is one of my apartment guys from Fremont... and he's moving to the Caribbean today. I moved him in about two years ago, and the day he signed the lease, he brought his mom :)

He had a "little" get together last night (as little as Grant knows how) and I got to re-experience all of the wonderful things that Fremont has to offer:
  • People drunk at 7pm (ages 18 - 30)
  • Weird/Crazy people talking to themselves (and to you)
  • 18 year old girls belching because it's cool (?!?)
  • Drunk homeless guys balancing rocks (actually pretty amazing)
  • Fantastic dinner date at the Triangle with a neighbor

I had a great time last night - even got to see people from past years in Fremont that came back to say goodbye. It all made sense that I had chosen to move forward in my life, but it was a great way to say farewell.

:) To the Rocket!

Sarah

Sunday, February 12, 2006

February in Seattle...

I've had a wonderful first month in my new apartment. I feel like I'm right where I should be... and I love that feeling. Yesterday I walked from my house, down to the waterfront, south to Pioneer Square, back up through the city, stopped at Pike Place Market, and then walked back up to my house. I can do that!! I was pretty excited :)

I don't have any pictures for you at the moment, all the ones that I've taken on my cell phone won't transfer to the blogger :( So unless you want to see pictures like this:




I will try again soon. Maybe I'll actually purchase a camera.... hmm.. what a novel idea!

Anyway, love you all and see you soon :)

Sarah