Travel Photography: From Palm Beach to Seattle

In logical blogging sense, this would make a great 2-3 part series in which I detail all of the magical events that happened in seven over-flowing fun filled days of Northwest adventures.

Yep. No time for that.

Instead, how about one looong post of some pretty pictures. Because, really. If you've been to the Seattle area, you already know. And if you haven't, I'm pretty sure your thought is, "I haven't been to Seattle, YET!"

Either way, I hope you enjoy these images:

Close to the Ohio/Michigan border.Can anyone explain why the river doesn't mix?

The point of flying out to Seattle was to visit with family in Poulsbo. A small peninsula just west of Seattle most easily accessed by a ferry. BUT I also took it as an opportunity to explore some of the city.

So I rented a car, en route to meeting a fellow photographer friend Marianne, so that we could catch a concert. (The Oblivians.)

For anyone who's never used the Bainbridge Ferry, they have a very efficient way of loading the passengers, grouped as pedestrians, bikes, motorcycles, and cars. Interestingly, I was directed to park next to some really cool looking motorcycles, stacked with gear. But what really caught my attention was one of the riders pulled out a Canon camera set-up the same as mine and was documenting the other two bikers in his group.

So my curiosity kicks in and I ask about what they are filming. They tell me about their project. Three young guys, the new generation of bikers. A collective documentation, called "Finding Main Street."

I ask if I can take a photo of them in front of their bikes.

With excitement, they say, "no, Seattle!"

I laugh and realize they mentioned they've been on their bikes since San Francisco, and are just now arriving to the same city where I'm excited to explore for the evening, too.

Yamaha, Honda and I didn't catch what the third one was. Guess you'll have to go to their site to find out.  The photography and narratives are stunning.

Next stop, Seattle.

Right before I hop into my Toyota Yaris rental car, they do allow me to grab a shot of them next to their bikes.

The ferry docks, and with a quick wave we each continue our separate paths, bound together for a moment in a collective ambition for adventures that lay ahead.

UPDATE: The bikers' documentary is out. Watch HERE!

So the ferry was late by the dock's schedule, which meant I was (on vacation, but) late in meeting the very talented photographer and journalist, Marianne Spellman for a concert pre-game pizza. No worries. I made it eventually and it was so nice to see a friendly face in the unknown environment.

I've included only a couple images I grabbed at the show since I didn't even plan to bring in a camera until last minute. I knew Marianne's coverage would be stellar as always.

You can see for yourself: Popthomology.
 

Flannel and lights.

The band brought their own drinks.

The Oblivians put on a great show!

After the concert and late night diner meal, I stayed the night at the Spellman residence. I was booked in the bunny King Kong room. It was fabulous.

Photographers don't get lost. Some adventures are just longer than others. -Monica McGivern

Well, actually it was for the best that maybe I did get a little lost. The GPS kept trying to re-route me back to the major highway that was closed. Luckily I didn't make it to the highway as I realized the rental car was in desperate need of fuel. Phew! Crises averted, and as fate would have it, the gas station had an amazing espresso truck in their parking lot. Unfortunately no basketball for me, as I had to make it back to the Bainbridge ferry...

We had to get in some geocaching, which is Washington's official state recreation I think. ;)

Prancercise, YES!

Photo ops at a random gas station:

Larger than life mermaid carving.

Fish with legs.

Ice cream weirdo.

Dinner was at this magical family owned restaurant, Molly Ward Gardens. You have to go.

Molly Gardens shabby chic decor.

We wandered the beautifully designed gardens. Certainly a highlight of the trip for me:

Stage for events. Concerts, weddings...

Cucumber soup then the dungeness crab for the main course.

Each table had a different linen with fresh garden flowers to match.

And then, Mt. Rainier.

Do you see the white car?

Arrival at the visitor center. Let the numerous photos of me lagging behind, begin.

So here's a nice bright directive, but the shadow of the sign is cast in a different light...

Did anyone else see this or am I nervous that this mountain climbing thing is going to be a super intense workout?

OK, not so bad. Actually, this is pretty.

Wait, what do you need those skis for?

Oh. Snow.

I hope that is just a cloud, not smoke, arising from that volcanic mountain.

I can't breathe. Aloha.

We did a surprisingly on key rendition of "Hills are Alive." Julie Andrews was there. I may have been hallucinating from the oxygen deprivation.

I don't know what these are. But they look Dr. Seuss-ical, yes?

This was shot with a 70mm-200mm lens, at 200mm.

This was shot with a 70mm-200mm lens, at 70mm. See the difference? (Bottom left corner you can see the same falls.)

Self-portrait.

The man and the mountain.

Waaaaaiittt.

Oh that looks like fun...

And it was fun!! While I was waiting to slide down a part of the mountain, two "real" climbers showed up and we chatted for a second about their unsuccessful attempt to make it to Rainier's summit. It was their first attempt and they were disappointed, but they said they'd try again. But as this video shows, they did both successfully make it down this portion of a slope standing up with all of their gear.Then I slid down too. :)

Overall the trail was beautifully groomed. The park was very helpful in alerting climbers of the dilapidated trails.

A friend greets us at the top of the Skyline trail.

I was surprised at the amount of bees in the higher altitudes.

Don't worry, these are just part of the display back in the nature center.

Pretty light on the drive back home. After I slept from all that hiking, of course.

Our last full day we went to a small lake where my sister-in-law trains for a triathlon.

Something about seeing these kids at summer camp reminded my of "Moonrise Kingdom."

I wonder if the dog's name is Captain.

The owner of this pup told a funny story about them being in the park a few days prior when a flock of Canadian geese landed. The pup charged at the geese, expecting them to fly away but surprisingly, they stayed put, causing this "attack" dog to do a chest bump with one of the geese. The owner, amused, saw the pup turn to him looking as if to say, "They didn't fly away, Dad! Can you believe it? THEY DIDN'T FLY AWAY!"

Wild blackberries.

Wine tasting in downtown Poulsbo. This was the last of the wines, a port in a dark chocolate glass. So good!

Not knowing where the mountains end and the clouds begin.

Sunset over Bainbridge Island.

Last view of Seattle.

Yay, Summer.

One last video of me doing what started out as a very slow zip-line. Which progressively got faster...




Saw a photo you'd LOVE to have, or want to see more? Visit the full SEATTLE gallery here.