A train trip to Seattle

We took a train up to Seattle where we met up with James and Cole for a long weekend. The train up was OK and we didn't have high expectations since it was evening and rainy; not much to see. For the ride back we booked seats in the panorama car and were hoping for nicer weather.

We stumbled across a DeLorian meeting. How cool is that!

Unfortunately there was rain and mudslides. So much that the train didn't run and they put us on a bus for the trip back. We'll have to try again. Maybe going South to Los Angeles so we get to see the part where it runs along the Pacific.
It rained a lot.

Rain on Bainbridge Island

So, we spent a lot of time indoors and underground. After Seattle had burned down in 1889, rebuilding it created underground passage ways that have been preserved and can be explored today. We took one of the tours and it was pretty neat. It's interesting to look up at the underside of a side walk. Of course, it was wet down there too.

On the underground tour.

We enjoyed the Chihuly glass blowing exhibit, toured the sculpture garden, saw King Kong on 70 mm film, and spent time inside Pike Place Market for its goods and because it was dry. You can see the rest of the photos here.
On Friday, I was supposed to give a talk for work, but had trouble finding a quiet place. We were between lodging places and so I went on a search. Coffee houses all had loud music playing and libraries did not want me to come in and talk loudly. Finally I found a park on a hilltop that was relatively quiet. Almost as soon as I started my presentation, a helicopter moved in about 200 yards straight above me and made any conversation impossible.
I think it was a sightseeing tour, but Lee Ann suspects I was under survilance...