Even though it was a cloudy/gloomy sort of morning we set out to explore Seattle. This required taking a ferry across Puget Sound, so we drove to the ferry station on Bainbridge Island and left the car parked there and just came across as pedestrians.

As we disembark the ferry the first thing we noticed was the Alaskan Way Viaduct, a multi-level highway. We learned that this will be replaced by a tunnel in the next few years.  This project includes replacement of the seawall as well. We stopped for a cup of clam chowder at a restaurant on the waterfront and lucky for us they were still open today. Several of the businesses along the waterfront are closing tomorrow while they work on the new seawall, and won’t reopen until next year. If we return here in a few years it will look all different.

Seattle, WA

The streets of Seattle quickly rise up several levels from the waterfront, necessitating some steep side streets and lots of stairs between levels.

Seattle, Washington

That’s the Ferry that Goes Between Seattle and Bainbridge Island

A few blocks from the ferry landing we found the Pike Place Market, an indoor public market center which was where all the people are. This is a huge market, covering several blocks and occupying six levels of shops.

Public Market Center

We watched the Pike Place Fish Co. for a while. The workers would throw the fish back and forth to each other, sometimes they put on quite a show. A crowd gathered around to watch.

Pike Place Fish Co.

There are several other fish markets, several fresh produce stands, lots and lots of fresh bouquets of flowers, and much much more.

Fresh Produce at Pike Place Market

Some of the Many Fresh Flowers at Pike Place Market

Across the street we see a long line of people waiting to get coffee at the original Starbucks.

The Original Starbucks

Street performers were doing their thing outside the Starbucks. Other performers can be found in several other places in and around the market area.

Street Performers

The Space Needle is about 10 blocks away from the market and decided to walk it so we could see the city along the way.

Seattle Space Needle

The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair that was held here at that time. We tried to get into the restaurant at the top, but they were booked up. But we did take the elevator to the observation deck for a look-see.

Seattle Space Needle Observation Deck

On the grounds around the base of the Space Needle are several sculptures and an exhibition that includes both indoor and outdoor artworks in glass by Dale Chihuly. We have seen his work in other locations such as the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and the Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona, and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.

Dale Chihuley Exhibit

While we were having a late lunch at a restaurant near the Market Place the sun came out and chased all the clouds away, but by that time we were pooped and caught a return ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island where we had our car.

Seattle Skyline

• Gasoline:     none
• Lodging:      $30
• Admission: $64
• Parking:      $11.50
• Ferry fare:  $8