Unscathed by the vampires at Forks we resumed our drive along US 101, which was often bordered by golden broom. We admired beautiful Lake Crescent and continued to Port Angeles where the sun was shining and the sea was a glorious pale turquoise. From a nearby pier we watched cars loading onto the ferry to Vancouver. We could also see some of the snow-capped peaks in the Olympic National Park. Now was the moment to buy our National Parks Pass, followed by a winding 17 mile climb up to Hurricane Ridge, with its panoramic view of snowy peaks. (I bought the T-shirt!! It says 'The mountains are calling and I must go'. A quotation from John Muir.) The view of Mount Olympus was enhanced by an obliging black tailed deer (a sub-species of Mule Deer.) We drove on to the end of the road and found plenty of snow and two more deer. On our descent we had views towards Canada, and towards Sequim where my cousin lives.

To reach Seattle we took the car ferry from Bainbridge Island, and enjoyed splendid views of the city (and a hazy sight of Mount Rainier). We chose to stop and eat at Pike Street Market, but concluded that evening was not the best time to see it. The drive to the hotel was about 3 times as long as it should have been due to my poor navigation skills combined with various detours around building sites and one way streets.

Seattle seems to be home to giant piggy banks on street corners. (Relics of some sort of past pig fest.) Our hotel lobby is resplendent with a 'beaded sow'! Very surreal. Whilst waiting for the shuttle bus to downtown this morning I found myself reading a huge book entitled 'Kittens: Soft, Warm and Fluffy.' By the time the bus came I had moved on to 'The Strange and Beautiful World of Exotic Chickens'! (Other surreal things: we crossed a 'grated bridge yesterday, and we saw some trees with bright blue trunks today.)

We made the ascent of the Space Needle, amused by the trekkie style uniforms of the staff. The top of the Needle has been re-painted in 'Galaxy Gold' in honour of the 50th anniversary of the World Fair. As Malcolm said, it was all a bit 'Dan Dare'! Unfortunately, the weather closed in, so we went to the Pacific Science Centre. The tropical butterfly house was fascinating. After a ride on the monorail we walked a long way to see the Victorian buildings in Pioneer Square.

This evening we discovered Chandlers Cove. If we were rich enough we could have bought a yacht before dinner, but we opted to go and eat in Duke's Chowder House instead. 'Bye for now, You Guys'!