We need to get out and about - time for a car. Off to Budget this morning and collected our vee-hickle. Thanks Perry, job well done on the back of a phone call. Mazda was the flavor and it suited nicely. Sure I would love some huge truck to scare the hell out of everything it came across but lets be a bit practical.
Headed out of Seattle, onto old friend I5 and headed north. Snohomish here we come. Enjoyed the drive and have never seen so many highway patrol in such a short distance - must have been training day at the academy or work experience kids having a laugh!!
Pulled off the highway and made our way into town. The GPS told me to take a turn that saw us arriving on the old street - 72nd St E.
I remember this, I remember that, I used to mow her lawns, Jason Davis used to live down that road.... Amazing what you remember.
The old house looked tired and a bit unloved but the shape and last memory of driving away from the place replayed in my head.
Salvadalenas old house still looks great - the pond, the hill we used to sled down, the whole aspect hasn't changed.
Took the drive up 72nd to town. The 90 degree corner towards the top used to border a duck pond, now a construction business or similar. The pizza place is still on the left, had some good laughs in there. Turn right and head towards the old main street near the river. Cute and quaint and totally different to the rest of it. Some great old shops and antiques etc. My mother remembers this.
Took a stroll before heading out to find Valley View Junior High that I attended with sibling Jacqui. Found the site and had earlier read they were rebuilding the school. Couldn't see anything but the sign and the once familiar driveway. All fenced off but the aspect of the place is the same.
Into town, past the High School and located the Safeway which was sent by god to provide us sustenance in the form of Sunday donuts on some occasions. It was only Wednesday....

Of course the woman cannot escape the lure of shops and 'had' to stop.
A quick look thru Kohls with some small purchases and back in the car.

Summary :- Sure it was familiar even after all the years, but sadly felt like just another place. The memories I have cannot be replicated and I am thankful I was able to show Tracy and the girls in some small way, what this place was to us.
Thankyou Snohomish.

Just by pure womanly magnetic force the silver Mazda was pulled to the premium outlet at Tulalip. Was cool and raining but the shops all exuding warmth. Some ok deals with EB and I walking away with Skechers. Chelsea typically liked a lot but was undecided. Late lunch on site and headed to Walmart. Man the population here allows some cheap gear compared to Oz! Might have to spend up on camping gear and such.... (won't have any $$$$ for another big trip for awhile so better get used to it)
The girls grabbed some make up etc, we laughed at some of the mammoth packages and products available and tried to look local as best we could.
Dinner - Ok so the $1 frozen meals have a bad rap but have to say they aren't too bad. Quick and easy after a long day out. Top it off with a small dessert, and we are set.
Final troll of Walmart #1 (this trip) before the trek home. The rain was consistent, the skies grey and the traffic heavy.
Made it back to hotel without issue and reclined for the evening.

Great day