A Trip Back to the Great Northwest
By Allen Freeman
22 July 2008
The first day we arrived at the Seattle airport, and got settled into our hotel but quickly decided to make a run to Alki Beach. My son Dustin and his girlfriend Megan went with us, and it's a beautiful day. We also had time for some ice cream. (Eat fast, it's melting.)
Day two and the wife and I drive to Des Moines, WA. We know of some beaches there and a boat dock that we have seen once before. I set up my tripod and get some shots of the boats in the water just as it is getting dark. We eat nearby and get seafood of course.
Day three finds us walking the Renton, WA trail. We used to walk this red bricked area along a creek that winds all the way to where a company is working on giant airplanes. Today we see a family of ducks hanging out on the walkway. The water is high and may of moved them from their usual spot.
Day four we make the drive south to see Mt. Rainier. I've been through this park about 3 times before so we know the way. To our surprise there is still snow up here. But they do have it cleared off the road. We also see a deer with very large ears right by the little road that cuts along the scenic forrest and mountain areas. Part of this drive takes us right along a very high ledge. I'm not very fond of heights and feel a bit shaky. There are no guard rails on most of this with a huge drop on one side. But the view is worth it.
Day five and we make our way to Pike Place Market. We always come here when we visit. Lots of shops, the famous fish market that tosses the fish around, and we have to get hot cashews! We walk by the park nearby and check out the people and the view of the ocean. I get some fantastic roasted corn from a street vendor.
Day six I go with a fellow photographer friend of mine (Tim) to a Japanese Garden near Renton. We both get shots of this twisted tree near the pond. We shoot flowers, and a red bridge over another pond. Lots of photo opportunities here.
Day seven I go to Seattle and shoot even more photos, walking around with Tim. The lighting on the buildings is perfect. From the top of a parking garage I stop and get out, and see everything from a new perspective.
Last day. I take my kids bowling and then as it gets late in the afternoon, I go with my son Dustin to take the elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. It has been 5 years since I've been up here and this time I'm ready. I have a small tripod and a much better camera than last time. I'm determined to get a great shot of the city from up here. We have to wait 90 minutes for it to start getting dark but it's all worth it!
Yes, this is defininitely the best photo vacation I've ever been on. Sure helps that I know where the good areas are to go, and how to get there.
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