I’m back in Minnesota after an amazing three months in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been great to see family and friends again, but I’ve been doing a lot of reminiscing about my trip—including random observations. For example: believe it or not, grocery prices in Minnesota are higher than in any of the places I’ve been—even Seattle.
Holy schnitzel! After hearing about a Bavarian-style village east of Seattle from several people over the past few months—and trying to visit earlier in October but getting interrupted by a wildfire—I finally made it there this past Sunday. I immediately felt like I stepped into a German fairytale. Willkommen in Leavenworth, Washington.
Read More from Leavenworth, Washington: The Bavarian village
I took my car on a few boat rides this month! For two Sundays in a row, I boarded the Washington State Ferry to Whidbey Island. The island’s tourism tagline, “The Shortest Distance to Far Way,” is completely accurate. Both daylong trips on the island were magical. Washington has the largest ferry system in the
My national park tour continues! Last weekend I drove to Mount Rainier National Park, about two hours from Seattle. The glacier-capped volcano is the center of the nation’s 5th oldest national park. It’s a hiker’s dream, and I was thrilled to spend a day among the jaw-dropping scenery.
A week ago, I arrived in Seattle! I’m spending October living and working from a lovely apartment about 10 miles north of downtown, only a few blocks from Lake Washington. I’m adjusting to life in the fast lane—literally—compared to the laid-back atmosphere of Bend, Oregon. Traffic is nuts and the drivers are aggressive maniacs. But with my history of borderline road rage, I’m fitting right in. Seattle has so many iconic views and sites, and I’m enjoying being a tourist for a few hours each day.