Paradise

On a whim this morning, we all (including the dogs) got in the jeep and started driving. We ended up at Paradise (Mount Rainier).

This was the ONLY wildlife we saw on the drive. For some reason, Dax thought the deer were a threat. When we stopped to get pictures, he growled nonstop-- face smushed up against the window.

Ryan and I have awful colds. Our heads feel like someone is squishing them. Mucinex has become our best friend.
The Cascades
Randy & Ryan weren't near as interested in the View/Lookout Points as Renee & I were.
This is the creek that flows into the Narada Falls.
We had to hike a hefty trek to get to this gorgeous view point.

After the waterfall, Ryan & I got back to the parking lot before Randy & Renee, so we thought we'd ambush them with snowballs... maybe we'll think twice next time.
This is how Libby & Dax had to spend most of the day. (Dogs weren't allowed on any of the trails.)
Next time, I want to stay at the Hobo Inn... Have you ever seen a boxcar hotel?
Afterwards, we stopped at petsmart to get some dog food. Libby was way too interested in the hamsters... she always is.

Pike Place & Sky City

Randy & Renee's plane arrived about noon yesterday. From the airport we toured Pike Place Market.

The sign above this fish states,

"Hello! I'm a monk fish!" When tourists go in for a closer look, one of the workers pull a string and the fish jumps. We steered Renee in for a look and the fish crew did the rest. She screamed so loudly the entire market probably heard her. It was a good laugh. So good that the crew got her again. As we were walking past, they started throwing fish to one another. Then all of a sudden, they threw a stuffed shark (which resembled the salmon they were throwing) directly in our direction and it hit Renee, who screamed bloody murder again. Needless to say, Renee got the full-blown effect of Pike Place Market.

I've had my eye on these ornamental chili peppers for quite some time. The peppers (and garlic) are edible within the next two years. After five years, the clusters dry out to become a decorative hanging. Renee & I each purchased a pepper cluster to hang in our kitchens. (And with each trip to the Market, I keep hoping Ryan will get me a bouquet of flowers. They're sold all throughout the market. You can get a HUGE, arranged bouquet for only $5. What a deal for fresh flowers!)

After Pike Place, we still had a few hours before our reservations at Sky City. We decided to visit the Aquarium (despite its bad reviews). It was pretty neat. But I think we were expecting a little more since it was directly on the Sound. There was a "petting pool" where you could touch starfish, urchins, and sea cucumbers. In addition to their saltwater displays, there was a separate building that housed sea lions, seals, river otters, and fur seals.

Here are some of the views from our table at Sky City (the revolving restaurant at the top of the Space Needle).