Thanks to all those who helped plan our Seattle to Hope, Idaho trip!

[Ann-Marie]

Thanks everyone for all the advise we got for our trip. We had a great time, and everything worked out just great. We flew from NY to Seattle. Stayed at the Travelodge on 6th. Ave.2 blocks away from Seattle Center. With me having some ambulation issues, it worked out great to be close. We did the Chihuly exhibit and totally enjoyed it. Of course with our history of weather on vacation, we were in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures from mid 90's, along with my ambulating, so we took our time. The heat and my pain made it necessary for us to take several breaks, usually for a beer here and there! We enjoyed sitting by the fountain in park and listening to the music and watching the water. We also bought tickets for the Emerald Trolley tour. It was fantastic. First we got on and stayed on for the full loop around the city. Then we got off at the Pier right after the space needle stop and had lunch at Duke's Chowder . Also hopped off at Pikes Market, The International District, Pioneer Square, Occidental Square, the Fire Museum and of course a bar for a beer! The next day we took the Trolley tour on to the Northwest Trolley tour. We stopped at several places including the locks and a nice park. Also took in a Mariners day game with the temps at 95 degrees and we were not under the overhang! Every day while in Seattle, we were able to see the top of Mt. Rainier. It was beautiful. When we checked out, we rented a car and drove to where we got the ferry to Whidbey Island. Beautiful ride and fun. We took a slow car ride up to Anacortes and stayed at the Swinomish Casino. The next morning we took the ferry to Friday Harbour. Very enjoyable. Had lunch and spent the day strolling around. The next morning we started our journey across the northern part of Washington. It was beautiful There was still some snow left on the mountains and plenty of waterfalls. We stopped in Republic for a night and Winthrop. Really quaint old towns with not much activity at all. But we enjoyed the ambiance and hospitality. Then off to Hope, Idaho for our timeshare. We stayed at Pend Orielle Shores. Of course they updated us to a lake view on the second floor. We asked to be on the first floor, so we were in the building further back. They were very surprised at our request, but the first floor definitely worked out better. We stayed there 6 nights then left and spent the day in Lake Coeur d' Alene. Then drove to Spokane and flew back to NY the next morning.

Again, thanks to everyone who helped me plan this out. It was a great trip, however it was tiring. Looking forward to planning the next big trip.

 

[DaveNV]

Sounds like you enjoyed every minute! Glad to be able to help, and I hope you found the drive up Whidbey Island worthwhile. I hope you liked seeing my neck of the world.

Don't tell anyone it was that hot - everyone thinks it rains here all the time. We're definitely having weird weather - currently we're a couple of days away from breaking our record for the longest streak of dry weather we've ever had. Very strange for us.

Dave

 

[Ann-Marie]

It's funny because as soon as we tell our friends about our trip and the heat, they are surely surprised.

 

[NHpauls]

David: I see you are planning a N.Calif road trip. I am just starting to plan one. Can you tell me what you've got laid out so far? I definitely want to do the Redwood Nat'l Park but not sure what else. We are not big-city people. We want scenic views and low crowds. What are you gonna do?