It's that time again...

New Year's Resolution time...a time to begin again, stand up, dust your shoulder off and recharge your batteries. The change of the year is a mark to make ourselves better, healthier, more organized and efficient, smarter, more worldly...and just plain happier! The past few resolutions have been to "have no resolution"--I'm not sure if it was because I knew I would let myself down or I just knew I had a lotof healing from internal turmoil to get through. However, this year I feel a lighter and free-er spirit that is ready to settle into the now and embrace it with white knuckles as I go "balls to the wall"!

So that little list begins...(not really in any important order):

*JOURNAL AND BLOG MORE-I need to hone in on my creative juices. Growing up put a big damper on the flow of creativity I used to have pouring from my soul. I am going to tap in to that old well and start pumping out some fantastic stuff! I know that this will take some practice but I am ready to up my writing and art skills-ready to get back in the paint:) I want to keep a journal this year (try to do a daily one) of things that happened that day, fun stories, words of wisdom, drawings, places traveled, feelings and accomplishments. I think this will be fun to look back this time next year and see where I have been and what I have done. Of course, I need to keep up this blog and catch up on lots of adventures from last year! Light the spark...lets go!

 

*LEARN TO ACTUALLY USE MY CAMERA- in another setting besides "auto". My big self/Santa Christmas gift a few years ago was a nice Nikon super duper camera. The user manual was over 350 pages with minimal pictures (I know, right) so I chucked that in a drawer and took off snapping away scared to change anything with the millions of options it has. This year, I am going to learn! I have read a little of the manual in the last month or so but found better instructions on Pinterest and YouTube...but I think I may, at some point, actually ask a real live photographer to give the a quick lesson or few on how to use this massive machine of ever-loving joy. With this new knowledge I want to have better pictures to submit for features on other blogs or travel sites.

 

*TRAVEL- With knowledge on how to actually use my big girl camera...I have to have something to take pictures of! More travel will also lead to more blog posts and more things to journal about (see this working together thing I'm doing?). I would love to visit more state parks and sites of interest or off the beaten path magical mysteries. I counted up how many states I've been in 2012: 17!!! HOLY COW. My original plan was to double what I did this year, I don't see that happening-but I think that I will try to visit new states that I haven't been to (and maybe revisit a few that I love)!

 

*SAVE MONEY- How is a girl going to travel with out a little cash flow to keep up my bills at home? I am going to save money this year...which means work hard to play hard. I can easily cut on some spending and pay off my credit card and new mattress (aka heaven). Since I'm doing all this traveling I may get crazy and turn off my cable and home phone (a thing of the past). Make a savings cushion and get rid of that monthly stress of having enough to cover all the bills. The feeling of working hard to be able to shovel out your money to other people is the pits!

*WORKOUT- I went from a gym rat to not setting foot in a gym for a whole year! I have missed it tons this past year but being out on the road it is hard to find time to actually go into a gym that you like and has things you want in the middle of all the exploration to be done. I need to get me a little "on the road" gym to carry with me and dedicate time to doing it on my days off. The end of the year I stuck pretty hard to the Dukan Diet-lost 20 pounds, left home to come and work in Arizona and that all has come back through the holiday food and road food. Finding a love for hiking all the area mountain trails is something I am enjoying a few days a week and it has REALLY proved to myself that I am a fat big blob that can barely breath! It's that moment of breathlessness and personal pity that I find the reason to get back into the "gym rat" mode. Plus, I want to do more hiking and planning on doing a backpack around Asia trip in 2015 that I need to get ready for! I love weights and I love yoga. Both would be pretty easy to do anywhere I go--just need to DO IT! Thinking of coming up with some type of encouragement board I can take with me, something compact but "in your face" that I can have by my mirror or hanging on the bathroom door so I can see it all the time.

*SEND MORE SNAIL MAIL-There are these things called stamps. I am going to use them this year for other things than bills! I love getting mail from family and friends when I'm home and on the road. It is more special than email or texting and a heck of a lot more personal because you are taking the time to actually sit and think about that person and putting effort into picking out a card or the perfect paper and pin. I used to love doing pen pals in elementary school...just thought it was the neatest thing to hear about someone from another country or state and what they were doing. The smell of that state and all the places in-between are carried in that little envelope-its a very special thing.

*BE MORE PALEO-To help on my fitness and ease of eating on "constant vacation" I think sticking to a more Paleo type diet will c"ease" the fall from the bandwagon. Many items can be found at local farmers markets --which is my favorite place to shop in any new town! Eating fresh, in season and as natural as possible has got to have some advantages to it. Lean meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds....sounds easy. It's the bread and chocolate and dairy and sugar and soda (diet or zero) that is going to be the hard thing to try to get over! Even if I could just limit those to once a week-I feel that will be a huge accomplishment...just start slow (turtle time).

*PAMPER ME- I love massages and mani's/pedi's...with all this saved money I should be able to spring for a few ;). Traveling and driving in crazy traffic, working more hours, working out and hiking mountains, lack of chocolate and mellow yellow zero...it sounds like a stressful year already! If I could dedicate to a monthly pamper session it would be like heaven for my body! There are some many great techniques out there to be experienced and I need to try them all!

*GET A TATTOO- My mom just pooped her pants. Her little girl getting more markings of the devil. Well, I am a responsible "tattooee". I think long and hard about design and placement and if it is a life long thing for me. Been thinking about this one little new ink spot for almost two years and I think 2014 I should just go have it done. Two words that have proven themselves in my life and how it seems to go with the ebb and flow of events. Stay tuned for more. . .

*ORGANIZE. That's it...

*CAMP MORE-I started camping for the first time this summer since I was a wee little girl. For some reason every time we went to camp in a new place...there would be an unexpected flash flood tornado lightening super storm that would pop up. So this year, I plan to continue the tradition-and expand it! Hiking more, visiting more state parks, more travel-this will all lead to more opportunities to camp more. With camping, I could save the money I would spend on a fancy hotel (ah that working together for a better me thing again)!

So, that is my list. 2014 has a lot of adventure in it. Many stories to share and new and old people to share them with. May you be able or inspired to try a few resolutions or just plain goals for the new year and not stick to the old faithful of "not changing anything". The world is a big place right outside your back door. You can see a new thing everyday if you just open the door...

 Winter Wonderland-Vermont

 

January 2013 I traveled to the far north to work and experience a real live and in your face kind of winter...I don't know that I will do that again! It was, however, the most beautiful snowfall and scenery I have witnessed. My "home" was in Rutland, VT. This little winter town sits 20 miles east of the New York state line in the western central area of the state. Its a great location for skiing, hiking (Appalachian and Green Mountain trails run through the area), camping, swimming, etc.

There was tons form me to venture out and see since I had never really been further north than Columbus, OH! The main goal was to experience a little of the famous Vermont Maple Syrup, Vermont Cheddar Cheese and Ben & Jerry's. My first night I had to travel to the capitol-Montpelier to pick up my nursing license- it was a beautiful drive through the winding snow covered mountains. I got settled in at a gorgeous bed and breakfast that I would highly recommend! B&B's are the main place to stay in New England, especially Vermont! It hosts a strong environmental and self sufficiency/sustainability type of atmosphere. Many items found in the area or grown, harvested, made by items from that area. I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff!

  

The Inn at Montpelier was a gorgeous house that hosted many options for rooming. I didn't plan ahead very well since I had been driving all day and just wanted to get there before dark--so I ended up getting there and traveling around to a few other B&B's and using Yelp! I found this to be highly rated and one of the only ones with a vacancy! It was a pretty perfect location. On the main road at the end of the downtown strip, it was easy to unpack and venture out to find some food! I, being from the south...had no idea what to expect or pack for this winter venture, it was -15* that first night and I had snot and tears frozen to my face much like the scene from Dumb and Dumber! The inn keeper suggested an Italian place at the far end of the strip so I headed that way passing many little open shops, bars, and eateries arriving at Sarducci's. This was also suggested by a few of the shopkeepers and pharmacist at Walgreens...where I got some boogie drugs. It was a warm inviting place with lots to choose from. More of the chef special items than your Olive Garden type food. It sat right on the little stream that ran through town, but was too dark to get any good pictures. The snow was just something unreal in the moonlight, just like a Hallmark movie set! 
above: bedroom with bath at The Inn at Montpelier
left: street shot of Montpelier still
decorated for Christmas 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Rutland downtown was a neat little area with the "old charm" of fancy mobster days and flap dresses. It featured many fancy buildings, old theatre and train depot that is still running! Many of the buildings are full of offices or locally owned clothing stores and restaurants. One of the best places to eat was right down from these buildings. It was a local sandwich shop that was "cash only" and busy as heck! Gill's was THE place to go for the best homemade bread and sandwiches of all kinds. Everything was fresh and made to order and it smelled heavenly in there! You definitely will not leave hungry and will crave this place FOREVER...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a yummy Gill's Italian and homemade sourdough bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Driving around a new town is part of the adventure in witnessing a new place. Many roadside sites I found beautiful, one was a frozen waterfall outside of the city limits. I could see it from the road on a bridge I drove over and after a little map trekking I was able to find a road that went close by then get out and walk a bit to get a better picture. It was mesmerizing to see this clear water run over the ice and filter its was down the frozen dam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There were lots of these magical places along the roads of this forgotten state. Another site that was jaw dropping and was partially due to the cleanness of the fresh snow and the bright sun and blue sky was a church I found on one of the side streets as I winded my way through some neighborhoods. This area was a large marble excavation area, which is showcased in many of the buildings around town. Their structures just stand out against the sky and mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

Sugar & Spice was a hot destination for those looking for some yummy pancakes and real Vermont maple syrup. They make the sweet treat in house during the spring in a huge vat in the basement which you can go down and watch, grab a sample and pour the steaming hot syrup on your scratch made buttermilk pancakes! It ain't no Ann Jemima (in fact you may smack her because it's that good)! This little wooden hut sold its house made syrup there and maple candies and oddities, but the best part is the food! After it starts to warm up a bit and the trees are ready to be tapped, you can drive by and watch the sweet goodness drip into the buckets for the syrup harvest. 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 Rutland hosted many colorful sunrises that peeked over the green mountains each morning. I'm not sure it the cold, the snow, the quietness, or what...but the sun lit up the sky like no other place perfectly every single morning I walked out of work! Great site to end each shift:)

Woodstock, VT

 

This was probably one of my favorite little places I visited. It was an hours drive from Rutland straight across to the eastern boarder of New Hampshire. The drive was so peaceful. Half of the way you go through the mountains and small little villages then you meet up with the Ottauquechee River. There are a few pullover spots to get out and few the winding river but they go by fast! There was a great little farmers market just inside the city limits as you arrived into town that hosted everything you could imagine as far as organic, locally raised/grown and also, a little "whole foods" type counter with premade dishes to take home and heat up along with made to order sandwiches and salads. I loved the blood oranges and pomegranates they always had in stock along with tons of other veggies and fruits, meats and premade items...and of course how could I go without a cute shirt!

View of the river splitting off between two building hosting shops in downtown Woodstock.









A view of Woodstock's main area shops. It hosts many art galleries, clothing/house décor boutiques, eateries, and the most famous thing (featured by Martha Stewart Magazine) an old timey General Store. It has a wooden floor and full of clothing, tools, medications, groceries, dry goods, hunting and fishing items...just about anything you can imagine!

Vermont is also known for its many covered bridges that are in use still to this day! Most are one lane wooden bridges that cross over streams or rivers. This was a gorgeous one right off the main street of Woodstock that took you back into a neighborhood and farmland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ottauquetchee River under the bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One farm out this way was Billings Farm. They featured a petting zoo, tours of their farm and animal stalls, a museum of agriculture and the way of farming life in Vermont and sleigh rides!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 The southern part of the state hosted a few areas. I made a loop around the state from boarder to boarder going through the mountains with a great little over look, passed by a Vermont Country Store that was like a Cracker Barrel store on steroids hosting games from my past and beyond, and over to Bennington which hosted the grave marker of Robert Frost. All of these areas hosted their own little towns lined with small streets and fancy buildings that looked like a movie set. I could definitely see many writers getting their ideas for show like Gilmore Girls, Newhart, Pollyanna, and many more. There is something in the air of the Green Mountains that fuels a sense of mystery, adventure and the time of when life was much easier.

 

 
 
 above: a nose on a tree in the cemetery hosting the Frost  family
 
top right: view from the top of a Green Mountain lookout 
 
right: store front of the Vermont Country Store in Bellow Falls, VT
 
bottom right: some of the found treasures from a time past in the store
 
below: Frost family grave in Bennington, VT. Pennies thrown on stone by visitors   
 

 Burlington, VT

The largest city of the state sits north close to the Canadian boarder and is a largely visited town of those that dare to cross over. It sits on the sparkling Lake Champlain, which hosts great waters known for its fishing. Looking across the waters you are able to admire the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Burlington is a bustling city full of college life and "city" people. There are many fine dining options along with pubs and bars that seem to pop a squat in any ol college town. The day I decided to go was during their Mardi Gras parade/festival. Burlington hosts the biggest Mardi Gras festivity outside of New Orleans because of a large French population...unsure if there are lots of ex-Canadians or what. The center shopping area of the town hosts a bricked road that no cars are allowed on and people can walk, sit, people watch and shop in the many shops. This is a large place for people to gather on the weekends and during activities and festivals held throughout the year.

 

right and below: Lake Champlain from different areas

   along the Vermont coastline showcasing the Adirondacks

   in the background

 

 

 

Shopping and eating district on Church St. that is blocked off to traffic.



 

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 Some cold people on the Mardi Gras floats!

Tons of people lined up for the parade!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, my adventure of a true Winter Wonderland was a great eye opener into what snow and cold temperatures really are!  Along with the weather and winter storm Nemo, I learned a lot about peace and the cleanliness of the air a snowfall can bring. Also the step back in time to where people respected and lived off the land and prided themselves into being individuals. The art of hosting through a bed & breakfast, warmth of Vermont wool socks, dairy farm made cheeses and creams, forests of fresh made maple syrup awaiting for the taking, trails and passages to secret serenity spots, and just how inviting it can be to see the sun and blue sky in the middle of the fresh fallen snow.  

 

 

 So, pack your bags and your winter gear and venture up to Vermont to see this majestic place of beauty. Go for the fall leaves and stay till the snow falls to experience the retreat of peace and new beginnings. There are many great b&bs to stay warm by the fire place and eat homemade cookies and a glass of milk or warm tea. Your adventure awaits!

Organization Rhyms with Procrastination...Right?!

Me on caffeine high.

I have been researching and reading all evening on how to start a blog, and yes, I started this one in 2011 and realize I am a little late on reading the directions! After two Mellow Yellow Zeros (crack in a can) and two LARGE Tervis glasses of tea (nondecaf) that I drank with my pizza 6 hours ago (!!), I have been able to organize my pictures on my computer, link my blog to Pinterest (because who can live without that) and add a few more cool little buttons so you may better travel with me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Gracie girl that loves to go.

I am very excited in dedicating some time into our journey and sharing fun things about each city I have visited which hopefully encourages you to take off on your own adventures to some of these little treasure towns. I have the whole year of 2013 to catch up with (procrastination again)! In the next few weeks we are whizzing through the USA. We will be traveling to Vermont, Maine, a tad of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Charleston (for the sand and grits), Vegas (more sand), Santa Fe and then middle of no where Arizona (which is my current home).

 

 

 

 

 

So, pack your bags and enjoy the ride -it's more fun if you hang every body part you can out the windows- as we cruse around the USA and spark the gypsy soul in you!



love this cute little picture of these wild old ladies! thanks to pinterest for the picture.

Life is Good Where Grits are Swallered

 

Savannah, Georgia

 

 

When I was a wee little girl my "fancy" grandmother showed be the movie "Gone with the Wind"...from then on I was in love with the South, its culture, the days of whale bone hooped skirts and corsets and knew what I wanted when I grew up-- my very own Rhett Butler. Savannah is part of that culture- sweet tea, y'alls and grits:)

 

I decided to take time off one January and hit the road from southern Kentucky to travel deeper into the south to the banks of southern Georgia. Suitcase in hand and my puppy dog Gracie-we took the adventure to see what we could find in the marshes of this little gem. I've always heard big talk about this city and everyone always said, "If you love Charleston, you will LOVE Savannah." How on earth could I pass that up?

 

After checking into my hotel, I searched through all the maps and must sees I had gathered from the lobby to plan my long weekend. Like I have said before, I'm a sucker for the orange and green hop on and off bus tours-so I jumped on one of those to see the most of what this town had to offer along with history and to get an idea of the flow and landmarks I may want to see on my own. January, as one with sense would know, is not a huge tourist season, so I pretty much had the bus to myself!

 

It was kind of like I expected. Old beautiful trees full of Spanish Moss, old historic homes full of stories (and ghosts), and overflowing with charm and character. As I rode through the streets listening about these ghosts, pirates, slaves and wars-I noticed all these little "squares". It was like every few blocks the neighborhood had its own little square filled with flowers and fountains, restaurants, churches and then the scary part (at least for me--and most annoying) so many homeless men. They would be gathered at these squares with their carts and trash bags and talking and having what seemed a grand time. I did get off and at what seemed a safe place to walk a few of the streets and see the houses--that's when one of these homeless guys decided to follow me for what felt like forever wanting money, change, anything.

 

So, here I was, in a sweet tea southern city, single girl walking the streets--without my little sweet pit bull---and I have this guy following me. Thinking on my feet I kept an eye out for a public building to duct into and stumbled upon this gorgeous church....My prayers of safety in panic were answered!





Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

 

Holy Mary! This was absolutely a blessing and the most beautiful thing I found there! Golds, reds and a huge display of what I think was Bethlehem and the manger scene...it was amazing and I so glad I was safe and secure. The homeless man did follow me in there, I think he needed a little Jesus that day too!

 

This church is a must when visiting Savannah to just sit in awe at the art/décor. It was actually highly rated on yelp!

 

www.savannahcathedral.org

 

After spending some time in there I ventured out through a side door and jumped back on the tour bus to hit the road again and warm up.

 

Another very neat thing that I wish I had known about when I was deciding where to go to college was the base of Savannah College of Art and Design. This looks like an amazing place to learn and is highly supported by the city. Classes aren't held on just a boring old college campus but throughout the city in different buildings and old homes and they learn hands on talents to rebuild and remodel the historic homes and buildings they are housed in. Many little museums that showcase student art along with super neat little stores that only sell things the students themselves make! I'm a sucker when it comes the stuff like this. I love one of a kind finds that you just don't see anywhere else. The little store I found was full of paintings/drawings, textiles, jewelry, soaps/lotions, clothing, bags, scarves, just everything you can imagine and not imagine...it was in there! I really could have gone broke in there:)

 

And then, as some of you know... I have a gypsy soul that I swear is in tune with the sea, because where ever I adventure, I always find myself there. How could I go to the edge and not venture to the ocean to say hi?

 

 

Found a pier and walked out on it to take a few pictures and warm up in the sun while the salty breeze kissed and froze my nose. The waves and underwater unknown is the most amazing and calming thing to me and I could sit there forever, alone-just me and the sea. However, I needed to find a place for Gracie to venture out on the sand for the first time! Georgia doesn't seem to allow dogs on the beaches so we headed north into Hilton Head (about and hour drive) to find a path and some sand she could run around in! She LOVED it! I can't wait to take her back. She ran and ran and ran, very happy to finally have some freedom and danced in the cold salty water and chewed on some sticks. She found herself in love the with beach that day too!

 

My visit to Savannah--was eye opening! I agree, it is a charming neat city but I am in love and fully committed to Charleston and I have to admit that it just doesn't compare or come close to its charm and for me, kind of fell flat. I really think the large homeless population is what ruined it for me. But, go and see for yourself! You may fall in love and find that it is your favorite place on earth!

Make it an adventure...



Emeral City at the Edge of My World

   Enchanted forests and magical waters...this fairy land hosts many outdoor activities to suit all your adventure needs! The best part, at least for me, is there is a history rich in music, creativity and art. There are tons of opportunities to enrich yourself in the grunge lifestyle that carries the scent of salt water.

 

This city is set up much like the game Chutes & Ladders. The islands of Puget Sound connect to the streets of Seattle by bridges and water ferries. It is a total must when visiting the area that you take time out  to ride one of the ferries to an island to explore. It will be a great chance for pictures of the city line and contact with creatures of the dark blue sea. I rented a car for my long weekend there, mainly because I wanted to do some major site seeing in and out of the city, island hopping and exploring- which didn't seem super accessible through public transportation. The downtown area you can find a parking spot close to the shopping district/Pikes Market or The Needle, there is a metro train that connects these two areas but other than that, you are walking or public transit buses.

 

One of the first things I ALWAYS suggest when visiting a new city is to take a tour. I love the hop on and off tours because they give you tons of information and you can jump off and spend as little or long as you want and see many of the big site seeing spots of the city. The tour I found that was listed as "a must" in Seattle is the Duck Tour. This is a city and water tour aboard one of the land and sea vehicles. They provide fun entertainment along with tips and information of the city while driving through the streets then enter into Lake Union for a water tour. Here you get to see the famous house boats and watch water planes land, along with another view of the city scape and boat life of the thriving city.

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Sleepless in Seattle house

Seattle is also known for its crazy places of interest such at the troll under the bridge who holds a real size Volkswagen bug in his hand, gum wall with years and years of DNA outside of an old theatre entrance, Ballard locks and the Salmon run which allow boats in and out of the sea and sound and provide and underwater viewing of the Salmon coming back into the lake to lay their eggs. Most of these things aren't on the usual welcome visitor materials. I do a lot of research and reading on interesting sites and unusual things to see in the cities I visit. I was lucky enough to have a cousin that lives in Seattle so he gave me the full tour of the city and surrounding areas.

And who can pass up Starbucks?? I am NOT a coffee drinker but I have a few things at Starbuck that I can not live without (chia tea latte)...yummmmmm. Just outside and down from Pikes Market is the first little Starbucks-expect a line!  You just can't pass up the yummy sip as you stroll the shops of the market. Seattle is definitely the mecca of coffee (because of the dreary rainy weather from what I was told). Every block it seems was a very small hut that served up espresso a hundred of different ways. So, you will not go without energy here!







Heading out to the most northwestern point of the US- you get a very scenic view of the Olympic National Forest and many small ports and bays along the way. The state road 112 winds along the coast and gives glimpses of Canada just on the other side of the water. Most of what you will see are logging areas where trees are being cut down and harvested along with small really dumpy American Indian villages. One we stopped at just outside of the trail area was sitting on Neah Bay. The water was soooo still-just majestic. Unfortunately the day I headed out (the least cloudy day) it was still very foggy and I didn't get the full coastal experience I wanted-but it was still gorgeous! When I am next to the water, I feel complete and fully at peace. I know I had to be a mermaid in another life!  









The trail is hidden on in a curvy road in the middle of no where but well taken care of. Most of it is made of wood planks or steps. It takes you through the forest which looks like you are walking through the set of Twilight (which happens to be just a few hrs south). There are many signs about bears around the area because you are in the middle of bear country but I didn't get to see any- I was more busy with trying to get my eyes on a real bald eagle!
  The amazing part of the western US coastline are the rocky cliffs giving home to hidden gems such as sea caves! Peering deep in there I am sure they provide a home for many treasures. One I could see several star fish--but I think that is for sure where my home would be, if I were a mermaid...

There are many many great places to see and things to do along the market and waterfront. A good place to grab some fresh fish and chips! The aquarium is located on the water among different seafood restaurants from cheap to five stars. This is also a great place to catch a ferry to Vancouver!







Seattle is a place with a laid back, grunge/geeky feel that has the ability to kiss your face with the salt water. Slow pace intertwined in the hustle and bustle of a city that expands from coast to mountains and a foreign land. Its a must to jump on a plane and take a stroll in the city to learn about music, technology, outdoors and the many arts that are represented.

 

 

 

 

 

 Of course, the main place to go while you are in Seattle is to visit Pikes Market. This was a lot bigger than I expected-hosting several stories and many craft along with food and produce vendors. I do believe you could get about anything you wanted from the market to make a wonderful meal or graze on some snacks ;).

 

 

The one thing I was really excited to see is the guys throw some fish around at the market. I guess the day I went wasn't a great day for people being there and buying fish...they were mostly just standing around cleaning. I can't imagine the site of these huge fish flying through the air! I'm sure they weigh a "ton" and gotta be a little slippery...  

 

So, purchase a ticket, spread your wings and fly to Seattle to experience a whole new fresh world. Sites of the city, mountains, ocean and many lakes will awaken your spirits and inside adventurer. I did get lucky in the month of September going and it wasn't very rainy during the day when I was touring around the town, but do take a jacket or two...rent a car and hit the road! Many gems to be found that sparkle on the emerald coast...