The Northwest provided an ideal escape with hot, humid weather in Naples and European travel plans canceled. In spite of the news filled with “snippets” of “protesting” (although, in some cases, rioting and looting would be more accurate descriptions) here in the politically active Northwest, for most people life goes on in the new “Covid normal” state, i.e., masks and social distancing.
For the next while we are based in Tacoma, Washington, where my sister lives. We flew into Sea-Tac, the airport located almost midway between Seattle and Tacoma. Tacoma agreed to join Seattle in building a new airport between the two cities on the condition that the name reflect both sponsors, hence, it opened as Sea-Tac in 1944. Even with upgrades and expansions, summer travelers test the capacity of the airport, noted by the fact that we have waited up to an hour for our luggage. With a relatively empty airport this year, however, it was being delivered by the time we got to the luggage carousel.
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city on Puget Sound. Until recent years Tacoma has been known as a blue collar mill town. It also, unfortunately, was known for the “Tacoma Aroma.” Until the 1980’s when the cleanup of Commencement Bay was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List, crossing the bridge over the Tacoma Tideflats into Tacoma generally meant being exposed to a putrid and unpleasant odor similar to rotten eggs. We all knew it too well! But all that has changed with the mills reducing their noxious emissions and Tacoma becoming a city to visit as it has been redeveloping its downtown area. Also, with the high costs and antics in Seattle, both people and businesses are starting to leave, and, Tacoma is one of the places becoming a new home.
Over the next weeks I will be sharing more information on Tacoma as well as sharing experiences and photos from our short excursions in the Northwest. Earlier this year I had put together a long listing of day and short trips within the Northwest, both first-time and repeat visits, so that whenever we wanted to do something, I could just consult my list and set about making plans. Little did I realize how much I would appreciate that list as we have lots of time!
So, I hope you will join me as we visit the Northwest.
I look forward to hearing more of your adventures in the NW. Here Roger is playing golf, and I am walking everyday . Thank goodness when I can walk with friends 2 or 3 times a week; more fun than when I walk alone. Although, I must say I listen to some fascinating podcasts when I’m alone. We’ve been making some wonderful day trips to Middleburg, Annapolis, Leesburg, Great Falls…. DC is definitely not lacking in day trip opportunities. Miss you both; see you in the next month or two
Lots more adventures coming up!
Hope you both are doing well. Naples is great right now except for the heat and rain. See you soon. Mark
The heat and rain are why we aren’t there! But at least the hurricane missed
Florida.
Hello! Glad that you are traveling again, even if just within the USA. Joe and I spent a few days in Seattle and then drove up to Vancouver many years ago – great trip! Sorry about your cancelled trip to Croatia. Our trip to Italy and Croatia this past April/May was also put on hold. We are hoping to reschedule it in 2021. Looking forward to your future posts. Stay safe and enjoy!
Debbie & Joe
It is hard to keep us down! We had planned to be gone for 5 weeks, so, we were really disappointed.
The Pacific North West is a beautiful area of this country. I am glad you are revisiting some places and discovering new ones. As always, I enjoy your travel reports!
Thank you. I always marvel at the scenic beauty of the NW. Growing up here I took it for granted. Now I truly appreciate it.
I am going to relish my opportunity to travel to this [for me] unknown territory through your running commentary…you go, girl! Mimi
You are also dealing with “unknown territory” with the challenges of NCWA lectures this season! Lots more on the Northwest coming as we have been busy going and doing.
Looking forward to more of your NW commentaries. Steve has kept me up a little while we text back and forth. However, your commentaries are more detailed.
We have been in Pagosa Springs, CO since the first of August to get out of the Texas heat as you have. We have had and will continue to have friends and family visit. We look forward to going to the Teton for a week in September.
Be safe, you two.
You are also in a beautiful part of the country and also one of the few places that has cooler weather this time of year. Lucky us! I love doing these commentaries as to make them interesting, I actually have to do a bit of research, which I love doing.
Hope you get to Cannon Beach. We used to have a condo there. Miss it
We have been to Cannon Beach, but, it was a while ago. We really like the Oregon coast.
Hi Donna!
We miss you guys! I’m so glad that you’re doing your fabulous travel blog even though your travels aren’t taking you outside of the country.
Being back at our home in Glastonbury this summer has been a bit boring but we’re so grateful that our kids & grandkids live so close by!
So looking forward to more of your posts & pictures!
Give your sister a hug for me.
🥰
More posts coming! Short trips around here keep it interesting.
You are lucky in that you do have all your kids and grandkids close by!