Day Eleven

We had planned to get up early and go the executive lounge for breakfast before it got busy. We didn't manage it. Still had breakfast just a little later than planned.

Hung about our room until we needed to leave. Did some Facetiming.

Eventually checked out at 11.30am. Packed the car. Couldn't find the mobile broadband MiFi. Panicked. Ann went back in to see if we had left it in the room. Found it. Had to ring Ann to tell her to come back.

Eventually we left. Drove up I-5 until we reached Mukilteo near Everett. Only took around 35 minutes. We arrived at our destination, the Boeing factory. We were booked in on the 1pm tour. First part was to watch a short film then get on a bus. Bus took us to the factory. It is the largest building in the world in terms of volume. Got off bus. Went down to a tunnel, walked along it, got in an elevator went up. We ended up on a viewing platform above the shop floor. The guide told us how planes are built. We retraced ourselves back out to the bus. Drove to the other side of the building and did the same but looking at other types of plane.

Unfortunately you are not allowed to take anything into the factory. To do with health and safety, people dropping things from heights. Therefore we have absolutely nothing to include in the blog in terms of photos or videos,

Here is a timelapse of what happens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iqx6P16ovY

Tour took an hour and a half. It was interesting seeing the process behind how 747s and Dreamliners are constructed. The size of the process is big as you can imagine.

After the tour finished we grabbed a bite to eat in the café and then had a look around the 'Future of Flight' exhibition. It wasn't really that fascinating. Did get a chance to have our photo taken and superimposed on the factory floor.

Fake news

That is at least a glance of what it looks like. We then went up to the area where you can see out across the site.

World's largest building

The factory is next to an airport so you can watch the planes come and go. Did see this there.

Big plane

It is how they transport parts of the Dreamliner in from around the world.

We then left and drove to the hotel. It took ten seconds. Really. It is next to the factory.

Checked in, room wasn't ready so sat about in the lobby for half an hour. Eventually got to room. We have managed to get two lots of washing done tonight, now it is littered around the room drying. An early start tomorrow, so bed is calling.

States visited - 6

Day Ten

Up relatively early this morning and headed to the executive lounge for breakfast. It was quite busy but decent enough.

We then headed out on foot down towards the bay. Eventually found what we were looking for although the area was not the greatest. Unfortunately like many cities Seattle has a lot of homeless people and a lot seemed to being 'living' under the elevated road in the Pioneer District. Apparently there are around 3000 people living on the streets in the city (Population 700,000) and it shows. Most of the places we visited seemed to have a lot of homeless people, maybe this was because they were tourist spots or maybe there is no where else to go. Seattle set up a ten year plan to combat homelessness in 2005. It hasn't worked. (By contrast London has about 7.5-8.5million inhabitants and roughly 2,500 people a night sleeping rough.)

Anyway, back to Pioneer Square. We found the building and went in. We signed the legal documentation and waited. There were meant to be another four people joining us, but it was discovered that they had booked the wrong day. That meant we had a Segway tour all to ourselves. Saddled up and then hit the city.

Our guide led us along the waterfront and gave us a personalised tour of the city. We covered much more than we would have done as he only had two of us and we were sensible, so he could take us to crowded places.

Goons

We ended up at the space needle for the obligatory photo.

Dancing Fountain

We then made our way down to Pike Place Market. He took us past the 'Gum Wall' which was awful yet people were posing in front of it. People are so weird. The Market Theatre has a no gum policy so people started sticking it to the wall outside. Gradually it became a thing. Christ knows why. Needless to say we didn't take a photo.

We ended up spending two hours out and about before returning to base. We then walked back to the hotel stopping off at a Starbucks for elevenses. Told Ann we were going to set up London Segway Tours when we got home. It would be an amazing job to spend all day on one as they are so much fun.

Headed back to the hotel to change footwear and make our plans for the rest of the day. Whilst resting found out Segways are banned from both roads and pavements in the UK due to some law from 1835. Good to see we move with the times. Might start a rogue Pro Segway movement just so I can set up the company.

Made plans and then headed out. Walked back down to the place Ann has banged on about non stop for ages, Pike Place Market. Had slices of pizza for lunch at one of the many outlets. Did some people watching out the window. Mainly watched one poor chap who had nothing but a pillow. As he laid asleep on the pavement opposite the market, hundreds of people just wandered by, not even noticing (or choosing not to notice) he was there. One lady stopped and left him a soft drink. At least one person noticed.

Had a look about the market it after lunch. Ann was very surprised that it was a market and it was busy. I was very surprised that she thought it would be anything else. To be honest I don't even know why it is such a tourist trap. It is literally just a working market, no different from any other I have ever been in. None of the tourists really bought anything, maybe food in the restaurants, but other than that they just walked really slowly getting in my way. We also saw the 'first' ever Starbucks which is situated at the market. There was a long queue of people waiting to go in to have a coffee. By long, I mean there was a 45min wait just to get in the shop. The things tourists do. The reason I put 'first' in quotes is that it actually isn't the first Starbucks. It was in the market but not at that location, it is just marketed as such.

We sat around for a while and smelt marijuana. It is legal in the state of Washington although not to be smoked in public! Thought maybe that explains the apparent problems the city has. Slippery slope and all that.

We ended up leaving the market and heading back to the waterfront. Decided to go into the aquarium. There were fish inside. And some other things.

Seal - not the singer

Ahh - a sleeping otter

I tried to communicate with the seals but it didn't work. Ann was bemused. The aquarium was actually a good afternoon activity. Lots of opportunities to sit and watch the various creatures - octopi, seals, otters, birds, fish. It was also much cooler by the water despite only being a few hundred feet from the market. Bought some crap from the shop.

When we left at around 6pm we still has some time to kill before our next activity at 8pm, so we headed to the Waterfront Park and the Seattle Wheel. We didn't go on the wheel but did have a look about and get an ice cream. I had a chocolate and peanut butter one. It was chocolate with just a lump of peanut butter stuck in it rather than peanut butter ice cream. It was still very nice.

We then ordered some fries to eat as we still had a bit of time. Unfortunately got given a number and had to sit and wait for them. They never came. Ann had to go and accost a waiter and amazingly they turned up.

As soon as we finished them we then headed to our last Seattle activity, a evening cruise around the bay. Got on a boat. Went around bay. Came back to the pier. Learnt some stuff about Seattle although some of it we had heard during the Segway tour and in much more detail. Also disagreed with some of the geography notes the guy gave. Told Ann he was talking bollocks. She believed me.

Needle from the Bay

Skyline

Wandered back to the hotel discussing our thoughts of the city. To be honest one day here is enough. Can't see what we would do if we stayed another. City has some nice areas - parts of the waterfront and the area around the Space Needle - but a lot of it is just grubby and a little shabby. It is probably my least favourite of the many cities we have been to in the USA despite the fact that we did some good things today.

Leaving Seattle tomorrow, but heading only about 20 miles north to Everett.

In an unusual twist, Ann is asleep.

States visited - 6

Seal watch - High

Day Nine

Got up earlyish at 7.30am ready to rock and roll. Ate breakfast in room again and we were packed and ready to go at 9am. Fuelled up and hit I-5 northwards.

We couldn't check in to the hotel in Seattle until 4pm, so we decided to do a couple of things on the way. The first being this place: https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

America's Car Museum

We had researched museums last night to see what was about and plumped for this one. So glad we did, it was awesome. It was a typical American museum, very good presentation and layout. Here is just a small selection of stuff there.

Countach

Flags

Caddy

Main Hall

It was a 'Take a Spin' day which meant they had six classic cars giving people a couple laps around a small track outside. The cars varied in type and size from a Model T Ford to a 2CV. We rode in them all to test them out. Here is a selection.

 

 

Eventually we decided to let other people have a go and headed back in side to finish the museum.

Had lunch in the restaurant - cheesy chips which were very good.

Next we decided that as we still had a bit of time to kill we would have another round of golf. Headed to http://www.parklandputters.net/index.htm

The website makes it look better than it is. Probably the worse mini golf place we have ever been to. There were four courses of varying degrees of difficulty so we picked the hardest. I say we, I mean me.

 

Ann soon decided it was impossible and seemed to give up. The reason it was difficult was not the overall hole design, but just the cups were all on slopes so the ball kept rolling bloody miles if you missed.

The final hole was just as silly as the one at Wallowa Lake, but this time we both ended up in the same place so no controversy. I won't mention the scores but I won!

We didn't hang around long despite being given a first and second place ribbon by the course.

We hit I-5 again but this time it was busy. Very busy. Headed slowly all the way to Seattle before the sat nav caused us to miss our turning by it saying stupid things. Eventually made it to the Hilton Seattle. Checked in and went to our room on the 24th floor. When we were looking for somewhere to stay in Seattle it was apparent that everywhere cost an absolute fortune, so decided as we were going to have to spend a lot of money we might as well go the whole hog. We are in an executive room which means we get to go to the executive lounge on the top floor, which we did. Had free drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

We then headed out into the balmy evening. Walked a couple of blocks to the monorail station. Yes, the monorail station. Caught the monorail to the Seattle Centre where we then headed up Seattle's most famous feature.

Space Needle

Got to the top and had a look around. Unfortunately, the same wildfire smoke that was at Mount St Helens is also here, so the view was limited a touch. We found a good spot and then waited for the sun to go down so we could get some decent photos of the city at night.



Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs



Having waited for a long time we headed down into the shop and spent some money.

Caught the monorail back and walked the last couple of blocks back to the hotel. Got accosted by some bloke who we just ignored, he then proceeded to shout NASA at us as I was wearing a NASA t-shirt. Most odd.

Back in room now. Ann is asleep. I will be very soon. Up early in the morning for another exciting day.

States visited - 6

Classic cars ridden in - 6

Space Needles ascended - 1

Day Eight

Today was about one thing and one thing only.

We didn't rush about in the morning as we only had the one thing to do.

Ate breakfast in our room. Ann had to locate a hair dryer and then we headed out just after 11am.

Now we are staying at the Mount St Helens Motel, named because it is close to Mount St Helens. Close in this case is fifty miles away. I knew it wasn't right next to it, but I thought it was about twenty miles away.

Anyways we drove the only road from this side for over an hour to get there. Crossed some very high bridges and rose up through the hills. Went round one corner and, bang, there it was, an active volcano. At this point we were still about ten miles away from our destination, but eventually we got there. It is hard to concentrate on the road when you can see a volcano.

We parked up and wandered over to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

http://www.mshslc.org/visit-msh/west-side/johnston-ridge-observatory-2/

As we were entering, a family were amazed to find it cost $8 each to go in. They were debating whether to go in or not. It is a volcano, of course you pay. We went in, looked around the exhibits and then watched a 15 minute film about the 1980 eruption. Bought the obligatory fridge magnet and then we headed out to the observation area to take a gander.

We took a fair few pictures just to make sure we got one that was decent. The air was quite hazy, so the camera struggled to pick it up clearly. We couldn't work out why it was so bad but later found out it is to do with the forest fires in the region, so air quality is not great.

I can show you with two photographs, one original and one that I have used Photoshop on to try and get some clarity.

Original

Slightly altered

We hung up there for some time before getting too hot. Saw a someone flying a drone, presumably to get some stunning shots. Presume they didn't realise the volcano is still about four miles away so their flying didn't last long.

Got a drink and then headed back to the car. Made our way down, stopping at various viewpoints. One was a spot to look at the highest of the bridges, the only problem being was that the tree growth was so high you could no longer see the bridge.

Stopped here for lunch on the way down.

http://fmgrill.com/#

It was quite expensive but tasted ok. I had a proper burger, Ann had some namby pamby vegetarian one. Got asked where we were from, but this time the person asking had some comprehension of Geography.

We then headed back to the motel where we have been since. Not much else to do around here. Did try and find something interesting to do, but not much luck. Ate cereal for dinner. Ready to hit Seattle tomorrow.

States visited - 6

Volcanoes seen - 1

Day Seven

Been here a week. That went quick.

Today was a driving day. That was it.

Had breakfast in our room and checked out at 10am. Headed out of Joseph and back down to I-84 which took an hour and a half back through Hells Canyon. We then headed westwards again.

That was it really. We stopped for lunch next to the Colombia River in Quesna County Park. The journey followed the river for most of the way in the afternoon. Quite spectacular as ever.

Riverside

Hit Portland around rush hour, so it got very busy as we left I-84 to join I-5 northwards. Eventually we got out of the traffic jam and made it into the state of Washington.

This means I now have joined Ann on 45 states.

Arrived here:  http://mountsthelensmotel.com/ having driven 379 miles.

Headed out to collect dinner from here: http://www.papapetes.com/



Dinner

Pizza pie

 And that is pretty much that. Speed is now on TV. Tomorrow will be more interesting.

States visited - 6

Miles covered - >1500

Day Six

Today was a good day. In fact, today was an excellent day. This was despite waking up at 5am and not being able to get back to sleep. It was our first day without travelling, so we could actually do some stuff.

As we are in a motel we had to head out for breakfast. Went here. https://www.oldtowncafejoseph.com/

It was very busy. We were lucky to arrive when we did as most people after us had to go away and come back later. Even then we had a long wait for food. Ann had granola, yoghurt and banana. I had two pancakes. Thought that would be manageable. When they arrived they were the size of my head. I struggled to get anywhere with them. Ann thought it would be funny to photograph me when I reached halfway.

The photo doesn't do it justice

I ended up giving in with a quarter of the plate to go. Just ridiculous. Whilst in there I saw a man with the most American face possible. Take every American man you have ever seen and merge their faces and you would get this bloke.

We then headed just up the road to Wallowa Lake. We had three things we wanted to do, but we only had time for two, so we had a choice to make.

We decided to bin off going up the mountain on the tramway and do the other two. First we went to the marina and hired a boat. Took it for a spin on the lake.

It started off ok, but got very hot very quickly. We melted a lot. I managed to get my feet in the water whilst still driving the boat, which at least cooled one part down. The lake and views were amazing. It did remind us of Dante's Peak again, the bit near the end where they cross the acidic lake in a boat that looks very similar to ours.

Non acidic lake

Once we got back to dry land we grabbed a drink and headed to our second activity, the Lake Wallowa Mini Golf Open Championship. The course was littered with wild animals watching on. I took a one shot lead on the first, but the pressure of the animals got to me as I took a 7 on the second hole. This gave Ann a four shot lead after just two holes. Going into the back nine she still had a substantial lead but gradually it started to slip.

Eventually, after seventeen nail biting holes, Ann took a 2 shot lead into the final hole. At this point even the assembled bears, mountain lions and goats could not have foreseen the controversy that was about to happen.

The final hole was a typical one where the ball disappears back to the hut when completed. Now picture the hole. A fairly flat start leading to a small ridge and beyond that three concentric circles of plastic on a slope, the middle one being the hole and the others having a gap near the bottom so the ball would return to the golfer if they missed.

Ann was up first. She hit the ball, it jumped over the ridge, missed all three circles and rolled back down the slope. However, the ball did not return back to her as we had thought would happen. It disappeared off and a recorded voice shouted dismay at her as she had missed the hole. I went to investigate and sure enough there was no way for the ball to come out after your first shot. So what did this mean? How many shots did that equal? It definitely wasn't one.

I stepped up. Gave the ball a whack, it leapt up the ridge, hit the back of the outer circle and the bounced back straight into the hole.

We looked at each other blankly. What did this mean? What were the final scores? Ann said she was happy to call it quits. Of course she was! By my calculations as she had missed all three circles that equated to a four and with me getting a hole in one, I would win by one stroke. I did, however, know better than to mention this, so an honourable draw was agreed upon.

We headed back to the motel for lunch, having more of the stuff we bought last night. Then we got ready for our next activity and headed out to here:

http://jbrailriders.com/

We arrived early to check in. The young guy who did so noticed we were from the UK. He said 'Whereabouts is that? I'm not good with geography, is it near Canada?'  Oh dear.

We waited a while, making sure we were sunscreened up and then we got put in our vehicle.

Railroad device

Basically this activity involved sitting in the contraption and pedalling along the old Joseph branch line. Six miles there and six miles back. It was 90 degrees. Going to be a hot one. Luckily we got put at the back of the group which meant we could go at our own speed. We also got told that the journey out was downhill and the return leg was uphill. Great!

Despite the fact we didn't pedal much on the first leg, by the time we reached halfway we were boiling hot as there was limited shade. The cars got turned around and this time we ended up third which meant we were going to have to keep a decent pace so the people behind wouldn't be annoyed at us. We took a lot of water with us and boy did we need it. It was bloody hard work pedalling six miles up hill in that heat.

We actually made very good time and were very consistent in our speed. We arrived back at the start a good ten minutes before the people behind us.

It was a fun thing to do, although we were a little disappointed with the journey itself. The scenery wasn't really spectacular (There is another route the company run further down the line which runs along the river and canyon) and we didn't see any wildlife either which is another of the selling points. We did see an osprey nest which was up a pole near the start.

Rather messy nest

We headed back quickly to the motel to die and have cold showers.

We couldn't be bothered with much after that. We got some more food from the shop and then collapsed in the room to eat it.

Ann is now asleep as ever. I wish I was.

Back to travelling tomorrow.

States visited - 5

Osprey watch - high

Day Five

Yesterday I forgot to mention the actual highlight of the day. As we were driving in the afternoon we saw a couple of dust devils in the fields. Ann tried to video them. Then suddenly there was one on the road. Lots of hay swirling around and we drove through the middle of it. The car bumped a little. Luckily Ann had stopped videoing at that point!

Today we decided to have a break from early morning swimming. Ann said the place we were heading to had an outdoor pool, so we thought we would swim after the journey.

Breakfast was not as great as previous ones. Choice was a little small.

We headed off at around 10am and hit I-84 heading north west. Took no chances today, didn't let Ann drive which meant she couldn't stop and make me take over. Cut out the middle man as it were.

We drove and drove. Stereo was playing up again which meant it was quite quiet for long stints. We did race an aeroplane taking off.

Chocks away

Eventually we hit a new state, Oregon. This is one of the few we have not been too. Takes us up to 44 and 45 states respectively. Ann still has Washington state in her favour but that will change in a couple of days. It also means we have changed time zone, so now 8 hours behind the UK.

We stopped for gas and food in Ontario and then headed a few miles further north to eat lunch next to Snake River. Went live on Facebook for the first time ever. Life will never be the same again.

Carried on further north west until we reached La Grande. Turned off the interstate and headed north on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. The scenery was spectacular.

Eventually arrived in Joseph, Or. Checked in here http://www.indianlodgemotel.com/

It was built by the actor Walter Brennan. He played Stumpy in Rio Bravo.

There is no pool so we can't have an afternoon swim. Or a morning one.

Went for a stroll through the town. It is very nice, very picturesque. Looks a lot like Dante's Peak, with the mountains overlooking it.

She's gonna blow, Harry!

As it is Sunday night most of the town is shut. Only one place was open for food and it was heaving. We went to a food shop instead and bought some things and went back to the motel for tea. It was great.

We then headed out to Mad Mary's Soda Shop http://www.madmarys.com/ for desert. It sells ice cream. We bought some. Ann had a paltry one scoop in a tub. I decided to battle two scoops and a waffle cone.

Old style ice cream parlour

Worried by the challenge ahead

I won the battle eventually despite the cone collapsing and having to transfer it all to a bowl instead.

Now back in the room. Have put on Dante's Peak on the iPad.

Looking forward to tomorrow as we don't have drive anywhere. Our first day of proper activities which should be awesome. Will make the blog more interesting for a start.

States visited - 5

Ice Creams defeated - 2 scoops