The little towns on US 90 before entering Seattle are charming and unexpectedly beautiful.
I spent 3 days covering less than 50 miles, but I couldn't resist exploring North Bend, Snoqualmie (above), Issaquah and Bellevue.
Seattle proved very difficult for me though. I used over a quarter of a tank of gas trying to find parking just to visit the market....
And I worried for a while that the above picture was going to be the best I would get.
When I found this spot right next to the water and only about 6 or 8 blocks away from Pike Place I was overjoyed. As I trudged up the hill, I also met a few dozen homeless men who were living under the same overpass. They were nice enough as they greeted me but if any of them realized how cozy my little home was against the drizzly rain I may find that parking spot empty when I returned.
The hike uphill was not the most fun and after many steep uphill steps...
I reached the top!
The market was overflowing with everything.....
Flowers...
and fish...
Really, really fresh fish....
Colorful fish...
Fresh vegetables....
And lots of stuff you never, ever see in the grocery store...
And people! So many people it was hard to walk.
I bought some vegetables then sat down for a lunch of fish and chips.
The hike back to the RV was pretty much a replay. The guys were cordial as I walked by and only one asked for some money. I gave him an apple because I liked his dog. I admit, the RV and Sigh Me were a welcome sight when I got back.
I spent the next two days mostly driving around Seattle. I wanted to go up the Space Needle but parking and crowds were, once again, more than my patience would bear. The single flaw in Halcyon II's makeup is her height. At almost 9' high she does not fit into any parking garages. So downtown parking becomes almost prohibitive. With a little planning--like an RV park somewhere near a bus line--I might have spent more time and seen more. But I was ready to move on. Canada was beckoning.
You are correct, RV park near a bus is a hot ticket. We hate driving and parking in Seattle. It has just become awful. I applaud your courage parking and walking where you did, but really hope you don't do that again. We're at the Issaquah Village RV Park, which is stupidly expensive, but is convenient and walkable to the bus. Safe travels!
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