The next day Rory (Navy Lieutenant) had to work (it was a Thursday) and Marcella (Nurse) had the day off. So she and I and Ethan hung out for the day. We were able to meet Nooner for lunch at some Korean place. Good food. Rory came home that afternoon (in his ridiculous looking new uniform) and announced that he's going to Guam on Tuesday for a couple weeks. I guess that's the Navy for you.
For dinner that night we went out for greek food and then to a local bar for drinks and the live band.
The next morning, I jumped on the bike and headed south along highway 20 which wound down the island to it's southern tip where I took a ferry to the mainland. From there it was a short ride into Seattle where I meet up with David in Renton, just east of Seattle.
David and I went to high school together. I think most of you probably already know about the high school I went too but I'll give the quick synopsis for those who don't. I was a very small private school that my dad had a hand in starting up (since dad was involved in it, naturally I had to go there). When I say small I really mean it. My graduating class consisted of three people; me, David and Mary (who I'll see later in the trip). I hadn't thought about it until I saw David, but this year is our 10 year high school anniversary. I figure we can just consider the reunion to be in two cities, Seattle with David and Phoenix with Mary.
Anyway, David and I hung out with his two year old daughter, Isabella, a cute little girl with lots of energy. When we went out to dinner, I couldn't help but notice that the very attractive waitress was being particularly nice to us. It wasn't until later that I realized that she probably thought we were a gay couple with our adopted baby. Figures.
From David's place the next morning I headed to Nancy and Rich's place (my aunt and uncle). It was just a quick visit but it was pretty nice. Rich and I talked about Rich's own cross country motorcycle trip from Florida to Washington back in the 70's. There were a lot of similarities between our trips, although Rich had to dodge a hurricane or two, something I hope to avoid altogether.
I didn't get to see the Seattle Paddens or the Dolbottens, just not enough time in the day. Also, I didn't see any of the cousins living in Seattle. As it turns out Keith Urban and John Mayer were playing at the Gorge (it's a big natural amphitheater cut into the Columbia River gorge near George, WA). Pretty hard to compete with those two but I'll see them all next time.
From there I headed south out of Seattle down to the Ft. Lewis area to see Angela. I know Angela from college. Although we went to different colleges in Green Bay, both schools had a linked ROTC program which is how we met. Angela is still in the Army, in the National Guard and had just gotten back from a trip to Korea for an exercise when I rolled into town. Good timing.
We ate at Jakes in Setilacoom, near where I used to live when I was stationed at Ft. Lewis. I stupidly didn't take any pictures but the view from this place is incredible. When you look out from their patio directly to your front is the Puget Sound and several islands, to the left is the Olympic peninsula and it's mountains, to the right is Tacoma and the Tacoma Narrow's bridge in the distance. It was one of my favorite places to eat when I lived there. The food is awesome too and Jake always has a huge selection of different beers from all over the northwest and the world. I met Jake several years ago when he ran a wine and beer shop out of what used to be a garage. He would have tasting nights which is how I was first found the place. He later opened a restaurant (conveniently named Jake's) just up the road from the garage where he serves awesome food along with his awesome beer and wine.
The next day's plans include visiting the Kib and Val (Rory's parents) and a loop around the Olympic peninsula ending in Portland/Vancouver.
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Location:North West Washington
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