Tuesday and Wednesday 20 & 21 May 2025

It was overcast with a little drizzle on our drive to the west coast on Tuesday. Heading to Florence first, we stopped at a cute seaside old town of Suislaw, where we purchased some trinkets and had a good IPA at a little bar on the street. At Yachats, further north, the fried scallops, fish, prawns and chips from the Luna Sea Fish House, were shared and delicious. Then, north along the Pacific coast to Newport. Here, one of the party went for a walk on the beach while the other did some research at Nanas Irish Pub. Home east to Eugene along very well made American roads, through pine, spruce and fir forests.

Wednesday was a trip to downtown to see what Eugene had to offer. Not much of a downtown as it turns out. We did find Fifth Street Market and managed to have a beer and share some burnt ends brisket with fries, sitting on the terrace in the sunshine. A long walk around town saw us find a barber for Flashy as well. Then up the hill to the very well maintained rhododendron gardens. At the bottom, the best ice cream shop in Eugene mysteriously appeared. For nine dollars, we had huge scoops of chocolate and coffee ice creams. Then, cleaning sticky fingers, we headed home. Although, a slight diversion to the Crow and Cart Bar for an afternoon beverage was in order.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 22, 23 & 24 May 2025

Friday we flew to Seattle. United Airlines again. Below average again. On arrival, we lugged the bags upstairs and down dales to the station to catch the light rail to our hotel out in the Uni of Washington area. Bloody hell. That’s why they invented Uber! Not doing it again. Just saying. Our Hotel in Seattle is called the Graduate. I don’t think it’s a reference to Dustin Hoffman and Mrs Robinson but more about the surrounding area of uni students attending the University of Washington. It’s quirky, clean and comfortable. The light rail station is across the road. Now, isn’t that good? Well, it is when you don’t have a handful of bags.

As seniors, we get a day pass for $2 and the light rail link back to downtown is quick, clean and safe - a lot of security about.

So, having arrived and been able to check in early; go to floor 14 (almost the top); drop bags and have a look at the roof top bar and downstairs lounge/lobby, we got the LR back to downtown to explore Pike Street Market. This is a bit like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco only busier. Ah, it’s Memorial Day long weekend. That explains the many domestic tourists and families with snotty kids. We did manage to find the best restaurant in the Markets – the Athenian, where we had some good seafood and a glass of Rose.

Train back to the hotel and we end up at the roof top bar for a cocktail, then back to the lobby/lounge where we snaffle the fire side lounge seats. The remnants of our gin and tonic and some cheese and crackers from our travelling supply, cap off the night.

Saturday, we are up early and off to meet Jason, our Seattle Greeter. Turns out he is the originator of the Seattle Greeters. One day old! It’s his and Seattle’s first greet. Luckily, we are seasoned greetees. A very informative session with him before we catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island and a relaxed day sampling wine, some snacks and walking about in beautiful sunshine. Home to the roof top again. You must support your hotel.



Heading to the markets.
Decorative lobby lounge at the Graduate.
Comfy chairs in the lounge for our travelling supplies of snacks and GnT's.






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