July 22, 2009 The Alaska Adventure Begins Raleigh to Seattle

A really long day today, so far. Up at 4:15 AM so we could do the airport security thing and catch our 7:10 flight. Big thanks to our friend Rick for delivering us on time! Of course, after getting there so early, we were able to zoom right on through security so we could sit and wait another hour! 2 1/2 hours to St Louis, then a 1 1/2 hour wait, then 4 hours to Seattle.

The last 1/2 hour into Seattle was the high point of the trip. Here's why:

The captain had just announce that were passing through 13000 feet, so that mountain must be about that high.

After we got in, met Uncle Fred and Faith, went to our hotel and checked in, we caught a bus to downtown so we could go to the famous Pike Place Market (read more about it here: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/frameset.asp?flash=true).

Here's why we wanted to see it again:

And:

Like BIG lobster tails?

Along the way, the bus passed the Boeing Plant with some interesting unmarked planes parked around (sorry, no pics) and both Safeco Field (the Seahawks) and Qwest Field (the Mariners). Here a picture of them both, with MT Ranier barely visible in the background, taken from the downtown waterfront:


Now we're back in the hotel room getting geared up for an early start tomorrow. Have to be ready to get on the shuttle to the airport at 6:00 AM! Our flight to Anchorage leaves at 8:00. We'll get there about 10:00, then have the rest of the day until 4:00 to see the sights before we catch the bus for the ride (112 miles) to the Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Not sure what the wifi or Verizon situation will be there, so don't be surprised if there's no email tomorrow.....and maybe no txt msg either.

Will write more when we can get service.

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG