Roadtrip-Pacific Northwest

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 27th July 09, 09:21 AM

We'll be heading up to Seattle today, hopefully with a stop at a marshland/wildlife refuge on the way. We haven't been as productive in the birding department on this trip as we had hoped. Funny how having two children chatting away tends to scare off the birds!

Yesterday, we went to the Portland zoo with my aunt and uncle and cousin. It was pretty hot, but the zoo is great-has lots of shade and frequent misters set up where we could get wet and cool off.

On the way into the zoo, there was a set of really cool wind sculptures (although not a lot of wind to blow them around). Here's one:

Then we went and checked out the new (11 months old now) baby elephant-sorry, no pics of the elephant loaded up, but we did meet a Utilikilt wearer:

Our timing was good, we got to hang out with some birds (although they don't count towards our list because they're in captivity)

The cutest of the raptors, an American Kestrel:

And, of course, we had to go and feed the Lorikeets

The girl was in seventh heaven:

I was pretty happy too!

Jamie got his share

But, as usual, he was most popular with the goats (they just love to rub their horns on his walking stick). Look at Sinbad..."Gee dad, I want to grow up to be just like you...Not!"

We realized that it was time to eat when I started "chewing on the scenery"

Wee Xena always has to buy a new stuffed animal everywhere we go. She already bought a hummingbird at Jackson Bottom Wetlands. At the zoo, she found this bush baby, pictured here eagerly awaiting dinner:

That's all for now. Tonight we will be in Seattle, but not doing anything. Tomorrow night-kilt night at Hale's Ales http://halesbrewery.com/index.html

Be well,

**Streetcar** · 27th July 09, 10:38 AM

We're having record heat up here for you. You may end up looking more like your avatar than you intend!

**vmac3205** · 27th July 09, 05:13 PM

I hate to say it, but the kids didn't seem too excited about the Beerfest.

**dfmacliam** · 27th July 09, 05:35 PM

Jaime doesn't seem to thrilled to be bonding with the animals...especially the goats?... your daughter is so cute.. i like the shot with the bush baby...lol..thanks for posting these pictures..... and Jaime.... smile... lol

**GDub** · 27th July 09, 05:57 PM

Pike's Market? Space Needle? Experience Museum? Ferry ride out to the San Juans?

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 28th July 09, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

Jaime doesn't seem to thrilled to be bonding with the animals...especially the goats?... your daughter is so cute.. i like the shot with the bush baby...lol..thanks for posting these pictures..... and Jaime.... smile... lol

Jamie never smiles-he has something against showing his teeth!

Originally Posted by GDub

Pike's Market? Space Needle? Experience Museum? Ferry ride out to the San Juans?

Today we went up to the top of the Space Needle, visited the Science Fiction Museum (cool!), walked down to and through Pike's Market, had lunch at a funky little Hawaiian BBQ place, walked to the Utilikilts outlet and picked up some funny Canadian money.

We're tired. And hot, very hot. Ugh!

Tonight though, is going to be a rambunctious kilt night at Hale's Ales!

Pictures probably won't be up until tomorrow night, or maybe even later-we're having trouble loading them up currently.

Of course anyone who comes to tonight's gathering is certainly welcome to post pictures here as well.

And, tomorrow...Canada!

Be well,

Star

**Kilted_John** · 29th July 09, 02:19 AM

Great finally meeting you guys. Anyway, have fun in Canuckistan.

-J

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 29th July 09, 05:35 PM

We've had a lovely day. About to eat a huge salmon dinner, then perhaps the photos will be uploaded and I'll be able to post a few (unless I've passed out from the meal, sun and traveling).

It was great meeting everyone last night (thanks to Morrison, and the "name game", I might even be able to remember everyone!)

I'll be back in a few hours...

Be well,

Star

**Standard** · 29th July 09, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by The F-H.C.A.G.

Pictures....hmmm
This morning we made a quick trip to Forest Grove and visited with my grandmother (91 years young).

Don't they make such a cute couple?

Star

This has got to be one of grandma's Christmas presents in a nice frame.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us. As usual it appears that you are all having a grand time.

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 29th July 09, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Standard

This has got to be one of grandma's Christmas presents in a nice frame.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us. As usual it appears that you are all having a grand time.

It will definitely be sent to her as a present-maybe for her 92nd birthday this year!

Now, I must keep up appearances and post more pictures of the grand time.

We got yesterday's photos loaded-not very many of them turned out great(interpretation: there are plenty of pictures of me looking shiny or tired or weird, but not a lot where I look young and sexy!

), but there are plenty to show.

Here's a teaser of the Space Needle, but the rest will have to wait just a little longer, because I've been invited for a walk along the beautiful pebble beach of Semiahmoo Bay (an international flyway for birds, and you all know how crazy we are about birds). I've also been told that at low tide one can walk across the border on this beach!

Be well,

Star