Discovery Park

There are days definitely when I consider Seattle to be "the city of parks". There are just so many of them that I feel like I have only visited a handful of them. However, I get to cross another one off my bucket list, I got to visit Discovery Park with my dad.

Discovery Park is over 500 acres, making it the largest park in Seattle. It's about a 15 minute drive from downtown Seattle, and it's nestled in the neighborhood, Magnolia. Discovery Park offers spectacular views since it's situated on Magnolia Bluff, which allows you to have breathtaking views of tidal beaches and a lighthouse.

There are many trails leading to the lighthouse and unforuntaely since the signage is a little scarce (especially on the Loop Trail), it makes it a little difficult to be confident you are still on the same trail. But half of the fun of a new park is the exploring aspect; I was definitely on several different trails. If you end up taking the Hidden Valley trail from the lighthouse to the visitor center, you are going to end up climbing about 100 stairs. At the visitor center they sell maps for $1; however, there are free (somewhat blurry) maps available on the kiosk at the park's entrance. If you have a teeny tiny bladder, no worries; there are several bathrooms throughout the park. Parking was a little difficult, but my parking lot stalking skills are superb, so I was able to get a parking spot in less than 5 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

The beach was really pretty and especially on the North Beach Trail, which has an array of rocks and seashells. It was definitely peaceful in the park with several great views of the mountains (Cascades and Olympics) and the sparkling water of the Puget Sound. The day we went, it was definitely a little hazy but the views were not disappointing.

An expected surprise was that along Discovery Park Avenue (the main road to the park), the intersecting streets are named after states. I started noticing this when I saw a Nebraska street sign. Also along this road there were little entrepreneurs selling Gatorade by the glass; I guess lemonade stands are so 2011.

Meadow and the Puget Sound

At the top of the bluff, the lighthouse is sort of located on the peninsula; the trail that is visible is South Beach Trail

My dad and me at the lighthouse (from the South Beach Trail)

My dad at the lighthouse (from the North Beach Trail)

Trying to locate rocks and seashells

The precious seashells for the grandchildren

A little touch of the Midwest in Discovery Park

uhhhh...where did Mount Rainier go?

Since this is my third blog posting about Mount Rainier, I have realized I am definitely a Rainier Enthusiast. Since I have an annual pass to the National Park, it is definitely one of the destinations I enjoy taking visitors to when they come and see me. Therefore, since my dad is visiting me, I thought he would thoroughly enjoy this majestic mountain.

We left early on Sunday morning and it was cloudy in Seattle and we couldn't see Mount Rainier (which to anyone else that might have meant that there would be poor visibility and to not go), but me, trying on the new pants of being an optimist (I still think my pessimistic pants fit better), I thought it would be crystal clear by the time we arrived to the mountain; since it is a well known fact how quickly the weather changes in Washington. This fact is very true, but the weather changed for the worse.

About five miles before the Paradise National Park Entrance, it was evident that we were probably not going to be able to see the mountain when we got to the Paradise Visitor Center. However, what I didn't count on was the thick fog that would be surrounding us while we drove around twisty roads to 5500 ft elevation. I know for a fact my dad's blood pressure was high during that entire drive; it wasn't just the nonverbal signs (holding onto things in the car and the cringing) but also the verbal signs "Shaida, slow down!" Additionally, after September 4th (right after Labor Day) all of the roads past Paradise are closed so plan your trip accordingly.

He and I survived the 20 minute drive in the park to Paradise. We step outside of the car and it started to rain.....and we did no have any rain gear. It was at this moment that I realized how useless weather.com is when one is checking the weather for travel plans (weather.com indicated that it would only be partly cloudy with 10% chance for rain). But we were here to hike and to see the scenery; unfortunately, that did not include viewing the mountain because it was covered by fog and more fog. And the icing on the cake was it was around 45 degrees with a constant cold breeze.

We hiked for about an hour and then between the rain and my dad not being accustomed to hiking it was time to get somewhere warm and dry, my car. Overall, we got to see some chipmunks, a deer, and different kinds of birds for wildlife sightings. My dad enjoyed just walking in nature (he is use to walking on a track back in Missouri), and was okay with not seeing the mountain; but I was definitely disappointed that missed out of seeing the mountain up close.

I was definitely spoiled my first two trips to the mountain, warm weather and great visibility. However, I got to see a different side of Mount Rainier. During our drive back through the park it began snowing. Yep snowing in September. Therefore, I think it is implied when I state that I was happy to once again see my beloved Seattle Skyline welcoming me home with 65 degree weather with just a slight overcast.

This is where Mount Rainier is at but the fog was too overwhelming to see anything :(

At Myrtle Falls

On the Skyline trail to go and see Myrtle Falls

Enjoying the hike

The wildflowers were still in bloom

Almost done with our hike

A stroll through the trees

The view of Sculpture Park upon our return from the mountain

Snoqualmie Waterfall

I am such a sucker for waterfalls, and I have wanted to visit the scenic waterfall, Snoqualmie, since I moved to Seattle; now I get to cross off another thing from my bucket list. This waterfall is a little less than 35 minutes from downtown Seattle; it's a scenic drive to the waterfall. Over a million people visit this waterfall every year, which I completely understand because it is breathtaking; but also it is the waterfall that was shown in the cult TV show Twin Peaks.

Currently, the trail leading down to the base of the waterfall is closed until March 2013; however, the top of the waterfall is accessible for taking iconic touristy pictures. I got to go with my dad (he's visiting from Missouri) and he was saying that the waterfall is very beautiful, but it definitely doesn't compare to the magnitude of Niagara Falls. It was in that moment that I was immensely jealous of my dad, because me being a fanatic of waterfalls, Niagara, is definitely a destination I want to see before I kick the bucket.

Since the trails are closed, I recommend bringing a lunch so you can enjoy the Centennial Green (meadowy area) and marvel at the hydroelectric capability of the waterfall. Parking is readily available in parking lots and on the road; we went around lunch on a Saturday and didn't have any troubles. There is also a gift shop with an array of Washington State souvenirs; I definitely got a magnet. I cannot wait to go back in March when the trails are open. Another day spent loving the fact that I live in Washington.

At Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls

My dad and me at Snoqualmie Falls

Being an Iowa Girl, I found popcorn in the shape of corn on the cob amusing, and I think the pickup truck picture is a nice touch :)

Seattle's International District

I get to check another item off my Seattle Bucket List: visiting the International District. I had the best tour guide for this area, my high school friend from China.

I am going to disclose some sensitive information with you; I cannot use chopsticks to eat to save my life, unless I stab it; and half of the time I still miss. The last time I even had to consider using chopsticks was last summer (with this same friend),  when we arrived at a restaurant in Las Vegas and I was getting ready to sit down, the waiter instantly removed my chopsticks and gave me a fork. I didn't even have to ask, they totally profiled me as an American who could not use chopsticks; not only were they correct but I respected their initiative to make my dining experience more enjoyable. This did not happen at any of the dining experiences I have had at the International District here in Seattle.  Some of the common responses my friend utilizes as "encouragement" are the following:

• Look at that lady, she looks American and she is using chopsticks.
• A small child can eat with chopsticks...look there's one right there.
• It's so much easier to eat with chopsticks.
• Please don't ask for a fork.
• I am showing you the incorrect way to hold and use the chopstick but you still should be able to do it.

Okay back to the International District of Seattle. It is smack in the middle between Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill (which are neighborhoods in Seattle). There are grocery stores, antique stores, restaurants, bakeries, shops, clothing stores, etc located in the neighborhood. The produce in this area of the city is by far some of the cheapest I have seen (for instance okra was $0.99 a pound). There are also entire stores devoted to Hello Kitty. In regards to restaurants you definitely get a mixture of fusion and authentic restaurants. In my experiences I haven't really enjoyed Asian bakeries but there are a few good ones in this area.

Definitely an area I will be heading back to for the cuisine, but I am definitely happy that I am not living in this area. The other apartment I was contemplating living at when I moved here was in this area. This is a neighborhood that I like to visit but I prefer not to live in.