On The Water And In The Air

Seattle is a beautiful city located on the shores of Puget Sound. There is much to see and do. Both on land and in the air. Last weekend we tried to see a bit of each. The weather was perfect for a stroll along the waterfront. Right away we walked to the end of a public pier where restaurants served wonderful food under umbrellas beside the water.I could have stayed there all day to enjoy the sights and sounds. And the people. Lots of people. Near the water. A trademark of the Seattle area is the ferry system that transports passengers, both on foot and by vehicle, back and forth to nearby islands and peninsulas. We didn't have to wait long before a ferry came into view.Not far from the ferry landing tour boats were filled with folks eager to be part of a harbor tour.Almost as soon as one tour left, another began.Boats of all kinds were afloat that day. Sailboats. . .And little boats.Not all the activity was on the water. Some were enjoying the day in the air. What a gorgeous day to go parasailing. . .Or flying a seaplane. . .Or resting quietly while the rest of the world rushes by.After a long drive along the waterfront, through neighborhoods filled with beautiful homes and a brief stop for lunch we came to a place I had hoped to find. Gasworks Park on the banks of Lake Union is the site of the old Seattle Gasworks that provided power for the city many years ago. Now its a park with relics from the past.And a view. Oh, what a view!

And a lot of activity. Boats. . .

And planes. Coming. . .And going!Lake Union is famous for its houseboats. Somewhere along the far side is the 'Sleepless In Seattle' houseboat.After a nice stroll through the park - and many photos later! - we drove back toward the center of the city. We were on a mission and we knew where we were going. Seattle Center. Home of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. And home of the famous Space Needle. Designed for the look of the future - a spire with a flying saucer on top.The Space Needle stands six hundred and five feet tall.Elevators quickly scoot up and down throughout the day, carrying passengers to the top.At the top you can dine in a revolving restaurant with an ever-changing view. Our friends told of a lady who left her table to visit the ladies' room. Before leaving she placed her purse somewhere out of sight. When she returned to her table her purse was not where she left it. She had securely hidden her purse on a part of the structure that doesn't move as the restaurant revolves! Her table had moved - her purse had not. But all ended well - her purse was located. Right where she left it! The observation deck is the most popular destination at the top. It offers three hundred and sixty degree views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and the City of Seattle below.Seattle Center is always buzzing with activity. Rides for the children, cultural displays and shops, places to eat, places to meet. A pink carousel and a pink ferris wheel.And vendors. Lots of vendors. As we passed by we had to stop to watch this demonstration. Hula hoops! (I can't even do one!)Interested children could try them out. To find just the right one.Soon it was time to go. Time to return to the home of our dear friends to enjoy dinner out and the evening together. We passed near the beautiful arches of the Pacific Science Center. Part of the World's Fair.Near our car one last look back to see the heritage left from an event years ago. Now such a part of the city. Well-known and loved. The Space Needle - a tribute that looked forward to the future. So long ago. When I was young. I never dreamed then that it would endure or how quickly time would pass. Or that one day I would be there with my sweetheart and think of my grandchildren. Grandchildren? They were part of the future back then. They are part of now. My, how time flies!