On a warm summer day, we headed to Locke, California to a pear orchard! Our main goal was to pick lots of delicious pears, though we did make a stop in the town to browse around. Locke is listed as a National Historic Landmark District because of its preservation of what a rural Chinatown looked like when Chinese immigrants arrived at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region as they established their lives working on nearby farms. The community had several shops, gambling halls, brothels, and a school. This town was built for the Chinese by the Chinese.



Afterwards, we headed to the pear orchard on the adjacent land to pick some pears! At first, it looked like all the pears had been picked, but upon closer look, we were able to pick three boxes worth. Picking and eating fresh fruit was such a joy as the pears were firm, ripe, and juicy. Some were on the tart side while some were sweet. All in all a good day!

Cheers,
Cat

Some say that if they ever attended this school, they would study in this hall every day. The high ceilings and antique style are reminiscent of the Great Hall featured in the Harry Potter movies and other libraries at prominent universities in England. To the students of the University of Washington, this is the Graduate Reading Room of the Suzzallo Library.




Suzzallo Library, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Happy travels!
Cat

This eleven story library, with books and collections organized by their call number for each floor is a modern take on a library. With numerous computer terminals, desks to do research and study, and chairs to lounge, Seattle Central Library invites the local community to spend time in a public space. Each floor is accessible by luminous neon yellow escalators that travel up to each floor, while the exterior of glass and steel opens up the library to let in ample natural light. There's even an automated book sorting system! Even if you don't hold a local library card, this place is worth a stop on any Seattle trip.






Seattle Central Library
1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, Washington

Happy travels!
Cat

Legend has it that Klallam and Quiluete tribes of the area were fighting in the area. Mount Storm King heard of this fight and threw a boulder down, damming the rivers, forming the present-day Lake Crescent. This lake is the second deepest in the state of Washington and the phenomenal colors of the area slow down traffic quite a bit as people want to gaze at its beauty.

....

Only when the weather is cooperating. A drive along the 101 is quite fast and casual when it's raining. Despite the weather, the lake was a vivid emerald and had very clear water. On sunnier days, this place is a haven for weary travelers. With campgrounds, day hikes, waterfall trails, swimming and boating opportunities, there's bound to be something for everyone.








Lake Crescent
Launching point: Storm King Ranger Station (multiple pull-out points along Highway 101 as well)

Happy travels!
Cat

(visited in June 2016)

Surprisingly, after passing through the heavily trafficked Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, few people were attempting the Hurricane Hill trail. This trail is wonderful for its views of the mountain range that forms part of Olympic National Park, the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island.

The views are wonderfully expansive and from what I've seen in movies and pictures, I could almost be in Austria or Switzerland! The trail continues towards the north before making some switchbacks up to the peak. Along the way are signs that explain the background of the flora and fauna that inhabit this region as well as the geology of the mountains.


After the final switchback, an information placard at a clearing showcases several landmarks, like the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, Port Angeles. Be weary of strong winds though, which is probably why this trail was named Hurricane Hill. After spending some time on the hill, head back to the trailhead on the same trail.





Wildlife sightings were quite common along the trail. I saw quite a few deer and the interaction of the marmot and the deer in the bottom right picture was calm and mutual.



Olympic National Park: Hurricane Hill
Start: Hurricane Hill parking lot (beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center)
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 3.2 miles RT
Danger: windy,
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate

Happy travels!
Cat

(hike completed in June 2016)

Every July, Sequim hosts the Lavender Festival of Washington. The timing of my visit didn't coincide with the festival. Instead, I visited a local farm to see what it's like. The lavender at Jardin du Soleil was so beautiful. The round bushy lavender plants were so cute, and I had no idea that there were so many varieties of lavender! I'm not sure what the red flowers are called - they added a beautiful contrast amongst the different purple-colored lavender hues. There's also a delightful gift shop that sells lavender by the bunches and other lavender-infused products. There are some u-pick lavender farms too. Take a pick as Sequim is host to many lavender fields.



Jardin du Soleil: 3932 Sequim Dungeness Way, Sequim, Washington

For a bite to eat in Sequim, check out The Oak Table Cafe. This family-run restaurant makes delicious eggs benedict with potato pancakes, with applesauce and cream cheese side. My friend likes their apple pancakes.
The Oak Table Cafe: 292 West Bell Street, Sequim, Washington (second location in Silverdale)


Happy travels!
Cat

Pike Place Market is one of those must-visit places when visiting Seattle. Sure, the market is touristy, but it's still a functioning market that sells local products, seafood, flowers, and delicious eats. I've compiled a couple places that are my favorite. Check them out!

Piroshky Piroshky
1908 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington
This small shop is stocked with delightful pies filled with different flavors of sweets, savories, and vegetarian style too. My friend loves the smoked salmon pate while I prefer the beef and onion
(pictured below). This became my must-visit place every time I visit Seattle!


The Crumpet Shop
1503 1st Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Crumpets are like bready pancakes, and The Crumpet Shop is a perfect place for any sweet tooths. They do have savory options as well. Below is the Hazelnut Chocolate Spread with Ricotta Cheese.


Biscuit Bitch
multiple locations in Seattle, Washington
My friend and I visited the one on 2303 3rd Avenue, Seattle, Washington in the Belltown neighborhood. There was a smaller line and ample seating available. I recommend ordering any of the ones with gravy (not pictured).



Other places that I've heard were must-go places
Ellenos Greek Yogurt: 1500 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington (at the corner opposite the Pike Place sign)
Beecher's Handmade Cheese: 1600 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington
Original Starbucks: 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington
Gum Wall: Pike Place Market, Post Alley, Seattle, Washington

Have you been to any of these places? Let me know your thoughts!






Happy travels!
Cat

Two places immediately come to mind when people mention Seattle: the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Those are definitely the two spots to place on everyone's itinerary for a first-time visit to Seattle. What about the places surrounding the Needle? Below are some spots that are worth a visit.

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington
Admission: $22; discounts available for seniors, youth and packages to combine with Space Needle access

Dale Chihuly developed a unique approach to blowing glass, presenting the form as a new avant-garde art style. The results are truly breathtaking, with the multitude of colors and shapes, objects and figurines, twists and turns, above and below, large and small, indoors and outdoors.








Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
440 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free

This was an unplanned stop and I'm so glad that my friend and I stopped by. Outside is a large screen documenting the work that they have achieved and the problems that lie ahead of them, as well as a timeline of the progress of how the foundation began. Inside is a well-designed exhibit. Through meticulous work, the foundation has explored how to 'green' their building inside and out to reduce environmental impact and energy usage, as well as gathering people to collectively think about how to improve the lives of millions of people who are less fortunate. Their message is that no matter how close or how far somebody lives, work can be done in local neighborhoods or far-reaching regions to create equal lives for everybody and to unlock everyone's potential.



Electronic Music Project Museum (EMP)
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington
Admission: $30; discounts available for youth; extra for the additional special exhibition

I didn't actually go inside here. We visited the park outside and played with the uniquely designed playground that produces sounds and music of all sorts. Be a carefree kid again!!




Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free
This outdoor park has so many wonderful pieces of art. While doing some background research, I discovered that this site used to be a contaminated brownfield. Since remodeled, the park has become famous for the Eagle by Alexander Calder. This unique place is great to see extra large outdoor contemporary art pieces, take a walk, and to enjoy the views over Elliott Bay.




Happy travels!
Cat

If there's ever a hot day in the Bay Area, head to the coastal areas like Half Moon Bay for cooler weather. For beach access, head to Cowell Beach Ranch! A short walk from the parking lot leads to an overlook that boasts views of seals in the springtime. Early summer yields yellow wildflowers carpeting the hillside. There are also some benches scattered throughout the overlook.


Follow the steps down to reach the beach where many break out their picnic ware, spending the afternoon resting on the sand and playing on the beach.



When I made my way back up towards the stairs, I spotted a falcon (?). This pose was my favorite: "I see you and this is my spot."




For a bite to eat, I headed to Cafe Capistrano, where I ordered their cochinita pibil, a nice combination of Mayan-style flavors.


After sampling some local food and to make the most of the Half Moon Bay excursion, I headed to Pillar Point Bluff, located behind the local airport. The air force station is visible towards the south.



Cowell Beach Ranch
Start: Cowell Beach Ranch Access gate (it's a small parking lot, though parking along Highway 1 is fine.)
Duration: less than an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1 mile RT
Danger: windy
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate

Pillar Point Bluff
Start: any entrance along Bernal Avenue
Duration: half an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: variable
Danger: sandy trails and brisk wind
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: very low

Cafe Capistrano: 523 Church Street, Half Moon Bay, California

Happy travels!
Cat

(Half Moon Bay visited in June 2016)