A day at Mount Rainier

Quote of the Post: "If you are real adventure and nature lover, A lifetime of discovery awaits here." Quote about 'Mount Rainier' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

There are a lot to write about and a lot to explore at Rainier! One can go for adventurous experiences, ranging from rock-climbing to hiking and mountaineering to summit. One can find the directions, operating hours in different seasons, road status, weather information, reservations and other information at the following link. 

Mt. Rainier is the highest mountain in Washington and the Cascade Range with 26 major glaciers. Apart from being famous for its beautiful tracks, snowfields and mountains, it also takes away the credit of being one of most dangerous Volcanoes in the world (Ref: Decade Volcano List). Sounds interesting. Isn't it! It being a major tourist destination, you can find adequate amenities for your trek, including map, the info broucher etc at the entrance. 

The scenic drive goes around 5 major points - Longmire, Paradise Point, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise Point and Carbon/Mowich Point.  It may be possible that not all the points are open during your visit. There are some picnic points, camping places, hiking points, and many trails and falls to explore. Skying and snowboardiing is shows-topper for the tourists. Be prepare for the weather change all the times. July and August is the best time to visit this iconic place. Mostly it rains here for the rest of the year with heavy snowfall from November to April. 

I started my journey with quite an enthusiastic group - Neelesh, Anil, Anvi and sweet kid (name), and their friends Hemant and Ashutosh. We entered from Nisqually Entrance and luckily got the free entrance passes that day. The first attraction was the beautiful Christine Falls lying below the rustic stone bridge, which glues you to the place for couple of moments. Next in line was Longmire. The beauty of the Nisqually Glacier was stunning and kept us mum during our move from Longmire to Paradise Point via Glacier Bridge. Our next halt at Narada Falls, was the photo session time, wherein we steped-up the snow hill & capture some views. To our surprise, we had Pao Bhaaji (best so far) at lunch. 

After that we continued to Paradise Point, famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. The inabrupt reaction to the view  from Paradise Point comes as "Am I in Paradise!" and hence the name. Near the parking area, You can enjoy the visitor center and double-fold your Paradise experience. You'll find some information and trip planning in the lobby and 20 min orientation film in the theater. We also attended a film session about Mount Rainier, and how it is related to life, and how powerful geologic forces keep the shape of the mountain. Don't forget the special exhibit on the upper level: "An Unquie Beauty: The Power and Presence of Mount Rainier." It explains how meadow flowers survive long winters and adopt record snowfalls. We enjoyed sometime here, and just went up to take a troll over the hills covered with fresh snow. At the roadside, points of interest are Reflection Lake and Inspiration Point.

All in all the day was an experience with amazing food, topped with the fun I had with all friends, Anil and family at Seattle. The Sun was about to say adieu for the day and we were on our way back to Seattle on the Glacier Bridge. We were compelled by the colours in the sky to stop over and take them along with us in our memories. Rest points, may be in next trip if possible. See you in the midst of mountain sometime. 

Other Places visited in USA:

A sunny day to ... San Juan Islands, Washington, USA.
Flight view of Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridge, San Francisco, USA.

Endless Landscapes ... Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.

Night Life at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Day Life at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Universal Studios Tour, Los Angeles, California, USA

A snowy trip to Leavenworth, Washington, USA

Boulder Dam - Hoover Dam, Arizona - Nevada Border, USA

Tillicum Village, Blake Island Tour, Seattle, Washington

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Colors of Seattle Space Needle

Quote of the Post: "You can't escape yourself without enjoying the slim, three legged lady dancer, when in Seattle". - Quote about 'Seattle Space Needle' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Whenever I heard the word "Seattle", the dancing lady Space Needle, the lovely symbol of Seattle comes in the memory. This beautiful lollipop-shaped icon represents motivation, love, pride, and people's innovation. I have visited Seattle three times so far, every-time this slim, three legged dancer amused me. I roamed around the places and adored the beauty of Space Needle from different part of Seattle from time to time. I have more than 500 photos of Space Needle from different angels in different seasons. Hence, the post is named as "Colors of Seattle Space Needle".

During my latest visit, Space Needle celebrated its 50 years [April 1962 - 2012], that makes this post even more special. Originally it was built as a tourist attraction for city's 1962 World's Fair. The needle repainted to Galaxy gold at the top on its 50th birthday. I just enjoyed the natural views and bright emerald city lights from the top of the needle. 

When you are in, and up, enjoy the 360 degree observation deck. From this point, You can photoshooot the Downtown Seattle skyline with running vehicle over the streets. You can also get the glimpse of Mount Rainier, Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands. SkyCity, 360 degree revolving restaurant makes the landmark more special. This is the perfect place for dating, marriage proposal, reception, wedding of your lifetime memory. 

On my last visit, I toured, Tillicum village, Blake Island. This landmark was simply looking amazing during evening. The fountain place near Key Arena, is just another routine place to visit, from where you can adore the iconic beauty of Space Needle.

Before this, in 2009, i.e. at my very first visit to Seattle,  I was lucky to attend the Midnight fireworks celebration on the New Year's eve. This was an unforgettable experience when the fireworks were in sync with the music and rain. Lock cruise tour during the dusk along-with the Seattle skyline's panoramic view, was another opportunity for admiring this masterpiece. You be at 1st avenue, 2nd avenue or any other avenue or street in Seattle, Your eyes will kiss this icon. 

Some facts about Space Needle:

• 605 feet tall (Equivalent to 60 storey building)
• Original Cost: $4.5 million
• Visited 1.2 million people a year
• On hot days, the Needle expands about 1 inch
• Approx 45 seconds to reach at the observation deck via elevators.
• SkyCity restaurant rotates 360 degree in approx 47 minutes. 
• Observation deck admission fee varies person to person. All ticket prices include a free SpaceShot photograph with variety of Space Needle backgrounds. You can send this to your family and friends from the observation deck kiosk, also upload it to Facebook account.

So far, The Space Needle has been appeared in many films, TV shows, art, entertainment and other works of fiction. No need to say, If you are visiting Seattle, You can't escape visiting iconic Space Needle. 

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A sunny day in San Juan Island

"Escape the mainland and enjoy the jaw-dropping paradise for activities like: whale watching, kayaking, hiking, biking at the picture perfect San Juan Island." - Quote about San Juan Island by Sachin Kumar Gupta.

Do you know, San Juan island pop up again and again in "top 10" lists and "Places to visit before you die" lists.

We reached to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) from Anacortes, by Washington state ferry. Distinguished as one of the best places in America. San Juan Islands are primarily famous for sea kayaking and orca whale-watching among visitors. But half the fun is the tracing the island beautiful cuves by the car or some part by the bicycle. It is quite easy to cover all the main points of the island in a day. We covered (*marked*) island's circumference going through the main points. It would be easy to cover the points in below order or reverse.

*Friday Harbor*: We just roam around few roads on this tiny island, and finalized the selected places to cover for the day, as we have to catchup the return ferry to Anacortes. We followed the Roche Harbor road.

San Juan Vineyards: Beautiful grapes grown can be enjoyed here. There is also wonderful wine, tasting room, and gift shop. Just a fe mile away, enjoy the Lakedale Resort famous for camping, fishing, lodging, and swimming.

*Roche Harbor*: This is a beautiful place, having facilities like spa, restaurants, tennis courts. You can also enjoy the trails (The Quarries) in this area. While being at the top, panoramic view of the marina and Victorian garden can be adored. Nearby Westcott Bay sculpture park is just a walk away. Just near this point, helicopter ride also avail across the San Juan Island.

*English Camp*: This is another adorable place operated by the national park services. This is a nice place to relax and enjoy walks, and lovely scenery. You can hike up the Mt. Young hill for amazing views of the San Juan.

*Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm*: The rare and charming Alpaca animal of Camelid family can be seen here. Alpaca are prized for their luxurious and costly fiber which is harvested by shearing once a year.

*Pelindaba Lavender Farm*: After that we followed West Valley, and Boyce Road respectively. After some distance you can find Lavender farm fragrant walks through the lavender fields on the roadside with the eye-catching views. At the place, It seems that their owner can enjoy a cup of coffee in a sunny day.

San Juan County Park: The place has easy access to other islands, and sea, views to Canada, and a lucky chance to see marine mammals.

*Lime Kiln Point State Park*: This is a must visit place in San Juan Island, with stunning sea views, picnic spot, trail system. A tiny lighthouse adds beauty to this place, that just stand still near the seashores. The place offers the high chances to see the marine mammals at this place, if you have some patience to wait for that moment.

False Bay: The place offers nice views, fun walks at low tide, great birding.

American Camp: It is also operated by National park services. There are miles of beach, nice picnic spots, and extensive trail system.

*Forth of July and South Beach*: If you are going to the tail part of the San Juan, Cattle Point, you can enjoy spectacular views of forth of July beach at one side, and South Beach at the other. Both the beaches offer picnic spots, easy walks, and great ocean views. We enjoyed stone floating and long distance stone throwing in the sea.

*Cattle Point Lighthouse*: This is another must to see point in San Juan Island. Just before reaching this place, The view of roads going to sea-way and lighthouse touching the sky is really amazing. We just had a snap of ours lying on the roads.

Don't be surprise if deer jump here and there on the road at random places, as we found two :) At the end we return back to Friday harbor, and return to Anacortes followed by Seattle. The one day journey ends with a costly affair of Pizza while returning.  

Discover and explore San Juan with the Sidewalks, Trails, Shorelines, Docks and many more ...

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Anacortes - San Juan (Friday Harbor) Ferry

Here I go, Once again in Seattle! In the month of April, on a weekend I join the group of entertaining friends Kapil, Anil, Munish, and Anvay. Alarm clock rang in the early morning, and I snoozed it as usual, after that I got ready and had some american breakfast before the friends pick me up from hotel.

 
We have to catch up the ferry from Anacortes to San Juan Island. Usually 60 minutes prior to arrival is recommended for vehicle sailing. As we were driving from Seattle, we have to accomplish a herculian task to get the last vehicle ship that departs from Anacortes at 9:30 a.m. We were just in time, and got entry before 10 mins and our car was the second last to park in the ship. [Luckily allowed and have space]

Note: The benefit of taking ferry from Anacortes is that you can carry your own vehicle to roam around at the island, It is not just the passenger ferry. Though you can walk on with or without a bicycle, or bike, or drive your car on. The approximate price for car and driver is about $50 (round trip), passengers extra [At the time we go]. Schedule and timings change each season. For latest schedule and info Click here. To drive to the Anacortes harbor terminal from Seattle just took 90 mins to 2 hrs depending on traffic:

Take I-5 North through Everett and Mount Vernon    [64 Miles]
Take exit 230 (Burlington/Anacortes)
At the first light, turn left toward Anacortes onto Highway 20W
Follow Highway 20W to Anacortes    [12 Miles]
Once you reach Anacortes merge into the traffic circle and take a right onto Commercial Avenue to reach the central business district.
Take a left at 12th St, where signage points you to the ferry, and follow signs to the ferry terminal (about 2 miles).

Location:

2100 Ferry Terminal Road Suite A
Anacortes, WA 98221

91 Front Street S.
Friday Harbor, San Juan, WA 98250

NOTICE: ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO SECURITY SCREENING

As of now, Below ferries operates from Anacortes, and while selecting the destination you have to follow destination specific lane and line, and wait as directed.
Lopez Island Ferry
Shaw Island Ferry
Orcas Island Ferry
San Juan Island Ferry
Sidney B.C. Ferry

Anacortes rests on the waters of the Pacific Ocean on beautiful Fidalgo Island.
The Washington state ferry started on time, and we were just taking snaps from all levels of the ship, and from all sides. Within 15 mins of ferry ride, the sun started following us, and make our day as a whole. The snap below reminds me of the movie Titanic. Throughout 90 minutes, We enjoyed the jaw-dropping, scenic cruise to San Juan Friday Harbor. San Juan Islands are 172 islands in the archipelago. In our route we adored some of these islands curves. Some are quite hilly with some flat areas and valleys, often quite fertile in between. The coastlines were the mix of rocky, pebble and sandy beaches, shallow and deep harbors, placid and reef-studded bays. Once ferry reached at the Friday Harbor, we ride on our car and leave the ferry, and just scale the main points of the San Juan island throughout the day.

While ending up my post, I would rather say:    Enjoy and have a nice ferry !!!

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