Exploring Seattle and Saying Goodbye to Daxton

Our next stop on this incredible journey brought us to Seattle, Washington—a city filled with vibrant energy, iconic landmarks, and stunning views. Although we didn’t stay directly in the city, we found a fantastic campground about an hour away in Monroe, Washington: the Thousand Trails Thunderbird Campground. The section of the campground we stayed in backed up to a beautiful river, providing us with serene, calming views during our workdays. We couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop to fuel our productivity, with the sounds of the flowing river and the sight of nature all around us.

When we weren't working, we took every opportunity to explore as much of Seattle as we could. The city is known for its eclectic mix of culture, history, and modern attractions, and we were excited to dive in. One of our first stops was the famous Seattle Market, a bustling hub of activity where we were enthralled by the colorful stalls, fresh produce, and the lively fishmongers who entertained the crowd with their fish-throwing antics. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way!

Next, we made our pilgrimage to the original Starbucks—a must for coffee enthusiasts like us. Standing in the spot where it all began, sipping on a freshly brewed cup, and feeling the history of this now-global phenomenon was a highlight of the trip. Just a short walk away, we found ourselves at the quirky Bubblegum Wall, which, while slightly gross, was also undeniably fascinating—a true Seattle oddity.

Of course, no visit to Seattle would be complete without a trip to the Space Needle. We had purchased a city pass that allowed us to visit five different attractions at a discounted price, and the Space Needle was high on our list. Ascending the needle was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The glass floors and revolving floor made the experience even more intense as you looked straight down at the city below. The views from the top were nothing short of spectacular, and we were lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance. For those who may not know, seeing Mount Rainier from Seattle is a special treat—it's not always visible due to the weather, but when it is, it’s a sight to behold.

Using the city pass, we also visited the Seattle Zoo, where we were enchanted by the diverse range of animals, and the Aquarium, which was a hit with Daxton. The Museum of Pop Culture was another favorite, offering a deep dive into the world of music, movies, and gaming. Each attraction had its unique charm, making our days in Seattle both fun-filled and educational.

One of the most memorable experiences was the happy hour harbor cruise. As we sailed through the waters, we were fortunate to spot a California harbor seal basking on the rocks. The views of the Seattle skyline from the water were simply picturesque, with the Ferris wheel adding a touch of magic to the scene. And to top it all off, we were blessed with a rare, clear view of Mount Rainier looming majestically in the distance—a truly unforgettable moment.

We even managed to squeeze in a fun and delicious meal at The Crab Pot, where we indulged in a seafood feast that was as much an experience as it was a meal. The food was outstanding, and the lively atmosphere added to the overall enjoyment of the night.

As much as we loved exploring the city, there was a bittersweet undertone to our time in Seattle. This was the last stop on Daxton’s summer adventure with us. At the end of the week, he flew back home, marking the end of a memorable summer filled with exploration, learning, and bonding. It’s hard to put into words just how special this time was for all of us, but we know these memories will be cherished for a lifetime.

Seattle truly left an impression on us—not just because of the city’s unique charm but also because it was where we said goodbye to our grandson, who was our travel buddy for the summer. The combination of stunning scenery, fascinating attractions, and emotional farewells made this stop one for the books.