Guesthouse Royal Coachman Inn & Suites Fife

... were able to visit both the Sunrise area on the northeast side of the mountain and Paradise, directly south of the mountain to get different views. We did some moderate hikes, including the Naches Peak trail that looped around Naches Peak and included part of the Pacific Crest Trail. The last half of the hike provided absolutely picture-perfect views of Mt. Rainier. Another trail we especially liked was the Nisqually Vista Trail at Paradise, an interpretative ...

... one of the tourist boats for a night. I booked my passage in Bangkok. 2 days for $46. Really cheap for what you got compared to Wetern prices for a similar excursion. Ours was not a big party boat like some of the others that we saw out there. Ours was a pretty strict crew when it came to having fun. I was in bed as soon as the sunset in order to burn out the last of the food poisoning so my view is a bit jaded. The others on the boat were pretty unhappy with ...

... and then walked a few blocks to Pike Place Public Market. This was such a great place! There are over 100 farmers represented, local artisans and restaurants. There is only one chain vendor that is there, the first ever Starbucks. Otherwise, only locals - no chains allowed! This is the Public Market we had heard so much about, fish throwing and amazing fresh produce, interesting gifts and unusual crafts. We had lunch ...

... And so, I choose to take refuge in the present moment.  Trusting that it is teaching me and preparing me for everything that will happen in the next moment, as long as I don't get too many moments ahead of myself.  I am suspended in time, floating in experience, trying to let go of hope and the false sense of ground it provides.  More what I want to learn to do is open as wide as I can to whatever comes my way, trusting in me, Alex, Kai, the ...

... Well, the thing is, you should wait until roasting and cooling, to let more carbon dioxide escape. Ideally 12-24 hours to let it de-gas. Then you can try. And how long does freshly roasted coffee last? Not long in my house. Experts reckon you should consume within a week. And not store in the fridge. You've got to keep away from air, moisture, heat and light. An airtight container, kept in the dark, is the best way. For the best flavour, grind the beans just before using them.

... the highly entertaining Pike Place Fish Market where the sales staff pick up customers seafood selection and literally fling the food to the workers behind the counter who wrap it up in butcher paper... it's a hilarious activity, especially as the hoards of tourists gather around to take snaps of the action, many expecting some of the staff to drop the fish but they obviously have plenty of practice and never let the slimy fish slip from their grasp. And of course, on top of ...

... route (Coast Starlight) but the food was good, the movie (Dan in Real Life) was OK (Steve Carell and Dane Cook should NOT be doing drama movies - what a waste) and in four hours I was in Seattle. What a shock - it is raining...and chilly. Just get to me to my hotel. I feel like Starwood hotels have become my home away from home now and cant wait to see what kind of upgraded room I will get as a Platinum Preferred. As it ...

... Drove passed Jack Wade Dredger and then onto a highlight - Chicken of Alaska. It was meant to be called Ptarmigan after the state bird of Alaska, but they had such problems pronouncing and spelling the word they just came up with Chicken! It has a gas station, 3 shops, a bar, an airport and a population of 14 and one grump! The bar had baseball caps on the ceiling donated by previous tourists. A brief stop at the not so impressive Tok before ...

... tell you everything you've ever done on any computer, anywhere (should they ever be inclined), Amazon takes the mantle for books, music, dvds, electronics, etc. Joining the Amazonians and Microsofties, there's Boeing and Starbucks to join the fray. The original Starbucks started out as a small coffee shop in Seattle's famous Pike Place Market (right round the corner from where I based myself) in 1971, before starting it's quest for world domination. Boeing also has a ...

... the terminal. I made it with plenty of time to spare but there were a few anxious moments. They have a cool subway type thing that runs underneath the airport and zips around between certain gates. I got to ride that quite a bit after the mixup but it was fun at least. Now I`m off to L.A.