Visit from Steve & Maura

We were stoked to hear that Andrea's brother Steve, and his wife, Maura were planning a trip out west over the summer! After they spent a few days in Glacier National Park, they flew on over to our part of the west to soak in the mountains, sun, and sea. We think we did a pretty good job at showing them a few highlights of Seattle during their 4 days here.

Steve and Maura, looking out over Elliot Bay in downtown. We were fortunate enough to hit up an Indians v. Mariners game while they were here. (Steve, one of very few fans sporting the Indians attire...he made us proud.)


We spent pretty much an entire (chilly) day on a boat that included a tour of the islands in the Pacific NW along with some whale watching (something that we have not been able to see until now!) Let us show you on a 3D map.....
So we took this big boat to see these huge whales....got it? (Thanks to my crafty-elementary-art-school-teacher sister-in-law for the creativity...I'm so impressed.)


We passed through 'Deception Pass,' named during the Vancouver Expedition because it deceivingly appeared to be connected to land...but alas...this is truly an island. Whidbey Island to our left.


Steve, Maura, and Brooke. It was a little windy up top!

A brief history of the local Orca Whales:
There are three resident pods living in the Pacific NW. Pods J, K, and L. They typically keep to themselves, like the typical American family, unless they have a reason to band together. In this case, they become a 'Superpod.' Orcas typically do this to gang up on the transient pods traveling through.

It is very rare to see all three pods on one, short, whale watching tour. We traveled to the west side of San Juan Island to check out Pod J. Here are some beautiful shots of these amazing creatures (note: it is harder than you think to grab pictures of these guys!):

The larger whale is a male; he has a very large, straight dorsal fin.

This is a female, with the curved dorsal fin. Coming up directly next to her is a baby whale. He tucks in close beside her when they travel (cruising at about 35 mph) to keep up with the family.

A size comparison. Enjoy.

We were able to follow this pod around quite a bit before we headed back to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, where we were able to explore the town and grab a beer...or two...before heading back to Seattle.

On the way back we ran smack into both Pods K and L traveling across the straight! They had formed as a 'superpod' and were quite active. We stopped the boat and sat there watching them breech and flip and jump across the water. It was simply breathtaking to see these massive creatures jump straight out of the water, flip, and land!

Andrea, Steve, and Maura. The sun finally came out on the way back!


One of the coolest views of Seattle is from across the water, approaching the city. This goes to show that no matter how tall man can build, no matter how far our technology and enginneering advances, we can never, ever out build God.
Mt. Rainier, 50+ miles away, looms over the Seattle skyline.


We spent our last day touring the breweries and chocolate factories (Theo Chocolate Factory in the background) in Fremont.

Thanks, Steve and Maura, for the visit! You showed us great eats (The Salmon House was a favorite!) and drinks (mmmm...Brouwers) we didn't even know about. But more so, we enjoyed your company. Can't wait for your next visit...maybe we'll take you deep into the mountains this time.