Some of the highlights of our visit to Seattle were, of course, going up in the Space Needle which was a real thrill. It was the first time any of us had gone on an elevator made of glass which raised on the outside of the structure. I no longer remember how high it was but high enough to give us shaky legs. The view was spectacular and gave us a terrific look at Mt. Rainier and the Olympia Range. We strolled through the buildings where the World’s Fair had been held and decided to eat at the Food Court (which was the first one of those we’d seen). Food from different countries was offered and we had a hard time deciding what to eat. Of course we had to buy a Space Needle charm for our bracelets from one of the shops.

We visited the Navy Base at Bremerton and it was either there or near there where we saw the locks that bring boats in from sea water to Lake Washington. Phyllis or Mary Lou will be able to get me straight on this. At any rate it was very interesting. Gail took us to the Seattle Yacht Club where we saw all the boats tied up and some of them were mighty big and fancy.

Louis had arranged with his good neighbors, Bill and Anita, to take us on a ride around Lake Washington in their yacht the following week-end. We all enjoyed it and took turns steering it with Bill’s watchful eye. We were privy to “yacht talk” so we would know the terms used on it and the protocol used when meeting, passing, docking, etc; There was a lot more to it than a novice would have knowledge of. The ones of us who weren’t in the Captain’s chair were down stairs in the galley having some yummy chips and dips and every kind of drink you could imagine. It was a fun day and we ended up at one of the many steak houses along the shore of Lake Washington where Warren and I treated everyone to dinner.

The next day Louis decided we needed to find out what a “Potlatch” was. We took a ride down into the Seattle Market Place on Pike Street to a fish market where they had “things” I’d never seen before. Everything from octopus, squid, shark etc; (yuk!) I’m strictly a beef, pork or chicken person. Louis picked out a large salmon and told them how he wanted it dressed. The Japanese butchers slit it in half and had the backbone out leaving the two filets in the matter of seconds. Dad and I had gone with Louis and we dropped our jaws at how expertly he had the fish ready to wrap.

Bill had boards soaking in Lake Washington when we got back. They would soak all night so they wouldn’t burn when the salmon was placed on them to cook near the fire. He had a large area where he made a fire on the ground….the fish on the boards were placed at an angle to the fire to cook slowly. The whole time they were cooking they were basted with butter and beer. The process was slow and entertaining. The idea was to socialize, drink beer and snack on goodies prepared by Anita and Gail. They spent a lot of time that morning making all the dishes to complement the baked salmon and we had a feast by the time the salmon was done.

We had never tasted fish so good. It just flaked off the fork and was undeniably delicious. That turned my interest to seafood. The event was amplified by some Hawaiian friends of Louis’ who came by with their instruments to play for us and to enjoy the food as well. As the sun went down and the lights from Mercier Island began to flicker, the sound of water lapping lazily up on the seawall, the smell of good food and the ambience of candles and laughter it was a magical evening. I only have to close my eyes to bring it all back once more.

There is a sadness though. So many of the ones present that day have gone now. Mom and dad….Louis, Warren, Bill and Anita. They left us many wonderful memories and a joy that will always remain…..they forever live in our hearts and left us laughing…….

Until tomorrow,
Essentially Esther