It's a Miracle!

We officially leave on the cruise today, but we can't board the ship until 1 pm.  When you are in Seattle near one of the most famous farmer's markets in the world, this isn't a problem.  We started our morning by taking a taxi to the Pike Place Market.  The general market didn't open until 9 a.m., but some of the restaurants and bakeries open earlier.  I was hoping to watch the guys at the fish market "catch the fish", which has made the place famous.

 

Unfortunately for us, the market is also built on a slope, but luckily for Mom, there were a few strategically located elevators.   Regardless, it was a place where you could easily walk yourself to death.  Our first stop was a bakery where we purchased an almond croissant, a soft pretzel, a walnut cinnamon rugelash, and a cinnamon palmier.  Mom decided she wanted a regular breakfast that didn't involve walking and eating, so we found a diner with a water view.  She had a vegetarian omelet and I had a breakfast quesadilla while Zach and Kelley went exploring the market.

I think we got to the market just a little too early because most of the vendors were still setting up, but it was a pretty interesting place and not at all what I expected.  It was pretty spread out and there were three levels of shops.  However, when the vendors were set up, there was a lot of beauty in all of the colors of their wares.

Our Hotel

Mt. Ranier

Crab Cocktail

After we finished our breakfast, Mom decided to stay put while we went exploring.  Kelley found some Bacon Maple Apple Cider, a Moscow Roll, and some doughnuts before moving onto a brunch of fish tacos and a crab cocktail.  It's safe to say we ate our way through the market.

We headed back to the Marriott to wait for our shuttle to the pier.  I had arranged for a van, but the shuttle company called to tell me they had a limo in the area and asked if they could send the limo for us.  Umm...SURE!  The phone call occurred while Zach was wandering around, so we didn't tell him about our upgrade until the limo picked us up.  It was hilarious.  I'm not sure he believed the limo was for us until I had handed over my luggage to Ricky, our driver.  

Embarkation was easy, but it was a lot of walking. (So far, I think Port Canaveral has the most convenient process)  We were on the ship by 1:30 pm or so.  We headed to lunch, then we were able to get into our rooms.  The ship was scheduled to leave port at 4 pm, so the required muster drill was held at 3:30 pm. Kelley couldn't understand who would go all the way back to their room for a life preserver before getting on a life boat.  It safe to say everyone standing around us was subjected to the comedy stylings of Mr. Zach Lego while he told mustard jokes while we stood there.  **rolling my eyes**  We spent sail away on our balconies.  Once again, the weather was perfect (70's) and we got our best shots of downtown Seattle.

Tami and Lola

Zach and Kelley

Chillin' on the balcony

Before our balconies were opened up

Flat Nathan peeking around from the other balcony

Downtown Seattle

Mt Ranier

Dinner was at 7:45 pm, so we decided to take in one of the first nature talks in the theater.  We had a Naturist on board named Michelle who hosted several talks throughout the cruise to give us some background on what we would be seeing and what to watch for.  By this time, the boat was starting to really move through the water, and it was a little bit rough.  It was starting to get to Kelley, and she said her brain was rattling around like she was sitting on a dryer.  This isn't good.  We made it though dinner, during which we've established that Kelley's nickname this week will be "Maytag" - May for short - and Zach will be known as "Heinz" in honor of his various mustard jokes at the muster drill.  We also decided we would have a word of the day, which was "wine/whine" for this first day.  When someone says the word of the day, everyone has to give a villainous laugh while (how do you describe this??) waving your fingers, allowing your fingertips to touch, just like a villain would do.  Please feel free to ask Kelley for a demonstration.  

Our first towel animal

After another long day, Mom and Kelley decided to call it a night, while Zach and I decided to try our luck in the casino for a bit.  For me, it was a very little bit because I found no luck.  

Tomorrow is a full day a sea.  I'm sure Kelley is looking forward to it. (Not!)

Zach's word of the day: Whine/Wine
8,486 steps
3.82 miles