Time in Seattle

I just got back from 2 weeks in the Pacific Northwest. What a great place for cycling! We had 2 weeks of sunny skies also! I guess that is completely unheard of at this time of year. Anyway, It was some good R and R. I spent the first few days with Lars while Mel was at the ACSM conference. We brought our bikes and the trailer with us so we would be able to explore without a car. In fact we did not even rent one until we left Seattle on the weekend.
Lars and I had a great few days exploring the bike paths of Seattle with a few breaks for parks, the Seattle Aquarium, REI (with a 4 story climbing wall), lunch with friends at the conference. We rode for at least 2 hrs each day.
On Saturday we headed on down to Portland, OR to visit one of Mel's college roomates. We had a great time hanging out with them and once again using our bikes as the main mode of transportation. Portland beats Seattle for a bike friendly city. I just couldn't get used to motorists giving cyclists the right of way. I found myself trying to wave on cars many times when I should have been going. We also visited many parks and had some great food in the local restaurants of Portland that serve dishes made from local produce primarily. It was nice to eat out with some great food and not the airport travel food.
On Monday we headed out to Mount Rainier and I will leave that for another post. Ok, one little teaser, there was 10 feet of snow at the Paradise Lodge where we stayed.