Seattle is an eight-hour drive for us and we didn't want to get there late and miss something so we left at 9 AM on Thursday 29 March. In fear of rain this time of year we took the car, and were right, it rained. We enjoyed a great ride up but upon exiting the freeway in Sea-Tac I was almost T-boned by a police car at the freeway exit intersection. He had his lights on but no siren until he almost hit me broadside. Wow, what a wake-up call that was to the big city.
After checking into our room we decided it was time for dinner and after looking at the hotel map we decided to walk to a Mexican restaurant. We walked about a half mile before asking at a gas station how much further it was and were told only three more traffic lights which equates to about two miles. We opted to backtrack to a Denny's that we passed about a block back in the direction of the Hotel.
While at dinner we met up with Pat and Paul Carroll and asked them to join us at our table where we enjoyed some great conversation.
On Friday Bruce, Linda Keenon and their daughter Krista arrived along with Rita, Chuck and some other couples. Bruce asked if anyone was interested in going to the Space Needle for lunch so Judy and I said why not and were off in a caravan following Bruce in his Chevrolet Explorer (Goldwing?) We had 45 minutes to get there for our reservation. There were several exits close together and Bruce took the right one, Judy and I took the scenic route through town and Chuck and Rita, following us, was smart enough to follow Bruce. They both were also smart enough to use Valet Parking while Judy and I found a near-by parking lot and paid $10 for two hour parking only after I finally figured out how to use the pay machine.
We caught everyone just as they were getting on the elevator and all was back to normal. We got up to the restaurant (500 feet high and revolving 360 deg. Every 47 minutes) and were treated to a fantastic view of Seattle. Judy and I looked at the menu and decided to just have soup. Judy told the waiter that she wanted soup and he said that was a good choice and what did she want for a main course? Judy said that all she wanted was soup and the waiter informed her that there was a $30.00 per person minimum. We both had $25.00 hamburgers and a cup of coffee. Total, $70.00 with tax and tip. That was the most expensive hamburger we've ever had but then it was a fantastic view. After lunch we had about 10 minutes to spend on the observation deck before our two hour parking ran out and we had to leave. I'm glad we were able to see the space needle and now when we go to my Navy Ships reunion in September, Judy and I will wait for everyone in the gift shop. We missed that this time due to our parking limit and I didn't want to spend another $10 bucks.
When we returned to the Hotel more people had arrived and lots of visiting was taking place. Chapter (5)V from California and Chapter (5)V from Washington outnumbered everyone else and let us know it. We really had a lot of fun and many laughs. Friday evening we had a great dinner and continued to enjoy everyone's company.
Saturday morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then it was time to let the games begin. I believe we had 68 adults all playing different games throughout the day. Somebody had either a great imagination or a nightmare because the various games were terrific. Pictures say a thousand words so go to our web-page to see pictures of everyone having a great time although we couldn't get Bruce Keenon to ride the tricycle http://gwta-oregon.org/Gallery/www07.
As always, dirty bingo proved to be a time to make enemies out of close friends. I think the most sought after gift proved to be a stuffed frog. Anyway, it was great fun.
The hotel offered a $10 lunch buffet and most of us took advantage of it after a very informational discussion session.
There was a 50/50, silent auction and prizes awarded to game winners.
We had a fantastic time with some great people and the only thing missing were our local family of friends and chapter members.
Judy and I left at 5AM Sunday Morning in order to get home in time to attend Ivan Sanders funeral service. Bikers from several different clubs and chapters all attended to say good-by to another friend. The Church was filled to almost standing room only. Judy and I were very tired after a long weekend and trip home so after the service we went home to retire. As tired as I was I didn't feel it would be safe to stay for the bike escort to the cemetery.