After meeting our friends late last night, we got a leisurely start to the day. Breakfast at the hotel, and packing up a few small things to take with us as we set off on foot.

First stop was the iconic Space Needle. Only a short walk from our hotel, this is the item which immediately identifies Seattle. Many people don’t realize that it isn’t in the middle of Downtown, or that it isn’t even that tall (the observation deck os only about 500’), but it does offer an amazing view of the city and the unique surroundings.

The geography of Seattle, with its bays and inlets, are fascinating. Who wouldn’t want to live in a city, but be a ferry ride away on an idyllic tree covered island rather than the hustle of the downtown? Maybe that’s just me. Or maybe it’s just me because I’ve never had the frustration of needing a ferry to commute. But it sounds good.

At the base of the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden. Named after Dave Chihuly, a famous glassblower and artist, the museum contains colorful pieces of his work and whimsical outdoor installations that call to mind fantasy works and cartoons. It was a short visit, but much more fun than I had expected. They even had a photographer inside who captured pictures of us at one of the exhibits for free. Pretty cool.

A quick search of Google Maps led us on a short walk to a pub at Pier 70, called Pub 70, for lunch. The food was great and what we needed to keep going along the waterfront.

Looking at our watches and making decisions as we went, it was decided that some of us would stay downtown and head to our evening activity while the others headed back to avoid multiple unnecessary Uber trips. For what it’s worth, and even though the city isn’t busy, Uber is definitely more expensive here than other cities I’ve been to recently. I know there are additional local fees to ensure a living wage for gig workers, so that must be the difference. I don’t have an issue with it, but people should be aware because it is noticeable.

After some partook in a carousel ride, and carnival shooting game, plus a narrow miss of a Ferris wheel ride, we hung out for a bit at Waterfall Garden Park. The waterfall is in honor of UPS employees and is a celebration of the company’s founding. Since they basically keep me from ever having to go into a store by delivering my Amazon items, it was nice to see.

Then the wives and the youngest headed back to the hotel and the rest of us ventured on to T Mobile Park to watch the Mariners take on the Orioles. Definitely a solid matchup of current AL powerhouses, we were expecting a good game. And good food.

We walked the stadium surveying concessions and grabbed some things. Like crab fries covered in Old Bay. They’re a must if you attend a game.

Using the Gametime app we got great seats for $30 including fees, making it easy for seven us to attend.

Stretch found more food every time I turned around. Churros. Pulled pork nachos. Ice cream. Ok, maybe food isn’t the right term, but he was enjoying the snacks. Since none really cared about the game – being Red Sox and Guardians fans – I placed a small wager on the home team prior to leaving Las Vegas. That ended up being a donation as the O’s handled the Mariners.

It was nice to see Kimbrel throw in the 9th, even if he did hit two consecutive batters. He was a star in Boston, and that’s how I’ll choose to remember him and his unique style.

After the game, we walked about ten blocks before hopping in an Uber back to the hotel. Lots to do tomorrow, best to get a solid nights rest.