Day 17 - To Seattle

Mount St Helens To the big city lights

We left the cedars inn after a quick bite of toast,

The Ape caves were approx 90 mins away, we drove to the river, once clear and flowing, now a dry mass of tumbled rock... an awesome sight.

The Ape caves offer 2 treks, we took the 45 min easy trail ,

we hired a gas lantern & made our way into the pitch blackness.

The cave is relatively straight,the lava flow is clearly visible having set in smooth waves. The second trek ( a 4hr marathon , another time maybe )

after the walk we began our decent of the mountain, Ian chose a viewpoint atop a hillside accessed by a million & 1 steps, Min & I gave it a miss.

There were lots more opportunities for photos.

Before reaching Seattle we stopped for a chinese dinner,

unfortunately not to our european tastes but it filled a gap.

Seattle was a big suprise, The lights a dazzling display, before Maureen directed us round the complex 1 way system.

Our Hotel the Fairmont Olympic, boasts an army of bell boys & concierges to unload your car & point you in the right direction. Ian unloaded & went to find a parking garage, I chatted up the concierge before you could say "bobs your uncle" I'd got maps & a ton of inside info from Jonathan...

Inside our suite we had to wait for our bell boy to deliver our cart of cases, Enter Nathan, Dobby the house elf with a bad comb over. NEVER has anyone been so anxous to ingratiate themselves to us! Nathan volunteered to unload our cart, fetch us ice , hang our grubby fleeces up ( which he treated like Designer originals ) Nothing was too much trouble " Dinner reservations?".."Theatre tickets?" he is as we speak ironing our dental floss.

Our Suite is wonderful & has the most comfy bed in the world..good night from us,

Nathan is in the wardrobe & awaits his orders xxx