Seattle

[Andrew Buc <72220.443@compuserve.com>]

> 1. What are the best points of interest along the way?
 
Off the top of my head:
 
You really should go through Portland, Oregon, then up I-5 to Seattle. 
Portland has Powell's, the biggest bookstore on the West Coast--I mean, we're 
 
talking book lover's wet dream! What I especially like is they shelve new and 
 
used copies of the same book together, and you take your pick.
 
Also check out Columbia Gorge scenic highway--drive east out of Portland. You 
 
can do it (out and back) in a day. Great scenery!
 
Outside Centralia, WA, about halfway between Portland and Seattle, you'll see 
 
the Hamilton Farms billboard, w/a picture of Uncle Sam. I don't know what your 
 
politics are, but Mr. Hamilton is a rabid John Bircher, and he always displays 
 
something provocative! It's 2-sided, so have your better half check the north 
 
side as you pull away!
 
There are some good "Best Places" guidebooks (_Seattle Best Places_, _Portland 
 
Best Places_, _NW Best Places_) put out by Sasquatch Publishing, Seattle. Also 
 
one called (I think) _Northwest Cheap Sleeps_. Wide World Books, (206) 
634-3453, is a good travel book store. I don't know if they do mail order, but 
 
it's worth a shot. Powell's has a separate travel book store. Their main store 
 
has an 800 number, so you could call them and get the travel book store's 
number.
 
Seattle restaurants: Wild Ginger (pan-Asian), Wanza, Kokeb (both Ethiopian), 
more Thai restaurants than you can shake a stick at. Don't know if you're beer 
 
connoisseurs, but both Seattle and Portland have many fine small breweries.
 
>From the Seattle area, try taking a state ferry to Bainbridge Island (great 
breakfasts at the Streamliner Diner, which is <not> a classic steel diner 
despite its name) or to the San Juan Islands.
 
The  University of Washington Arboretum is nice.
 
 > If at least 1/2 of what people tell me about that city turns out 
 > to be true, I might seriously consider moving there.
 
My guess is you'll be seriously considering it!
 
I gather you're in Philly--I was born and raised in Easton. Left in '67.
 
 > would anyone along the way be interested in getting together
 
Sure, give me some advance notice. I'm at (206) 783-7832.
 
 
--Andrew Buc, Seattle, WA; Internet: 72220.443@compuserve.com