I was ready for some time-off, and coincidentally won a free ski-pass from a contest I had entered last Oct. A notice arrived in the mail less than 2 weeks ago informing me I was chosen as a finalist for the drawing to be held at Silver Mtn Resort in Kellogg Idaho. The prize, a nice 2003 Dodge truck! Originally 150 finalists were chosen. The catch; the winner had to be present to claim the grand prize. Now, the biggest prize I've ever won is $50 in a lottery scratch-off game. So, I figured the odds good enough, and I could visit buddy Andy in Spokane too. Only 79 of the finalists showed-up. After a long gondola ride up to 6500ft and bitter winds, I arrived at the lodge and waited. I thought I was early, but other anxious would-be winners had already claimed a space at the very crowded "Moguls" brew pub. There was a local radio station DJ emcee-ing the entired show along with a very cool band. During the pre-registration I had chosen #33. Finally the time arrived. Inspite of the corny DJ jokes and hype, the "show" moved along. The lucky guy who won was #44 and sitting right next to me in the pub. Oh well. It was worth a try! And for those that are truck-nuts; it was a Dakota 4X4 crew-cab and fully equipped. Retail value at approx $28 grand! I'll be driving my humble Subaru for the duration.
I am of American blood, therefore I shop! Maybe there's a Latin translation for that phrase possibly? I'm sittin' and reading the newspaper. It's early, and hours before I have to be at work. Newspaper open, an advert catches my eye. "Everything 20%-50% off"! My TV is background noise only, but Bob Barker is encouraging his audience to help a hapless contestant take a guess on the price of an appliance...
I pilot my car to, dare I say, the "ghetto" part of town. A major retailer is closing yet another store. Whatever the reason, it's a sign of a bigger economic picture. Upon arrival in the vast entrance, I'm handed a flyer. The overhead speakers boom an announcement that the ladies dept is now 40% off. Too bad I think, that I'm not into that type of thing! Instead I'm looking for the mundane; maybe a vacuum cleaner, car accessories or a bargain basement deal on Martha Stewart's "home". I brouse the aisles. Lots of shit torn open. I don't know what people think while they shop, but by the looks of things, an uncontrollable excitement must overcome shoppers who can't wait to be separated from their hard earned money. Lets shop! I turn the corner of yet another boulevard length aisle. There it is. Something I need. I place a TV stand in my cart and head for the cashier. I feel like a thrifty consumer. No cash in my wallet. No worry. I got my debit card ready. Scan-approve-receipt. No problem. I just added a few digits to the U.S. economic juggernaut. I am a Consumer Whore!
For a mere 7 digits, you too can be the owner of a waterfront home on Bainbridge island.
The high-speed ferry at Bremerton begins to load awaiting passengers back to Seattle.
Another nice (rare) winters day, and I couldn't let it pass without doing something! And a day-off! So, once again I packed my trusty Nikon and headed to the ferry docks. It was a mid afternoon departure. The early risers were already leaving the concrete skyblocks for the comfort of living on the Olympic Pennisula and Bainbridge island. The westbound trip was on the high-speed passenger only ferry. Although it's airline style seating is welcoming, it's rather restrictive. To my chagrin, I found out that moving around is not allowed, so I wasn't able to get any pics. It was full also, so I wasn't able to get a seat near the window. 25 minutes later...
Arriving in Bremerton I found the spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends and commute vans/buses eagerly awaiting the debarking commuters. And more than a few rode their bikes directly off. Peace at last! The bustle left behind! The ferries here operate almost 24 hrs a day, and a very efficiently too. Bremerton is known as a ship building town and the Navy and Marines along with their nuclear Tridents are moored not far away.
The pic below is of Mt Rainier. Rising as a landmark at 14,000 ft. throughout the northwest, it has to be one of the most significant and noticeable landscapes viewed from an urban area.
