From Pike Place Market I rode up toward the iconic Space Needle. The Seattle Center was originally built as part of the 1964 World's Fair along with the buildings, roads and grounds of the sprawling pedestrian center. It was a warm 75 degrees so I stowed my gear and went for a stroll. The throng of motorcyclists disembarked into the salty metal decking, racing up the hill to disperse in every direction. I wound my way over to a groggy Pike Pl. where shop owners were just laying out their products and unpacking produce or flowers. I parked the Ruckus in a small MC parking area and stowed some gear to walk around. My first stop was at the first Starbucks store. The line was relatively short and my small coffee served up immediately while 10 folks waited for sugary concoctions costing as much as a meal. I'm not a Starbucks afficianado by any means but the coffee offered an appropriate beverage with which to enjoy the market. The market is a sensory overload of sights and smells. Small booths vie for the shoppers dollar by using lighting and appearance to persuade shoppers not to buy a seemingly identical product from a neighboring stall. I was particularly impressed with the variety and vibrancy of flowers from roses to Daliahs of every color. The many fishmongers displayed a healthy looking assortment of crustacheons, mollusks and saltwater fish. Ice was perpetually shoveled on top of the product to maintain freshness. The produce was field fresh and the lighting set to showcase the delicious fruit and vegetables. I rose before the sun and rode to Bainbridge Island where I hopped on the ferry to Seattle. The cloudy sky and city skyline welcomed me as the boat neared the waterfront. My urban scooter was finally in it's element. |
Mike SaundersIn May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. Archives
April 2018
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