Joanne's visit

My second friend to make it out to Seattle for a visit was here last week. Joanne is a great friend from college days, and it was so fun to show her Seattle and catch up since we'd last seen each other four years ago. Here are some highlights:

The Fremont Troll

"Joanne, meet Troll. Troll, meet Joanne."

Peek-a-Boo

The Chittenden Locks
Go to the link above for a full explanation of the Locks, but essentially they operate to keep the water levels where they need to be and prevent the salt water of the Puget Sound and the fresh water of the lakes (Union & Washington) from mixing.

"Careful, Jo. Leave some water for the fishies."

My best attempt to capture the huge difference in the water levels. If you look carefully, you can see how low the water is at the bottom of the photo (one side of the lock) from the top of the photo where the boats are patiently waiting (the other side of the lock) so they can continue their journey into the Puget Sound.

The University of Washington
The University District is a must-do on my list for Seattle, so I took Joanne to Portage Bay Cafe, one of my favorite places for breakfast. She had the orgasmic homemade whipped cream and toppings bar, per my recommendation. Then I made her walk all over the UW campus, including Suzzallo's reading room and the fountain.
Please note the long sleeves. In July.
Most days, it warms enough to not need sleeves by late afternoon.
Today, it was actually warm enough by noon. Halle-frickin-lujah.

Kangaroo Farm
Remember the KF from last month? Well, it definitely made the to-do list for all future visitors if at all possible, so Jo and I hit it up.

The lemurs were much more visible this time. They have 3 at the KF, a family of Pop, Mom, and Lil Lemur. Here's Pop. Chillin.

The peacock wasn't in a showy mood, as he was last time. He didn't shake his tailfeather.
Not once.

This time, we did get to see a roo with a joey in her pouch.
SOOOOO cute.
Only a smidge creepy.

Jo was SUPER pumped to feed a roo. But really, who wouldn't be?

"Why, helloooooo."

I know. This is going to be the longest post ever. But I just can't NOT post this.

Ostrich was still there. And still pissed at the world.

These guys were so sweet. But let's face it...in this crowd, the donkeys don't get much notice. So I wanted to post a pic of them as an honorable mention.

Of course, the KF wouldn't be the KF without a little Llama Drama at the end Jo got to kiss the llama!

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner." Well, nobody did. He put himself in the corner and refused all kisses.

Pike Place Public Market

A view I had yet to capture of the Pike Place main entrance.

First Starbucks store visit at Pike Place

Lunch at the brand new Hard Rock Cafe Seattle

Space Needle

It's a looooong way up...

But we made it! And the views were worth it! The mountains were out...

Including Mount Rainier!

And Lake Union...

The Bite of Seattle
The annual yummy fest where all the best food you can find in Seattle is in one place, The Bite!
Shishkaberries, potstickers, fried mac & cheese, roasted corn on the cob...mmm...
And this funky chicken...not to be eaten, thankyouverymuch.

Behold, the shishkaberry. You get it now, right?

Best.Ice.Cream.EVER.