16 May 2023
Forget breast cancer, forget chemotherapy, forget mastectomy, it’s time for a little escape!
Several years ago, Michel and Nancy were returning from an Alaska trip and made a detour to the Salish Lodge and Snoqualmie Falls. Michel showed me some photos and I immediately put it on my bucket list. Trust me when I say the trouble (and expense!) is worth it.
My morning started at 4 am. Just to be sure I waked in time, I set my alarm. I usually always wake up well before the alarm goes off but for some reason it startled me out of my sleep. After a token cup of coffee, shower, shave, and final pack, Joel picked me up and delivered me to Fort Lauderdale International Airport for a 7:46 am departure. I admit, I splurged for this trip and purchased first class tickets. About the only benefit is more leg room, more room to store your baggage, and a free meal – such as they are. Oh yea, one more benefit – you can board before most of the others. But you are still cattle being pushed through a chute.
It turned into a seven and a half hour flight, more likely eight with delays. They couldn’t get the fuel truck to fuel the plane in my Denver stop over. We still made it to SeaTac at the designated 1:30 pm time line. From there it was an airport bus to the rental car facility. Seattle puts all rental cars under one roof and I have to admit it was convenient. After an upgrade, I braved Seattle’s I-405. The speed limit was 60 mph and I was doing 16 mph. There wasn’t anything wrong. It just seems Seattlites don’t know how to drive any more than south Floridians.
In any case, I finally found the lodge. The outside is pretty nondescript and you think “Oh boy! This place is a dump!” It’s not. I don’t know when I’ve had a nicer room.
The lobby is pretty ordinary. So’s the reception desk.
But they really pay attention to details. When you check in you are offered either champagne or a slushy (with vodka) or wine. In the room they provide gourmet coffee and for the fire pit outside, a little surprise.
After all that sitting (four hours to Denver), walking a million miles in the Denver airport from C terminal to get to the subway to A terminal and three hours from Denver to SeaTac, I needed some fresh air.
Right next to the lodge is Snoqualmie Falls Park with an overlook of the falls. It’s breathtaking!
Tonight, I dine at the lodge in their aptly named The Dining Room. It looks to be delicious and maybe I’ll get the taste of airline food out of my tastebuds. There may be a glass of wine or two after my arduous journey. Or three.
I haven’t decided about tomorrow. I may just vegetate or I may try to visit some other falls in the area.
Stay tuned!