Sensational Seattle and Beyond!

On what I hoped was my final destination before returning to Japan, I stopped in Seattle to visit some friends that I had made while they were stationed in Yokosuka. At this point, I decided that travel on the first leg of my trip home is best, and travel on the back end while trying to return is just crazy! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the McGathey's and really appreciated that they opened their home to me. I had a blast just doing the day to day things with some of my favorite kiddos, Sophia and Aydan. Since they live about an hour and a half from Seattle, we didn't spend much time there, but we did make it into Seattle for a day.

Our first stop off the Bremerton ferry was the Crab Pot. The food was fantastic! We ordered a crab boil, which was mussels, oysters, crab, shrimp, and potatoes all cooked together. The waiter laid down a plastic sheet on the table and just dumped it all in front of us. We stuffed ourselves with all the delicious food...to be honest I have had dreams about eating here again!

Here's my "boyfriend" Aydan showing off his crab leg.

Here's the sign outside the restaurant. This place has been featured on Man vs. Food. I highly recommend it!

We took the whole crew to Safeco Field to enjoy a baseball game. Mariners vs. Rays.

We ate lunch at Silver City Brewery and I couldn't resist a sampling of their local brews. I didn't think that I would like the dark ones much, but the Fat Scotch Ale all the way to the right was by far the most delicious!

The food to accompany my beer. It was one of the most scrumptious pizzas that I have ever tasted in my life! And, as you can see in the background...I was well on my way to becoming a beer connoisseur.

After waiting and waiting to get out of Seattle on the Patriot Express to Japan, I found out that all military flights were delayed due to a typhoon heading toward Okinawa. So, I continued my visit with my friends. Thankfully, they were fabulous hosts and if they minded me extending my stay, they didn't mention it to me. Finally, on August 9th, I was able to hop on the first flight to Japan. Even though my adventures in travel were far from over, I was elated to be chosen for the flight. I did hold my breath until boarding was final, and then I settled down for my flight. Fourteen hours later I was home in Japan. I arrived in Yokota and had to wait another 6 hours for the shuttle from Yokosuka. I hopped the shuttle for another 3 hour ride and finally made it to base. My friend Mollye was a lifesaver as she agreed to pick me up and take me home. I think that my crazy line of travels helped to combat jet lag. Thankfully, when I returned home I fell right asleep and have been on a normal schedule ever since. Thank you to everyone who helped me to return home safe and sound!