Join Pacific Science Center Jan. 8 on a Destination Discovery experience to see the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states! There will be experienced naturalist guides on each boat leading the ten-mile float trip through the protected section of the Skagit River.

Price

• Pacific Science Center Members: $125 per adult; $85 per child under 13.
• Non-members: $150 per adult; $100 per child under 13.
• Includes hot lunch, river gear, and sales tax PLUS all trip proceeds return to benefit Pacific Science Center!

Reservations
Contact Leah Hausman at (206) 443-3642 or email travel@pacsci.org to purchase your tickets. Please make your reservations by January 3, 2011. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Meet Time & Location
10:00pm at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the meeting location.

Located in the remote northwest corner of the country, North Cascades National Park is known for its stunning jagged peaks, towering waterfalls, deep river valleys, and is adorned by more glaciers than any other park outside of Alaska. Take a weekend away with certified rock climbing guides who have dedicated their lives to teaching people how to climb in this protected wilderness. 2011 trip dates are:

• Jul 29–31
• Aug 5–7
• Aug 19–21
• Sep 3–5
• Sep 9–11

Cost $695 for REI Members, $765 for non-members. For more information about REI’s adventure travel trips, visit the REI website.

Board the gondola in The Village and continue to the top of Whistler Mountain to hike the beautiful alpine trails overlooking the entire valley below. Delight in flower-filled meadows and spectacular views in every direction as our trail crosses the rolling Musical Bumps and alpine ridgelines on route to Russet Lake. Getaway to the Whistler Alpine with guides who will share their in-depth knowledge of the areas cultural history and the story of natural forces that have shaped this spectacular landscape. 2011 trip dates are:

• Jul 28–31
• Aug 11–14
• Aug 18–21
• Aug 25–28
• Sep 2–5 Labor Day
• Sep 8–11

Cost $625 for REI Members, $695 for non-members. For more information about REI’s adventure travel trips, visit the REI website.

The Olympic Sculpture Park has transformed a nine-acre industrial site into open and vibrant green space for art. This new waterfront park gives Seattle residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting, while enjoying the incredible views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The Olympic Sculpture Park is open and FREE to the public 365 days a year!

Olympic Sculpture Park is located at 2901 Western Avenue in Seattle. Call (206) 654-3100 for more information.

“Around the Market in 80 Minutes” is an adventure game at Pike Place Market. Clues are given to participants who must locate five check-in points to receive a prize package.

Date: Sunday, Jun 26
Cost: FREE

Visit the check in tent under the Market clock anytime between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Visit www.pikeplacemarket.org for more information.

“Around the Market in 80 Minutes” is an adventure game at Pike Place Market. Clues are given to participants who must locate five check-in points to receive a prize package awarded to each event’s winner.

Date: Sunday, Mar. 27
Cost: FREE

Visit the check in tent on the street under the Market clock anytime between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Game description and rules can be found at www.pikeplacemarket.org.

It’s a great time to start planing your late summer and fall travel on Alaska Airlines!

• $40 One Way to Boise, Portland and Spokane
• $80 One Way to Burbank, Oakland, Orange County, Ontario, Phoenix, Reno, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco
• $90 One Way to Phoenix
• $120 One Way to Fresno, Dallas and Houston
• $125 One Way to Santa Barbara

Travel dates range from Sep 6, to Nov 16, 2011. Prices subject to applicable restrictions, taxes and fees.

Hotspots from the Ballpark to Belltown

Seattle's newest sculpture, 4th & Blanchard.

By Nadra Angerman
Last week the local temperature hit the high 70s –  78 degrees in fact. Let’s hope and pray for a repeat this weekend. HOPEFULLY summer is finally here. Photo (right) a new piece of outdoor Sculpture Art on the SW corner of 4th and Blanchard. A COOL find on a HOT Seattle day!

When the weather is uh “good” then THAT’s the perfect time for a stroll in any Seattle neighborhood. Last week, when I was out and about in the epicenter aka “Belltown” here’s what I stumbled upon:

• ARTWORK AND LOTS OF IT!
• Popsicle Sculpture (okay we’ve already covered this but do go see it out)
• Admission to the Olympic Scultpure Park is FREE to the public — you can’t beat that with a popsicle stick now can ya? SAWEEET! The park opens 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. It’s located at 2400 Elliott Ave.
• SHOPPING AND LOTS OF IT!
• Lots of great shopping in Seattle and I am a Nordstrom fan, but I did discover some great finds at the Endless Knot located at 2300 1st Ave. And, if you’re near Westlake Center or Pioneer Square stop by Fireworks — THIS IS MY FAVORITE store on the planet. It’s an art gallery with a little something for everyone. It features products from over 300 nationally and internationally acclaimed artisans — It’s really cool.
• FOOD, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT…
• Hungry? Bisato has Venetian-style light fare in an open-air kitchen, fancy cocktails and a great wine list. And when you’re done, order the Orange Confit with Chocolate Mousse. You’ll be glad you did! Bisato is located 2400 1st Ave — no kids, dogs or cats please.
• But if you’re looking for “cool cats” visit Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley at 2033 6th Ave. Every week, this premier west coast club brings the greatest names in jazz to Seattle.
• And last but not least, for the night owls, Twist Bar and Lounge at 2313 1st Ave is open until 2am. *YAWN*

Great restaurants, trendy boutiques and HOT night clubs, Belltown has it all.

Nadra Angerman snags an Ichi Roll combo plate at the Seattle Mariners game, but sports fans can take this very same photo with the ball and glove, as most people do!

And speaking of HOT, you know who is? The SEATTLE MARINERS!! This weekend the Mariners face the Tigers in Detroit. Go M’s. But, next week you can “root, root, root for the home team” when they take on the Angels (June 13-15)  and the Phillies (June 17-19). Seriously folks, if you haven’t been to a Mariners baseball game, just do it. Safeco Field aka “the Safe” is one of the best ballparks in North America – trust me, I’ve been to a few of them. And uh ya, that’s me (photo right) posing for a candid as I snag an Ichi Roll Combo plate at the M’s game last weekend. The sushi was delicious, prepared by a sushi master and named after Mariner fan favorite, Ichiro Suzuki. My date was well-behaved, wish he could say the same about me. Oh and here’s another little factoid that is good to know, the Mariners WON that night. The M’s were HOT!

Things obvious to Seattleites, the Safeco field roof is retractable. So, rain or shine it is always a good time. And be sure to go there hungry because Safeco field is nominated by Food Network for having the ‘Best Ballpark Eats In America’ and ranked by an ESPN poll as having the ‘Best Signature Ballpark Food.’  Ivar’s Salmon and Hebrew National Kosher Hot Dogs are a couple of my faves. But also there are tacos, pizza, nachos, barbecue items, sushi, healthy alternatives (yuk), ice cream and espresso. The list truly goes on and on. Bottom line, “Getcha’ peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jacks!”

Looking for other great ways to spend time in Seattle? Check out the HOT deals in the Seattle TourSaver! Save money on the Northwest’s top attractions. TourSaver cuts the cost of tours, adventures and hotels in half. Every coupon is 2-for-the-price-of-one.

• Adults (18-64) $15
• Seniors (65+) $12
• Youth  (5-7) $12
• Student (with ID) $12
• Military (with ID) $12
• Kids (4 younger) FREE

Groups of 8 or more, please contact the EMP/PSC Box Office at (206) 770-2702 or send an email to experience@empsfm.org.

Bring dad, grandpa, and the all the rest along for a spectacular, fun-filled dining experience. Argosy Cruises brunch is fabulous, the views are great, and everyone will enjoy spending time together. Note: There will be a special arts & crafts area for all kids and live music.

Sunday, June 19, 2011, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront

Rate: $59 per adult (Dining Room service charge and applicable taxes additional at time of booking). Children 5-12 $29, Kids 4 and under no charge.  Book It Now!

Do you like the Hilton Hotels & Resorts? We do. Here’s how you can use your 500,000 HHonors Bonus Points and discover how you and your family can enjoy a lifetime of grand vacations when you become a Hilton Grand Vacations Member. Offer expires June 30, 2011. Call 888-585-6426 to request more information.

Looking for Hilton hotels in the Seattle area?

• Hilton Seattle:
  1301 6th Avenue, Seattle. Phone 206-624-0500
• Hilton Bellevue:
  300 112th Avenue SE, Bellevue. Phone 425-455-1300
• Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center:
  17620 International Blvd, Seattle. Phone 206-244-4800

This offer is not valid with any other promotional offer. Special terms and conditions apply.