Lost River Alpacas

On Tuesday I was lucky enough to take a trip to the Lost River Alpaca Farm.

No, it's not an Eastside View, but a beautiful place about 2 hours North of the Eastside. My group from the Redmond Senior Center and I met the farm owners Linda and Alan. We saw and interacted with their beautiful alpacas. I also purchased some gorgeous alpaca roving to spin. I like to spin in the winter when the weather is cool and I plan to knit some beautiful hats when done spinning.

Here are a few of the pictures I took.

Snoqualmie, Washington

On a recent Sunday afternoon, my hubby and I decided to take a drive to the town of Snoqualmie. Snoqualmie is located about 25 miles East of Seattle. Our first stop was at the Snoqualmie Casino for brunch and to play some slot machines. Brunch was great and the machines paid off so we were off to a good start.

We then drove through town and our first stop was the Victorian Snoqualmie Depot. The Snoqualmie Depot was built in 1890 as an arrival point for tourists coming to hunt, fish and view the already world-famous Snoqualmie Falls.

The town of Snoqualmie was built on the route of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway (SLS&E). The railway started on Seattle's waterfront and wound around Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish (now the route of the Burke-Gilman Trail) on it's way to a planned crossing of Snoqualmie Pass.

This railroad never reached the pass. It was bought by Northern Pacific, which later became the Burlington Northern. It operated as a branch line until the 1970's, carrying passengers, supplies for local businesses, millions of board feet of logs to local mills and finished lumber to world markets.

The tracks just a few feet away from the pavilion follow the original route of the SLS&E.

When the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Company (now Weyerhaeuser) began it's operation about a mile north of town, the mill was set up to handle the huge Douglas-fir, sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar trees which covered the hills and mountains of the region. On display today is an example of those type of logs. Unfortunately, time and uncaring people have defaced this log. Logs 10 to 15 feet in diameter were carried by train to the mill, through a huge bandsaw, cutting timbers up to three feet square for trestle bridges and warehouse floors.

Our next stop was at the world-famous Snoqualmie Falls. Midway between the towns of Snoqualmie and Fall City, the Snoqualmie River cascades 270 feet (100 feet higher than the famed Niagara Falls) through a spectacular rock gorge. The falls attracts 1.5 million visitors every year. After leaving the falls we went on to Fall City where we came upon these beautiful horses.

If you are ever in the Seattle area, a trip to Snoqualmie is sure to be well worth your time.

Kirkland Art Walk

Kirkland is a city full of art of all types. I'm proud to say that on June 11 one of my Driftwood Art pieces will be on display for the Kirkland Art Walk. Here are some photos of Driftwood Art. To learn more go to the Northwest Driftwood Artists website by clicking here. The pieces shown were done by NWDA members.

Disney Plane

This is not exactly an Eastside View since it was taken in Federal Way. It also was taken over a year ago but I thought it's a sight not seen in many places. I was just lucky to be out at a park when this fun plane flew over.

A Beautiful Day

More from the Kirkland Marina.....

This little guy was not a bit afraid of us. Sorry guy, we have nothing to eat!

Some of you may recognise this boat. It was featured on the ABC show The Bachelor. Jason took Molly for a lake cruise. This boat offers Lake Washington cruises leaving from Kirkland. The Seattle skyline can be see in the foggy distance.

Another view looking across the lake toward Sand Point area.

When leaving we spotted this Vespa and daydreamed about taking a ride on such a beautiful day.

Saturday Market

We had beautiful weather last Saturday for the Issaquah Farmers Market. The crowd was a bit small and there wern't many craft vendors. The farmers had mostly flowers rather than veggies but I did capture a few photos when I was able to get away from my booth.

I feel that once we have our beautiful Seattle summer weather that this might still turn out to be one of the best market years yet!!

Homecoming Statue

Here is another view from downtown Kirkland, Washington.

This statue called The Homecoming is located at the foot of Kirkland Marina Pier.

The other side of the statue depicts a small child but due to the sun's reflection I did not get a shot of that side. You can see it and read more by clicking here.