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Urban Hiking in Seattle: Lake Union – Kerry Park Loop

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Jul 15, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Urban Hiking in Seattle: Lake Union - Kerry Park Loop

A bird’s-eye view is a great way to get your bearings when you’re in a new place. It lets you wrap your head around the neighborhoods and topography. But after you’ve drunk in the lakes and building tops, neighborhoods and needle points (hello Space Needle!), putting boots on the ground gives you a bit more intimate look.

In Seattle, we’re blessed with a plethora of urban hikes. As the city’s complicated geography was developed, stairways were carved into steep hillsides, connecting neighborhood to neighborhood. Today, these same pedestrian pathways offer the ideal way to explore – while also stretching your legs (and racking up a few thousand steps, if you’re into that sort of thing).
Urban Hiking in Seattle
The Lake Union – Kerry Park Loop features big climbs, long descents, and a veritable feast of views. I like to begin this urban trek at Kenmore Air’s Lake Union terminal (A). It’s less than a half-mile stroll to the Westlake Pedestrian Bridge.

Spanning 130 feet, the Westlake Pedestrian Bridge (B) stretches over Westlake Avenue. With its large support beams and long cable-stays that echo the masts of sailboats in the marina below.

On the west side of the bridge, a series of switchback stairways lead to Dexter Avenue. They border a commercial building. At the top of flight small verandas offer exceptional views of Lake Union, downtown, and Capitol Hill.

Cross over Dexter and follow the Galer Street stairs up and over Aurora Avenue. Take a quick jaunt south on Taylor Avenue North, west on Lee Street, and south on 5th Avenue North. You’ll arrive at the edge of Bhy Kracke Park (C). This sliver-sized park is nestled among residential houses. Follow its short trail system for a lovely way to keep climbing upward. Don’t be surprised to find families tucked along the path enjoying a picnic or couples enjoying a lazy stroll. At its peak, an expansive view of the city unfolds.

Take Comstock Place to Bigelow Avenue North and head southwest. Take a left on 3rd Avenue North’s pedestrian-only stairway and west onto Prospect Street until you hit 2nd Avenue North (D). Take a left. This small 75-step stairway is the oldest in Seattle. It was built in 1904. At its base, rests a large white house that looks like it was plucked from a storybook. And, it very well might have been. Check the Little Free Library that rests just beyond its gate. You might find yourself lost in a story.

Continue south on 2nd for one block and then head west on Ward for one block. Heading back north up Warren Avenue North, take a left on head Highland Drive. (You’ll now be headed west.) In four blocks, you’ll reach Kerry Park (E) – the ultimate star of this urban hike.

While it spans just 1.26 acres, Kerry Park offers one of the best views in all of Seattle. Located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, you’ll be able to see the Space Needle, Key Arena, and Safeco Field. Elliot Bay will rest beneath you and West Seattle will stretch out to the south. Ferry boats will come and go. You might see large shipping vessels coming into port and dinosaur-esc cranes unloading them. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see Mount Rainier.

Once you are finished soaking in the view, follow 3rd Street West north to West Galer Street and head east. You’ll run into Queen Anne Avenue, where a plethora of great restaurants and quaint coffee shops reside. (This is a great spot for a break, if you want one.)

From Queen Anne an elegant stairway connects West Galer Street to Galer Street. In three more blocks, you’ll come to Old Queen Anne High School (F). Built in 1909, this magnificent landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places. While the high school closed in 1981, the building was converted into condos and remains occupied today.

Take a left on Nob Hill Avenue North, a left on Garfield Street, and a right on 3rd Avenue North. Along the quiet residential street, you might see kids playing basketball and 20-somethings walking their dogs. You might find grandmas tending their plants and workmen repairing a broken fence. This is Seattle, quiet and quaint.
Victorian House on the Lake Union and Kerry Park Urban Hike
At Howe swing east and then take a quick left on Nob Hill. In two blocks you’ll find an eclectic Victorian-style cottage (G). The yard features eccentric statues and the house itself has been painted a breathtakingly wonderful collection of colors.

Continue along the path by taking a right on Crockett Street, right on 4th, and left on Newton. At Bigelow head south for one block. A small 60-step stairway will connect you to 5th Ave North. Follow 5th to Taylor, Taylor to Galer (H) and Galer back to Westlake .

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15 Minutes to a Remote Fly Fishing Excursion

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Jul 8, 2016
15 Minutes to a Remote Fly Fishing Excursion

Kenmore is known for jetting folks up to the San Juans or popping them over to Victoria. We do both of these things. And they’re great. We fly to a whole slew of regularly scheduled destinations. But, we also do so much more.

Our water-landing babies take adventure hungry men and women into remote regions where cars are often non-existent and nature is front and center. We get them there quickly, bypassing ferry lines and busy airport terminals. We take them there with breathtaking views and thrilling takeoffs and landings.

Just where can you go? Darn near anywhere. The folks in our Charter service department are fantastic. They’ll work closely with you to plan the perfect trip.

For example, you could take the fly fishing trips Orvis is leading. While we offer seasonal trips to fly fishing lodges such as Blackfish Lodge and Franks Fishing Lodge, these are extended stay trips.

The Orvis “Hunt for Big Searuns,” combines everything you love about northern-style angling – exquisite destinations, exceptional fishing and expert guides – with the convenience of a single day itinerary. Talk about awesome!

These fly fishing excursions get you out of town and doing the important stuff (aka casting your line) in no time. Typically, selected destinations are not accessible by car and are at least a two-hour drive from the Seattle/Bellevue area.

The action-packed days begins with a check-in at Kenmore Air Harbor where you’ll get into your wading gear and double check your supplies. Led by fly fishing expert Leland Miyawaki and piloted by Kenmore Air pilot and fly fishing enthusiast, Larry Graff, you’ll set off for a roughly 15-minute trip to the Southsound. The seaplane taxis to the beach and you step, quite literally, into the water. It’s that quick.

How advanced do you have to be? Leland asks his fly fishers to be intermediate to advanced casters. He’s available to help with rigging, fly choices, presentations techniques, fish handling skills, and education on the fishery.

Don’t know a lick about fly fishing, but really want to? Orvis offers free fly fishing classes perfectly suited for beginners of all ages. (Find a full list of available classes at orvis.com/seattle.)

The remaining Orvis-led trip has filled up, but they will resume in September/October. Which gives you time to fine tune your skills or learn the basics.

Where else can our nimble planes take you? Stay tuned for more details. Or, share a few of your own adventure loving, off-the-beaten-path destination favorites.

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whales

Tips for Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands

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Jun 23, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Tips for Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands

They came to the water’s surface like elegant dancers, their dorsal fins tickling the air. Breaths were gasped. Pictures were snapped. Little children pointed with glee.

Until then – until that moment when I saw my first Orca – I didn’t get it. I’d been told that images, video, and stories pale in comparison to seeing these noble creatures first hand. Just how true this is, I didn’t realize.

Until now.

How mammals of that size can move with such grace is beyond me. But they do.

Just outside Friday Harbor – in the waters that twist and turn around the San Juan Islands – Orcas swim in pods. They hunt. They eat. And occasionally, they play.

While several island lookouts offer land-based whale watching opportunities, the best views are from the water. Getting out on a boat with an experienced captain is your best bet to see them. This is why Kenmore Air partners with San Juan Safaris – a whale watching operation based out of Friday Harbor.

These folks know what they’re doing. And, I’m not just saying this for kicks and giggles. Yes, they are our partners. But, we work with them for good reason – they have a 90% Orca spotting success rate!

In addition to their impressive ability to follow the whales, San Juan Safaris also hires expert naturalists to accompany their tour groups. Armed with a wealth of knowledge, these folks are available to answer questions, point out additional wildlife, and describe the natural habitat as you see it.

What else will you see while out and about with San Juan Safaris?
Tons! Over 250 different species of birds live or migrate to the San Juan Islands. Many of these magnificent creatures frequent the shoreline and the nearby waters. You’ll often be able to spot bald eagles perched in trees. Great blue herons can regularly be seen close to shore. Double-crested cormorants like to hang out on rocks while taking a break from their daily fishing expeditions. (See a full list of birds here.)

You might see harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and otters.

While passing Spieden Island – a 550 acre, privately owned island north of San Juan – you might observe a few non-native animals such as Corsican big horn sheep and Fallow deer from Asia. (In 1969, a group of investors bought the uninhabited island to transform it into a shooting preserve. More than 30 years ago, the preserve was shut down. But, the non-native wildlife that had been imported remains to this day – living harmoniously together.)

Just a Day Trip
If you’re in Seattle and you want to maximize your time – Kenmore’s your best bet. Why? Because there are just two ways to get to the San Juan Islands: by boat or by plane. That’s it. If there is absolutely no traffic, you could catch the Anacortes ferry and be in Friday Harbor in just over 2.5 hours. This is a big if.

With Kenmore Air, there’s no driving. There are no lines. And, the flight is just 45-minutes.

To catch a San Juan Safaris tour, you typically board an 11:00 AM flight out of Lake Union to Friday Harbor and return on a 5:30 PM flight. This leaves time for a morning trip to the original Starbucks and an evening dinner at one of Seattle’s fantastic restaurants. If you ask me, that’s maximizing your time in Seattle!

Insider Tips

Get Lunch on the Island – Between your arrival in Friday Harbor and the departure of your San Juan Safaris whale watching tour, you’ll typically have about an hour. While this doesn’t leave you enough time to explore the island, it does give you plenty of time to grab a bite to eat. Right around the check-in booth you’ll find:

Roadriggers
It was a sad day for our taste buds when Friday Harbor’s popular Downriggers seafood house burned down last year. Thankfully, you can still get their Baja fish tacos, salmon sandwiches, and clam chowder. During construction, their team is dishing up the same high-quality fare from their new Roadriggers food truck.
San Juan Bakery
This pop-up pizza stand is operated by the Bakery San Juan. Less seafood and more contemporary pie than their rolling sister – these slices are large and surprisingly affordable.
Friday Harbor Ice Cream Co.
Long and narrow, this tiny ice cream shop will make you reconsider Baskin Robbins. Offering 72 flavors – that’s more than double what you’ll find at the mainland mega chain – this isn’t any sub-par affair. Friday Harbor Ice Cream Co.’s cold treats are high quality – massive scoops of goodness that you can’t help savoring with a smile.
Bring a Jacket – As warm as it might feel while you’re on land, when you get out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the wind starts blowing, things can get a bit chilly.

Pack Some Water & A Small Snack – No drinks or snacks are for sale aboard the boat. If you don’t bring them, you don’t have them. And, tours are 3 – 4 hours long. If you get hungry or thirsty, that’s a long time to wait. It’s best to have a little something in case you want it.

When will you be checking whale watching in the San Juan Islands off your bucket list?

Book your trip now!

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Chris and Tristan Blair

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Jun 19, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Chris and Tristan Blair

It is little wonder Tristan Blair joined the Kenmore Air family. His dad, Chris, has been flying with Kenmore Air since before he was born. A love for planes was practically imprinted on Tristan’s DNA.

“I started working the line here, just like Tristan,” explained Chris, Tristan’s dad and Kenmore Air pilot. That was back in 1991, when Kenmore Air was still primarily flying de Havilland Beavers and Bob Munro was still running the show.

Working his way from dockhand to full-time pilot, Chris considered moving on to a bigger airline. Ultimately the joy of flying smaller seaplanes and the family-friendly schedule convinced him to stay. “When you fly for one of the big guys, you’re gone for days at a time. Here, I was able to go home to my family every night. That was really important to me,” Chris said, as the three of us stood on the dock post-flight.

The time at home was clearly well spent. Tristan is the spitting image of Chris – kind, quick to laugh, and incredibly hardworking.

“Dad would take us along when he had an empty seat. I always knew I wanted to work with planes in some way. I’m just not sure yet if I want to pursue flying them or working on them,” Tristan said.

Recently promoted to Line Crew Supervisor, Tristan’s taking some time to figure out his next move and testing his hand at fixing engines. The father-son pair can often be found working on Tristan’s classic Ford Pickup.

“That’s the nice thing about the old cars, you can practically fix anything. It’s like that with the planes here. I love seeing how things tick,” said Tristan.

Chris’ other four children (Caitlin, Cameron, Kieran, and Addison) still live locally. There aren’t empty seats often, but to this day, Chris’ kids love to ride along with dad.

Learn more about the Kenmore Air family.

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Chatterbox Falls at Princess Louisa Inlet

7 Reasons Chatterbox Falls Should Be On Your Bucket List

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Jun 7, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
7 Reasons Chatterbox Falls Should Be On Your Bucket List

With cities that continue to grow and traffic that won’t relinquish its grip, the old-school nature lover must travel beyond freeway-mapped routes. They must trek where cars can’t reach and people rarely venture.

Sure five star hotels and luxury spas are nice. I love them. I really do. But there’s something about immersing yourself in the wild – in the preserved and pristine countryside where the air tastes like glacier water and the animals roam free.

Carved into the Sunshine Coast, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet, Chatterbox Falls might steal your heart. It stole a bit of mine.

Docked at Chatterbox Falls

Here, old-growth forests tower among magnificent granite walls. The placid waters are mirror-like. And, sounds of water tumbling 120 feet into a glorious mist echoes throughout the canyon.

It’s hard to narrow down why Chatterbox Falls should be on your bucket list. To sum it up into just a few bullet points is tough. It seems almost criminal. Because it’s not just one or a few things that make this place a sliver of paradise. It’s the all of them and more. Still, I had to try. Here are the top seven reasons:

Epic Flight In

There are two ways to reach Chatterbox Falls: boat and seaplane. Each is unique and beautiful in its own right. However, one has the added perks of a bird’s eye view and a less than three-hour travel time. Flying into the canyon lets you get up close and personal with the glacier-capped mountains that rest above and the rugged cliffs that fall straight-faced into the water.

Epic flight into Chatterbox Falls at Princess Louisa Inlet

Waterfalls a Plenty

The frothing base of Chatterbox Falls is easily the star attraction. With a storybook-like presence, its tumbling waters are mere yards from the small, rocky beaches at the inlet’s head. However, until mid-June its stunning display is accented by more than sixty additional waterfalls. The cascading streams are fed by the melting snow-pack from the mountains above.

Fireside Cocktails

Why should savoring Mother Nature end when the sun goes down? Bring a lawn chair, some firewood, and your favorite drink. At the Chatterbox Falls marine park, you’ll find a communal fire pit – the perfect spot for sipping a libation (or two).

(To preserve the park’s natural beauty, this is the only spot you are allowed to build a fire.)

Swimming in the Mountains

While the waters of Princess Louisa Inlet rise and fall with the tide, currents are practically nonexistent. The result is water temperatures that range between 70 – 78 degrees in the summer. So go ahead. Take a salt-water dip.

Hikes Worth the Effort

There are 800 meters of trails and boardwalks throughout Chatterbox Falls park. They traverse beneath the old-growth forests and beside the misty shrouded rocks. Beyond the park’s border are a series of longer and significantly more difficult hikes. These include Trappers Cabin, approximately a two-hour trek; an alpine excursion, roughly seven hours; and an “ice field” climb to the glaciers, about an additional half-day. Each of these trails is recommend for experienced mountaineers only. But if you’re up for the challenge, they’re worth the effort.
Hiking at Chatterbox Falls

Picnic Perfect

Throughout park you’ll find benches tucked along the path. They are positioned to take advantage of the views, offering spots perfect for a lingering picnic or a quiet moment of reflection.

Standing in the Mist

From the deafening roar to the cooling spray, standing in the mist of Chatterbox Falls is like dipping your toe into Mother Nature’s power. The climb into the mist is a heart pounding, laugh-inducing dance. It’s one you must be careful making. The rocks are VERY slippery. But, it is one you’ll never forget.

The sounds you make when a waterfall nearly blows you over.

A video posted by Mikaela Cowles Judd (@mlcowles) on Aug 20, 2015 at 4:02pm PDT

Take me to Chatterbox Falls

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Kenmore Air Chief Pilot Chuck Perry

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May 26, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Kenmore Air Chief Pilot Chuck Perry

A need for uninhibited travel plans propelled Chuck Perry to earn his pilot’s licenses. Little did he know, his weekend hobby would lead to a second career.

In the 80s and 90s, Chuck lived and worked in Ketchikan. Today, the town is a popular stop for many cruise lines. Back then it was a small and infrequently visited fishing village. Chuck was a member of local law enforcement.

“Everyone knew everyone. So I learned to fly and bought a plane. It let me get off the rock whenever I wanted,” Chuck explained over the roar of a de Havilland Otter.

Flying north of the border on a recent Evening Magazine trip to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge, Chuck was thrilled to be behind the yoke. (A yoke is a control column used to pilot some fixed-wing aircraft, like the members of our fleet.)A need for uninhibited travel plans propelled Chuck Perry to earn his pilot’s licenses. Little did he know, his weekend hobby would lead to a second career.

While he originally joined the staff in 2002 as a pilot, he was named Chief Pilot in 2012.

“These days I don’t get to fly as much as I’d like. I spend a lot of my time in the office. That’s the nature of my job. There’s just a lot of work that has to get done,” he said.

But a lack of flight time hadn’t diminished his skills one bit. When a fog bank kept our party from a border check at Nanaimo, he expertly diverted us to Bedwell Harbour. With a constant focus on the plane and the skies, Chuck was in his element. “My goal is always to get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible,” he told our party after we docked.

What about the views? That’s just an amazing perk. “The days I get to fly are my favorite. How many people have an office that floats on the water and flies through the air?” Chuck said.

Kenmore Air Chief Pilot Chuck Perry does a preflight check

There also aren’t many folks who start each morning off with a four shot Americano.

“I roast my own beans. It makes all the difference,” Chuck said. (You’ll often find him sipping said Americano from a rather well-loved tumbler. According to Chuck, the sturdy beast of a cup has survived many a fall and a few splashes.)

As the busy season picks up, Chuck will be less in the office and more in the sky. He might even be piloting your next flight.

Meet More of the Kenmore Family

Michelle Cowan — Captain and Chief Flight Instructor

As Kenmore Air’s first, full-time female pilot certified to fly the entire fleet, Michelle Cowan gets some curious looks from passengers. But she simply smiles and says, “The stripes don’t mean flight attendant.”

Sarah Feller & Operations Manager

You have a good chance of seeing Sarah at any one of Kenmore Air’s three Seattle terminals. As the Operations Manager, she oversees all aspects of each location. And every location benefits from her guidance and leadership.

Ben Cardin — Lake Union Station Manager & Marketing Coordinator

A relatively new addition to the Kenmore Air family, Ben Cardin’s presence is felt throughout Kenmore’s Lake Union terminal. As the Station Manager, he leads by example with his upbeat spirit and commitment to incredible customer service.

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West Coast Wilderness Lodge

West Coast Wilderness Lodge – The Ultimate ‘Summer Camp’ for Grownups

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May 23, 2016 Mikaela Judd
West Coast Wilderness Lodge – The Ultimate ‘Summer Camp’ for Grownups

It doesn’t look like much from the air – just a collection of windows tucked between the trees – but that’s the beauty of the West Coast Wilderness Lodge.

With its unassuming simplicity, it feels as though this 26-room getaway could have grown from the hillside itself. It didn’t.

The lodge was built by Paul Hansen, a former educator turned entrepreneur, and his wife Pattie. Their original vision was to create an educational center. Over the years, this vision evolved into a vacation destination known for its recreational activities and exceptional cuisine. But, the lodge’s educational roots remain embedded in its very framework.

Offering a plethora of activities, each guide-led excursion includes an educational element. “Our staff is exceptional. They really know the area. So when you’re out with them, they don’t just tell you about it. They share it with you,” Paul explained while sitting on the deck at sunset.

Kayaking with the Seals

Located at the crossroads of four major waterways, the lodge offers kayaking for individuals of all skill levels.

Located at the crossroads of four major waterways, the lodge offers kayaking for individuals of all skill levels. Standard kayak rentals are available. However, the guided tours are exceptional. Guides, like current kayak expert Kevin, know the best inlets and destinations.

Whether you take a tour or not, a trip across the waterway is highly recommended. There are a series of uninhabited islands located directly in front of the lodge. They are a favorite for seals. The sun-loving mammals like to catch some rays on the protective rocks. A curious bunch, the seals will often surround the kayaks as you paddle by, popping up here and there for a look at who is visiting. Don’t be surprised by their cackling calls and husky sneezes. They’re just saying hello.

Seals near the West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Additional kayaking excursions include a twilight phosphorescence trip. Due to a natural occurrence, the algae in this area glows at night, making the water look like the sky filled with stars.

Bring Your Appetite

If summer camp and fine dining had a baby, the Inlets Restaurant would have been the result.

If summer camp and fine dining had a baby, the Inlets Restaurant would have been the result. Powered by executive chef Tim Kozody, the menu’s cuisine offers a bit of backcountry flare. The constantly changing menu might feature smoked potatoes. You could find halibut adorned with fiddlehead ferns. And, you’ll often discover mushroom appetizers infused with foraged goodies.

Oysters here are always a good bet. Spot prawns are sourced from just down the road. Did I mention the mussels? They are cooked in a fragrant broth that perfumes the air even before you get a taste.

The dining room’s soaring ceilings and stunning wood-planked floor are matched by the waterfront view. At the eastern edge of the restaurant rests a curved wood bar. Behind it you’ll often find the Hansen’s son, Lucas. A master of his craft, he leads martini-making classes at 5:00 PM (upon request).

Martini-making classes are available at 5:00 PM, upon request.

While dinner and cocktails are definitely a highlight, breakfast is not to be overlooked. Those who like to start their morning with something sweet will love the Cinnamon Apple French Toast. It comes topped with candied nuts and a healthy drizzle of true maple syrup.

For the savory breakfast goers, look no further than The Grizzly – a smoked salmon Benedict.

For the savory breakfast goers, look no further than The Grizzly – a smoked salmon Benedict. This hearty meal features slices of smoked salmon and avocado, two perfectly poached eggs, and a hollandaise that’s impressively delicate. Unlike the thick buttered sauce traditionally globed atop eggs, Chef Kozody’s rendition is bright and fresh. It accentuates the egg yolk-salmon combo for an unctuous bite that will make you a member of the clean plate club.

Ready to start exploring? Book your trip soon. The lodge has a tendency to fill up quickly.

I can’t wait to go!

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70th Anniversary Seaplane Fly-In

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May 9, 2016
70th Anniversary Seaplane Fly-In

Come celebrate with us May 14, 2016!

Details

Founded in 1946, Kenmore Air has called the quiet shoreline of north Lake Washington home for 70 years. We are celebrating this milestone May 14, 2016 with a Seaplane Fly-In. From 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, the public is invited to join us at our Kenmore, Washington headquarters.

Scenic Flight Tours

Scenic seaplane flights will be available at the Fly-In. Tours will depart from our Lake Washington terminal and include exciting water takeoffs and landings. In addition, you will see aerial views of the University of Washington, Space Needle, Lake Union, and the Ballard Locks.

Offered from 11:30AM – 1:30PM *weather permitting

  • Children under 10 years of age – FREE
  • Children 10-18 years of age – $20
  • Adults – $40

Facility Tours

Kenmore Air also has an internationally renowned maintenance department. Guided facility tours will be available, including a look at our new Otter Hangar. Completed last year, the new building is large enough to fit even a de Havilland Twin Otter on amphibious floats.

Offered from 11:00AM – 1:00PM

Event Activities

Members of the family-owned and operated Kenmore Air Harbor will be on hand to visit with guests and will share their thoughts on this milestone anniversary in a program at 12:00 noon.

Guests will be able to take up-close and personal photos with a seaplane and have the chance to participate in a raffle and family-fun games. And… don’t miss your chance to hit up the local food trucks that will be on-site.

Food Trucks

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Three Days of Things to Do, Eat and See in Seattle

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Apr 29, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Three Days of Things to Do, Eat and See in Seattle

Maximize your time in Seattle with this three-day itinerary of things to do, eat and see.

Day 1

Breakfast – Sound View Café
For over 40 years, the Sound View Café has been tucked just west of the Pike Place Market’s fish-flinging crew. While the space here may be narrow, the view is anything but. Elliot Bay and the Olympics spill out in front of you at this long time favorite. Service is sometimes slow, but the prices are incredibly reasonable, the seafood is fresh and the coffee is packed with caffeine.

Sound View Café – 1501 Pike Pl #501, Seattle

Explore – Pike Place Market
Wander through Seattle’s Pike Place Market where fresh flowers, flying seafood and the occasional street performer fill the cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit Rachel, the Market’s pig mascot. Pop down to Post Alley where the Market Theater’s wall, better known as the Gum Wall, is covered with sticky color. Head further south to the Harbor Steps, a pedestrian walkway connecting 1st Avenue, Post Alley and Western Avenue. Looking for a caffeine refill? Head up to Café Fonté on 1st Avenue where the beans are expertly roasted and the coffee is exceptionally prepared.

Café Fonté – 1321 First Ave., Seattle

Lunch – Wandering Goose
Flour sack lampshades and tabletops carved with creative rhymes and poems give this small neighborhood eatery charm. But, it’s Wandering Goose’s food which steals the show. While the buttermilk biscuit sandwiches and the fried oyster po’ boy may be tempting, it’s the cast iron skillet concoctions that really scream for attention. From the veggie packed hash to Bubble and Squeek – veggies with braised beef brisket – the dishes are well seasoned and topped with poached eggs. If you can save room for dessert, their prominent display case shows off an impressive selection of moist cakes and chewy cookies.

Wandering Goose – 403 15th Ave. E, Seattle

Explore – Volunteer Park & Broadway
Tucked among some of Seattle’s oldest homes on the north end of Capital Hill, is a conservatory packed with plants from across the globe. It’s hard to decide which is more beautiful – Volunteer Park’s idyllic setting or the view of the city, mountains, and water from the top of its brick water tower. (If you can pick, let me know.) This century-old garden, built by the Olmsted Brothers, offers playgrounds for the tots and strolling for adults. Once you have your nature fill, head up to Broadway, where the people watching thrives and thrifting (a popular Seattleite pastime of hunting for finds in thrift stores) is strongly encouraged.

Volunteer Park – 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle 98122

Dinner – Sitka & Spruce in the Melrose Market
Tucked in the back of the Melrose Market – a mecca for restaurants and shops committed to all things local and sustainable – you’ll find Sitka & Spruce. The space is reminiscent of a loft apartment. It might make you feel like you should be perpetually in your 20’s, walking around in your underwear and eating grapes from a chipped bowl. But thoughtfully crafted dishes at this quaint restaurant are a far cry from those you’d pull together on a two-burner stove. Sourcing ingredients from their own Vashon Island farm – the Old Chaser Farm – their menu is similar to what you might find in your own backyard garden. Dishes are meant to be shared. And, while reading the menu might make you might feel the need for a foodie dictionary, the staff is knowledgeable and quick to answer questions. For the full experience, request a seat at the communal table, a large wooden chefs table attached to the kitchen’s own prep station.

Sitka & Spruce – 1531 Melrose Ave. E, Seattle

Drinks – Von Trapp’s
Raftered ceilings soar above Von Trapp’s five, centrally located bocce ball courts . Reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, they feature ‘beir’ (aka beer) in sizes ranging from 2-ounce tastes to 1-liter steins. No expense was withheld in this Capital Hill hot spot where crystal chandeliers and fireplaces give the wood interior a warm glow.

Von Trapp’s – 912 12th Ave., Seattle

Day 2

Breakfast – Portage Bay Cafe

This casual café, focused on local, organic and seasonal ingredients, is designed for people who like to “Eat like they give a damn.” Baking their own bread and pastries, smoking their own meats and seafood, and making their own sausages, you can be certain your meal at Portage Bay Cafe was made from scratch. Breakfast favorites include the farmer’s hash – a scramble packed with veggies – and the oven baked French toast packed with blackberries. Big eaters will love the Breakfast Bar where you can top your own carb loving pancake or French toast with a selection of seasonal fruit, organic syrup, whipped cream and nuts.

Portage Bay Cafe – 391 Terry Ave. N, Seattle

Explore – MOHAI
A large aircraft, sans wheels, hangs from the ceiling. It’s Boeing’s first commercial plane. Built in 1919, it used to regularly land in Lake Union just like our Kenmore Air seaplanes do now. Only then, the building this water-landing baby now calls home didn’t exist. The former Naval Reserve Armory wasn’t built until 1942. Today, the expansive 50,000-square-foot building that hangs over Lake Union’s shores is now known as MOHAI – the Museum of History and Industry. Its exhibits feature Seattle’s past and capture its future achievements.

MOHAI – 860 Terry Ave. N, Seattle

Lunch – Brouwer’s Café
It may be the 64 beers on tap, the 300 different bottled brews and the 60 different scotches that have earned Brouwer’s Café a loyal following in the Seattle area. But, their impressive food menu doesn’t hurt either with choices such as ham and Gruyere sandwiches and an open faced, veggie-packed sandwich medley.

Brouwer’s Café – 400 North 35th St., Seattle

Explore – Fremont and the Theo Chocolate Factory
Across the street from Brouwer’s Café, you’ll find the Theo Chocolate Factory where they offer regular, hour-long tours from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Discover and taste what makes this free-trade chocolate so amazing. From the Theo Chocolate Factory, stroll east to the famous “Waiting for Interurban” statue which is frequently decorated by locals. Heading north, to the center of Fremont, you’ll find the Center of the Universe – a large pole which points to, what many Fremontians consider, the universe’s center. Moving further east, you’ll find the Fremont Troll, a large stone statue holding a real VW bug.

Theo Chocolate Factory – 3400 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle
Waiting for Interurban – The Corner of N 34th St. and Fremont Ave. N
Fremont Troll – 3405 Troll Ave. N, Seattle
Center of the Universe – The intersection of N 35th, Fremont PL N and Fremont Ave. N

Dinner – Walrus and the Carpenter
Considered the place in Seattle to indulge in oysters, chef Renee Erickson and co-owners Jeremy Price and Chad Dale gather and shuck oysters by the bushel. But, while you enjoy these icy shellfish at the Walrus and the Carpenter, save room for the small plates this Ballard eatery is throwing down. Selections vary from a duck broth soup to dates, roasted and seasoned with sea salt.

Walrus and the Carpenter – 4743 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle

Day 3

Breakfast – Crumble & Flake
While Crumble & Flake’s 1-hour sell out crowds have died down, these butter packed indulgences still deserve attention. Opening in the morning and serving customers until 3:00 PM, or when they sell out, this small bakery often closes early. Pastry chef Neil Robertson transforms both sweet and savory baking into an event. His hand-held treats leave you licking your fingers, your plate, and occasionally the little white bags your pastries come in. (Don’t worry. If no one sees you, no one judges you.) Favorites include the filled-to-order cream puffs; the classic croissants; and the salty, sweet caramelized Kouign Amann (pronounced “kween a-mon”). This delectable French specialty is similar to a croissant, but with salted butter and rolled in sugar.

Crumble & Flake – 1500 E Olive Way, Seattle

Explore – Sites with a View
Start at Marshall Park where this tiny green oasis offers stunning views of the Sound. Be sure to check out the concrete walkway where prominent Northwest artists such as Morris Graves, Margaret Tompkins, Victor Steinbrueck, Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, and Charles Stokes have contributed some unsigned work. Head across the street to Parsons Gardens. Don’t worry about the gates on this hidden Queen Anne gem, it really is part of the Seattle Parks Department. Keep strolling east to Kerry Park for one of Seattle’s most famous views of Elliot Bay and downtown. On clear days, Mt. Rainier makes a guest appearance. Head down the hill to the Space Needle for a trip to the top of the 605-foot-tall tower. Package Admission options will allow you to easily and affordably visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass later in the day.

Marshall Park – 7th Ave. W & Highland Dr., Seattle
Parsons Gardens – 7th Ave. W & Highland Dr., Seattle
Kerry Park – 211 W Highland Dr., Seattle
Chihuly Garden and Glass – 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Lunch – The Armory
Like most of the Seattle food scene, this food court isn’t your typical sub-par fare. The Armory at the Seattle Center features outposts for some of Seattle’s most recent to-die-for restaurants including Eltana – a local bagel joint that’s frying up bagels with a crisp outsides and chewy centers – and Skillet Counter – a stationary location for one of Seattle’s favorite where you’ll find homey comfort food with elegant flare.

The Armory – 305 Harrison St. Seattle

Explore – Chilhuly Garden and Glass
The 45,000 modern glass conservatory features an incredible selection of chandeliers and towers by renowned Northwest glass artist Dale Chihuly. Like much of his other works, the sculptures at the Chilhuly Garden and Glass are inspired by both flowers and the sea. The star of the show is the Glasshouse. The 40-foot tall, 4,500-square-foot glass and steel structure is dominated by a 100-foot long sculpture of blooming flowers.

Chilhuly Garden and Glass – 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Dinner – Dahlia Lounge
The first of Tom Douglas’ restaurants, the Dahlia Lounge opened in 1989. From the smell of its wood-burning stove to its nationally renowned Dungeness crab cakes, it offers the full bodied taste of the Pacific Northwest. Committed to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, menu specials can change daily. While the savory side of this meal might have you searching for extra belly room, be sure to save a little. Next door, the Dahlia Bakery is crafting equally enticing bites.

Dahlia Lounge – 2001 4th Av., Seattle

Getting Around Seattle
While you certainly could take to the streets for a walking tour, and at times probably should, Seattle’s hilly topography and drizzly weather might make you more inclined towards covered – less strenuous – forms of transportation. Though not always on time, Seattle’s bus system can get you nearly anywhere in the city. Just make sure you have exact change. A variety of rental car services are available, as are taxis. (Google for your closest location.) The King County Water Taxi offers trips between West Seattle and downtown. And, the Seattle Monorail will help you move between Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center.

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Six-Six-Zulu

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Apr 26, 2016 Mikaela Cowles
Six-Six-Zulu

It wasn’t the first seaplane Kenmore Air ever purchased. It wasn’t even the first de Havilland Beaver. But Six-Six-Zulu is definitely the best-loved member of Kenmore’s fleet.

A fixed wing single-engine beauty, she came off the line in 1953. Her early years were spent with the United States Air Force. She flew with six different units including the 6600th Air Department AMO (Air Material Overseas Unit). This was an especially appropriate beginning for a plane that would one day haul Navy torpedoes and land on remote glaciers.

Torpedo Hauling
Purchased in 1967, Six-Six-Zulu arrived at Kenmore on wheels. In those days, this was common. Most Beavers were coming from Military and Air Force bases.

Stripping Six-Six-Zulu of her hardtop landing equipment, Kenmore installed floats and a little something special she’d need for her first assignment. Joining Kenmore’s original Beaver, Six-Four-Zulu, she began transporting Navy test torpedoes.

In the ’60s, the Navy was testing torpedoes at a firing range in Canada. Once fired, the torpedoes needed to be collected and transported to the Keyport Navy Base for analysis. Prior to Kenmore’s help, the torpedoes’ trek was typically a two-day affair – including nearly three hundred miles of road, two ferry rides, and a border crossing.

The Beaver’s task was seemingly simple. Retrieve and deliver quickly. The practicality of carrying the heavy and awkward torpedoes was a different story.

Bob Munro, one of Kenmore’s founders, saw a solution. He’d mounted dozens of rowboats and canoes aboard the float struts of various seaplanes. He didn’t see any reason not to do the same with torpedoes.

In order to carry the torpedoes, she was equipped with a pair of racks designed by Munro; Bill Peters, Kenmore’s fabrication genius; and Navy personnel. A special crane designed to fit around the edge of the Beavers’ wings was used to heave the heavy and awkward shells. But the payoff was worth it. The Beavers cut the two-day transport to a couple of hours.

The Bond Between a Plane & Her Pilot
Six-Six-Zulu was much more than a test weapon transport. She formed a special bond with Munro. While she’d take a spin with other pilots from time to time, her almost exclusive relationship with Munro was well known among the Kenmore staff. If Munro was scheduled for a Beaver flight, he and Six-Six-Zulu would be spending the day together.

As C. Marin Faure writes in Success on the Step:

[Munro] knew every one of [Six-Six-Zulu’s] quirks and how it would handle in virtually any situation. The engine and flight instruments in the panel simply confirmed what he felt through the seat, saw out the windshield, and heard in the rush of air past the fuselage and in the thunder of the engine (341).

It was a relationship that served them both well.

Glacier Landings
Just a year after flexing her carrying capabilities, Munro asked Six-Six-Zulu to test her durability and dexterity.

Research scientist Mark Meier was studying South Cascade, a small glacier just 75-miles northeast of Seattle. At the time, South Cascade was just two miles long and half a mile wide. Compared to the other cliff-hanging monstrosities nearby, it was a pussycat. Its mild slopes provided a relatively easy to traverse terrain. It was getting there that posed some problems.

The small glacier was surrounded by rows of razorback ridges. The eastern wall of its narrow, north-south valley was dominated by Mt. LeConte and Sentinel Peak. South of the glacier, a pyramid of rock towers, known as The Lizard, topped out at 7,339 feet. At the glacier’s foot, a lake bent around the base of a ridge, escaping down a tiny stream.

The hike in was treacherous, especially for scientists lugging heavy and awkward cases of delicate instruments. Supporting the project by air was a logical choice. It was logical, except for the fact that the carrying capabilities of a helicopter were limited and arriving by seaplane was considered downright crazy.

Meier called every seaplane owner in Seattle to see if they’d make the trip. By the time he called Kenmore, he was used to hearing, “No.”

It took a lot of careful planning and an immense amount of skill, but Munro and Six-Six-Zulu made it to the glacier. During the first flights, they landed on the lake at the base of the glacier. But when the lake froze over, Munro was not deterred.

“I’ll come in over the lake and then head right up the glacier. I’ll touch down where the surface is pretty level,” Munro reasoned.

And that’s just what he did. Munro flew Six-Six-Zulu onto the snow-covered ice, delivering vital supplies and picking up the collected samples.

The Kenmore Restoration
At 60-plus, many a working stiff would at least be talking about retirement. Six-Six-Zulu is still an active member of Kenmore’s fleet. And, she will be for years to come. That’s the beauty of de Havilland Beavers and the Kenmore restoration program.

While the last Beaver came off the line in 1967, like-new Beavers are coming out of the Kenmore Air maintenance shop on a regular basis.

Kenmore’s world-renowned maintenance crew has earned an impeccable reputation among aviation enthusiasts. Their overhauled Beavers are often referred to as “Kenmore Beavers.”

The nickname is duly earned. The hundreds of modifications developed by Kenmore over the years have not only improved performance and customer satisfaction, but helped equip the planes to handle changing technologies.

Six-Six-Zulu alone has undergone 55 separate modifications. More than once she’s gone into the machine shop for a complete overhaul and restored. Tearing a plane like Six-Six-Zulu apart and putting her back together like new is no small undertaking.

During her 1999 restoration, nearly 7,700 new parts were installed. The process took almost 1,963 hours. If it had been a one-man job, it would have taken a mechanic practically a full year to complete.

She is old to be sure. But she’s in great shape and Kenmore’s going to make sure she stays that way.

Facts & Figures
Tail Number: N9766Z
Manufacture’s Serial Number: 504
L-20 Serial Number: 1283
U.S. Military Registration Number: 52-6121
Gross Weight: 5,600 pounds
(Fully fueled + max carrying capacity)
Useful Load: 2,016.7 pounds
(Available weight for fuel, passengers & baggage)
Tank: 828 Pounds

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