We're back from our Spring Break 2011 adventure. We were wanting to get out of Dodge so to speak, so we spun the map and headed South. We only had three nights to spend and wanted to try someplace new. Crystal Mountain on Mt. Rainer fit the bill. Hubby grabbed a last minute, mid-week special at the Alta Crystal Lodge. What a great spot! The night we arrived there was a huge bon fire awaiting us, complete with s'mores, wine, hot chocolate, and a nearby snow fort. After chatting with the other guests we made it to the pool before it closed. Yes the pool. Heated to 90'F the kids didn't want to get out - ever. I stayed in the hot tub. I'm kinda lame when it comes to cold weather and water. We had a one bedroom loft suite with a kitchen and fireplace which suited us perfectly. The next morning we were off to the slopes a mere 10 minutes away. Kids under 10 ski free and we got discounted tix through the lodge. Great mountain, no lines, mellow kinda feel. Back to the pool.
The next morning, after a return visit to the pool (again), we headed for Seattle. I had pricelined a hotel downtown: The Courtyard Marriott is brand new and had an amazing view of QWest stadium and Pioneer Square roof tops. Sweet! We checked out the Pacific Space Center's Star Wars exhibit before bed. If you're a fan, you'll love seeing the costumes, original light sabers, learning about modern day robotics and reading about how they found the right sound effects for the starships. Slept in a very comfy bed and tried to take the family to the Crumpet spot at Pike's Place market for breakfast, but alas they were closed for upgrades. The kids came away with some books from the Pike Place bookstore (owned by a very gregarious fellow) and a carved wood flute. Sounds about right for Pike Place. After the mandatory stops at the outlet mall and Trader Joe's we're home with plans to return to Mt. Rainer this summer.
