Nomad Life - Day 116

For the first time in recent memory, I took a random Vacation Day from work!  My reason for this was the good forecast for today - I hoped I'd be able to have a nice adventure in Seattle.  Even though it wasn't a work day, I woke up at 0415 (no alarm) and spent some time reading, doing puzzles and completing Duolingo exercises.  After that, I finished my Christmas shopping for the family.  I skipped breakfast.  At 0745, walked from the Navy Inn (Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton) to Naval Gate and exited the Base.  I then walked down Burwell Street (and some neighborhood alleys) to the Ferry Terminal.  When I arrived (0805), I realized I'd just missed the Kitsap Fast Ferry - dang...  While I was exploring the area, a guy (Dario, Shipyard worker) asked me if I needed help.  He ended up helping me to understand how the ferry system worked.  Together, we boarded the next Kitsap Fast Ferry (0830).  While getting on the boat, I paid a small fare (cash) to go eastbound.  We departed by 0835 and sailed east through the Sinclair Inlet, Rich Passage and into Elliott Bay.  Overall, it was a great ride (30 minutes), although there was water on the windows so I couldn't get good photos.  We got dropped off at Pier 50 in Seattle - very convenient location!  The weather was good - cool (40s) and overcast but there was some sun.  After I'd disembarked and said goodbye to Dario, I checked out the Washington State Ferry Terminal (thinking of using it later in the visit to the PNW).  By 0920, I was on my way north and west along the Waterfront.  During this whole time, I was thinking of "Larry Gets Lost in Seattle" - I'd bought a book for Mollie when I visited in 2008 timeframe and she'd memorized the locations described enough that she practically led us around the city when our family arrived in 2009...  I snacked on some food I'd brought while walking along Alaskan Way.  The biggest surprise was the absence of the old Viaduct - there was a brand new park in it's place with lots of interesting historical and cultural signs.  When I arrived at Pike Street, I completed the Hill Climb, walking up stairs (Western Market) to the Pike Place Market.  Almost immediately, I found the Gum Wall in Post Alley.  It was still quite early, I guess, so business was slow.  I made a quick run through the shops - most were just setting up for the day.  By 0930, I continued north towards the Space Needle.  When I arrived (0955), I got some good photos.  I briefly explored the Seattle Center area and then walked down to the waterfront again (passed Climate Pledge Arena).  After finding a place to cross the railroad tracks, I reached the shore of Elliott Bay (1015).  From there, I walked on the (under construction/renovation) Elliott Bay Trail.  By the end of the day, I'd seen almost the whole thing from the Cruise Terminal (Pier 90) and back to the Kitsap Fast Ferry Terminal (Pier 50).  I was having a good time but, suddenly (1030), realized I needed to get back to meet my cousin, Ben S, near the Pike Place Market.  Reluctantly, I turned around and walked (still using the bike path) all the way back to Pike Street.  On the way, I passed through the Olympic Sculpture Park.  I continued walking in a northeasterly direction until I was able to cross under the Interstate (I-5).  After circling the block, I finally located Ananas Pizzeria, which Ben had called a "hidden gem".  I sat down inside (nice server) at 1130 and waited for Ben - he arrived about 10 minutes later.  I tried some local beers and we later ordered half/half pizza (Ananas and We Meat Again).  Overall, we had a good conversation and the food was good.  We were finished eating at about 1310 - I then said goodbye to my cousin and started walking back towards the waterfront.  On the way, I detoured back towards Pike Place Market.  This took me past the "Hammering Man" in front of the Seattle Art Museum (1330).  At the Market, it was much busier than it had been in the morning.  I wandered around, hoping for some kind of interesting activities, but nothing happened...  I did locate the first Starbucks (1350).  Reversing direction, I walked south and later used the Harbor Steps to go downhill (1355).  Next, I continued through Post Alley (and other side streets) to reach Pioneer Square.  Along the way, I passed lots of streetcars.  After exploring the holiday-themed venues there, I made my way back towards Pier 50 (got close to the Sports Venues).  When I arrived, I bought a return tucket for the Kitsap Fast Ferry.  When I tried to investigate the return process, I found a HUGE line (1420).  Reluctantly, I decided not to wait to go back to Bremerton because the following ferry was scheduled for more than an hour later.  Fortunately, I managed to get onboard when they departed (1430).  After that, it was another quick ride - this time, there was some rain and a bit of rough water.  There was also a troubled (mental health?) passenger who made almost everyone uncomfortable...  We made it to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal by 1500.  Seeing some nasty weather approaching from the west, I walked quickly back to the Base - I made it just in time (rain started) and was in my room by 1530.  Looking at my pedometer, I discovered I'd walked 10 miles!  Feeling quite tired, I lounged around for the rest of the afternoon and evening - I ended up watching movies.  For some reason, I felt sore and congested - I hope I'm not getting sick...  I ate snacks for dinner and capped off the day with some reading, puzzles and Duolingo.  My heart wasn't really in the movies I watched before turning off the light (2130).  Glad to have had a good day in Seattle with out the drive!