We took a little detour off the beaten track to see Coulee Dam - and what a marvel it is! First of all, for being out in the middle of nowhere, it is one of the largest concrete structures in the world and the largest electric-power producing facility in the U.S. - providing electricity for 11 states! It isn’t as tall as the Hoover Dam, but way wider. Quite impressive. Also impressive was their visitor center - very well done. It made it interesting even to me who is not mechanically-inclined. They had an extensive section on how it adversely affected the Native Americans in the area as well. We did not, however, take the tour of the dam. Something that Dave is not letting go...
But, we had to move on to Seattle! Since we got there later in the afternoon, we decided to forego the sight-seeing and walked down to Pioneer Square. I guess it still could be considered touristy. We ate at the “Oldest Restaurant in Seattle” - the Merchant Cafe - and then had drinks at both the “Oldest Saloon in Seattle” - The Central- and the “Oldest Bar in Seattle” - J & M’s. I’m not quite sure the difference, perhaps they were connected at one time. J & M’s had a live blues band and we were about the only people in the joint.
From there, I had to make the final stop of the night at good old fado! My favorite Irish bar. They also had live music.
We have noticed (and this isn’t just on the trip, but in general), that barkeeps don’t really converse with patrons anymore. I’ve run into this a lot but I guess never put my finger on it. It used to be where as long as they weren’t serving other customers, you could bend their ear. Or, if they found out you were from out of town, they might bend yours with suggestions on what to do or see. We believe it has something to do with texting, facebook, the Internet - people don’t learn to communicate anymore.
Ended up being a later-than-normal night, so we walked back to the hotel for bedtime.
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