It’s been a busy week, much of which has involved burning the candle at both ends.  Here’s a quick run-down of what I’ve done and seen:

Friday, June 12:  Fly to Seattle; arrive late at Mel and Michael’s in Bellvue

Saturday, June 13:  Hike Rattlesnake Ledge (one of the most crowded hikes I’ve ever done, but spectacular nonetheless).  Swim in the lake at the bottom (wow — why isn’t anyone else swimming here?  It’s perfect!)

Farmers market at Issaquah

Walk around Kirkland with Mel, Michael, Naomi, and Zach

Wine tasting at Mark Ryan’s release party at Woodinville, followed by a late dinner and wine with Mel, Michael, their kids, Jess, and Greg.

Nice to be with the Whim folks again!

Sunday, June 13:

Walk in the woods behind Mel’s house — Bellvue has a great trail system — up to a view of Mt. Rainier.

Went to the farmers market in Ballard with Mel and Naomi, and then it was time to head to my conference.

The conference (June 13-17) was at the campus of University of Puget Sound, which is a lovely place to stay.  Here’s the view from my dorm room window:

 I don’t have much to say of note about the conference, except that I had one wonderful meal (and drinks at the Hilltop Kitchen), gave a well-received presentation on alumni tracking, and very much enjoyed hanging out with my colleagues.

On Wednesday, June 17, a group of 25 of us departed Washington for Portland.  On Wednesday afternoon, we saw Reed College and then checked into the Heathman Hotel (it’s supposed to be famous; I’m not sure why).  Had a great meal with a few friends at Olympia Provisions.

Thursday, June 18:  Morning at Lewis and Clark College.  They own a mansion with the best darn view in all of Portland (that’s Mt. Hood at the end of the sweeping vista):

And here’s the mansion:

Then I said goodbye to my tour-mates, rented a car, and headed to my cute airbnb bungalow in the Alberta Street district:

Wandered around the shops, bars, and boutiques of Alberta Street, then headed to Castagna for dinner (modernist cuisine — lots of chemistry, including a dessert that was smoking from liquid nitrogen when it hit the table) and the Multnomah Whiskey Library for drinks.  Here’s the “library”: