Labor Day Weekend--Bumbershoot Festival

It hardly seems possible that it could almost be Labor Day weekend again already (and, hence, almost fall) but, since it is, it is also time for Bumbershoot--Seattle's annual musical and arts tribute to the end of summer.

The festival will be held at Seattle Center in downtown/Belltown/Queen Anne from Saturday September 2nd to Monday September 4th. The festivities will start at about noon on each day and carry on until 11:00 p.m., and will be in areas throughout the entire 74 acres of the Seattle Center campus.

The full schedule can be found on the website link above, and tickets will range in price from $10 for children to $145 for a three day pass if purchased prior to 25 August 2006, slightly higher if purchased after that date.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Woodland Park Zoo Walking Tour

• Today's Seattle Attraction will be a Woodland Park Zoo walking tour. The zoo covers 92 acres in the Phinney neighborhood of Seattle, a large intra-urban green belt. To really see the zoo and appreciate all of the exhibits, you need to plan for more than one visit, but our walking tour today will touch on all of the highlights to provide a generalized view. The distance for this walking tour will be about one and a quarter miles, and can take as little as hour and a half to complete at a leisurely pace. It is on mostly level and paved paths, though there are a few hills and/or rough spots, so plan to take care and wear appropriate footgear. A map of the zoo can be downloaded at their website (linked to the title above), or obtained at the front gate when you enter.

• To begin, enter the zoo at the south gate, which is at N 50th Ave and Fremont Ave N, and readily accessible by car or bus (though the zoo encourages use of the bus system as more ecologically friendly). Walk forward, where you will see a sign directing you to the African Savannah viewing area. Here you are likely to see zebra, gazelle, African birds (with the occasional local seagull interloper), and giraffe wandering this unfenced area.
• Follow the rightward path marked "more animals" and see the savannah lands from a different angle.
• When you reach a paved path, turn left and this will guide you toward the exhibit containing the lions and wild dogs.
• Next you will see an enclosure that houses African birds. Be careful to follow the instructions to open only one of the "airlock" type gates at a time, to keep the birds from flying out as you enter.
• Exiting the aviary, you will see a viewpoint on the left that overlooks a pond. Looking closely if it is a warm day, you will be able to see the backs of the resident hippos. They do come up for air about every five minutes, when you can get a better view.
• Continuing on down the path, you will see a bronze statue of a hippo. At that point, you will see a giraffe house on the right, where animals receiving medical care rest away from their habitat.
• Continuing on by walking straight ahead at the intersection of two paths, you will come to the lion enclosure. You may need to look closely on a warm day in order to see them sleeping on the rocky ledges, but will usually be rewarded.
• Return back to the intersection of the paths, and follow directions toward "tropical Asia." Going this way you will see spotted hyenas enclosed on your left. It is in the Asian exhibit that you will be able to see the elephants.
• Continue onward on a path marked "Trail of Vines." Here you will see deer, tapir, macaques, and other Asian animals. You will also see an indoor/outdoor complex containing a waterfall that is home to the orangutans.
• Cross the wooden bridge and follow the signs to the raptor center. Here you will be able to see owls, eagles, falcons, vultures and other birds of prey, usually tethered on perches. There are regularly scheduled talks, and one or more handlers are usually available to talk with visitors about the birds between shows.
• Next follow the signs to the northern trail. This exhibit contains animals and information about the Great Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Downhill to the left you may be able to see the Alaskan Kodiak bears, as well as lively river otters "clowning" for the visitors.
• Reverse your steps and return to the main path, which will lead you to the Rainforest Cafe, an opportunity for food, drink and restroom stops as needed. After that, follow the signs to the "Tropical Rain Forest", which is an indoor exhibit of plants and animals found in rainforest environments. Warning: It is very warm and humid in this building, so you may want to shed outer layers as appropriate. Additionally, strollers must be left outside, so you will need to carry or hand walk your smaller youngsters.
• Exiting this building, the signs will direct you to the Family Farm, which has items of interest to the younger set, and is near your entrance point at the south gate. You will also find additional restrooms and the zoo store here.
• If you happen to be visiting on a rainy day, there is a "rainy day tour" and map downloadable from the zoo's website which will provide you with covered areas to protect you from the elements but still maximize your zoo day.

If you have any questions that I can help you with, feel free to contact me.