Mt. Baker - what day is it?

So last night I checked in at this spur of the moment hotel room with a big king bed within the Seattle city limits. Not exactly sure how I got there or what part of Seattle it was in. I know that there wasn't a building around that was higher than four floors. I even doubt that I could ever find the place again if it wasn't for that Space Needle Thing down the block that was stretching to the night sky like a beacon calling me to a new world order and a chance to rest; yes, a chance to rest. After I checked in and told them to leave all luggage in the car (I was certain I did not have the strength to unload my tooth brush), I then walked across the street and had an order of fried chicken at this hole in the wall restaurant. I can't remember the name of the place or how the food tasted. I knew the affair was over when they took my plate away and gave me shake so as to remind me it was time to pay the bill. From there it was but a short walk to this little movie house down the street. It was just in time to see one of those indie films, you know the ones with the shaky camera and unknown actors. It was called The Winter Bones. I think it was around 9:45 PM. when the movie started. There were about three other people in the theater. Munched on some malted milk balls for the sugar rush so that I could stay awake for the rather bizarre conclusion to the film. I then walked back to the hotel room, closed the curtains to the flashing neon lights on the street right outside my window, and collapsed on the bed. As you might conclude from all this, I am still alive - barely.

This morning I checked into the most expensive hotel I could find. It happens to be The Four Seasons on the Seattle waterfront. From the lobby it was a straight course to their outdoor pool that overlooks the Puget Sound with the North Cascade Mountains in the background. To get to the pool with its fantastic plush lounge chairs and the best Bloody Mary you could ever ask for at 11:45 in the morning, I had to walk by the fitness center. Lots of folks grunting and puffing on tread mills so intensely, it was if they were trying to beat the devil for an extra few years of life. Not that latter insanity for me today, no sir. I can't even remember why folks would be actually doing that sort of thing. As for me, I just want to sit by the pool on the sixteenth floor, take in the incredible vista, and soak up the sun and the tasty beverage I will have delivered on a silver platter - not necessarily in that order.

The climb to the summit of Mt Baker and the subsequent descent was actually more than I had imagined. I am sore and very, very, very tired. I will talk more about that later. Right now, I am headed back to one of the super soft lounge chairs by the side of the pool. Sweet dreams await.