GLASS

Seattle gave us our first experience of rain for two months. We drove through heavy traffic, road works and spray. When we got there, we found the famous space needle awaiting us. Taking the lift to the top would have given us a panaramic view of more fast-approaching thunder clouds. We decided to head back to Tacoma.

Tacoma is the home of the famous glassblower Dale Chihuly. We walked across the 'the glass bridge', so called because suspended over the walkway is a massive display of coloured glass made by Chihuly. Walking beneath it is like travelling under a coral reef.

At the end of the bridge was a huge display cabinet showing Chihuly's vivacious humour.

The bridge led to the Glass Museum where we spent 2 hours. We watched talented glass blowers of the American School creating a new work.

A number of American School artists had there work displayed in the museum. Many of them had been taught by the Venetian master, Lino Tagliapietra. Lino has a website where two dimensional images of his masterpieces can be viewed. We were not permited to photograph his work but the full impact of his incredible talent could not be captured in two dimension anyway. We were so amazed by the intricacy and brilliance of his work that we found it hard to leave the museum.

Next day we travel to Port Townsend. On the way we stopped at Poulsbo. Originally built by Norwegian settlers, this was a charming village where we could walk without recourse to the car.

The wooden houses were charming and the weather remained pleasant.

Poulsbo is on Puget Sound so attracts boat owners from Seattle and beyond. Looking out over the Sound we saw a Bald Eagle sitting on a rock enjoying the sunshine.