Day 14 | 11th September 2018 Vancouver - Tumwater, WA

On this day, 9/11 still looms large here in North America. Even though the terrible date that made the world a bit more vulnerable is already 17 years ago, it is unforgettable here. All flags are at half-mast again today and on our way from Vancouver along the Highway of Heroes, we experienced something special. More and more police, medical, and fire vehicles gathered on the highway, driving slowly in a convoy with warning signals in front of us. More and more motorcycles joined in and we felt escorted on our way to the US border. Everything became clear there.

Apparently there was a memorial event here. In front of the Peace Arch that stands between both highway lanes, chairs were lined up and many dozens of people had already gathered from all over in their gala uniforms. On our side were two fire cranes holding a huge maple leaf flag together. On the other side, the same with the Stars Spangled Banner. Impressive. The border crossing was once again smooth, this time with an American customs officer.

In the north of Seattle, we stopped at a premium outlet on the I-5. For refreshment after successful shopping, we treated ourselves to a Chinese pan... delicious.

Optimistic despite recurring showers, we then headed to the Space Needle in Seattle again. We were also lucky because it was cheaper to go up on Tuesday than on the weekend, for example. Nevertheless, it was much emptier today than three days ago. We skillfully bought tickets from a machine. And then we went up. At about 600 feet high, there is a round indoor platform from which you can also go down a few steps, out onto the spectacular outer round.

For me, there was a unique lift there, where the stairs fascinatingly transformed into an elevator. I like that. The view was magnificent, we were lucky with the weather again, and we could see Seattle very well. Up there, two marines also let themselves be photographed with their girls. The motif is really great too.

One floor down, it becomes even more spectacular. A complete glass floor solution that also rotates around the tower. It is said to be unique at this height in the world. For us, it was.

Then we got some ice cream and headed a few miles further south from Tacoma at the southern end of Puget Sound to Tumwater, where we should sleep tonight.