National Parks in Seattle and Vancouver (Bellevue, Yakima: hotel, prices, agriculture)

[Suhail]

First let me start of by stating that my gratitude towards each one of you for taking the time to help me out is ineffable, THANK YOU ALL!

I was referring to Vancouver, BC in Canada. Now, I feel my trip is very short as there is a lot to see. Since all the 3 National Parks are in the US I am assuming there is not much to go out for in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Passports is not an issue as we have them, just want to make the most of this trip without having to rush. May be next trip will be longer and well planned.

Once again, THANK YOU to ALL!!

[Suhail]

First let me start of by stating that my gratitude towards each one of you for taking the time to help me out is ineffable, THANK YOU ALL!

I was referring to Vancouver, BC in Canada. Now, I feel my trip is very short as there is a lot to see. Since all the 3 National Parks are in the US I am assuming there is not much to go out for in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Passports is not an issue as we have them, just want to make the most of this trip without having to rush. May be next trip will be longer and well planned.

Once again, THANK YOU to ALL!!

[homesinseattle]

Au contraire, There is a lot to go for in Vancouver, BC, one of the greatest cities on earth. Maybe next time, have a most excellent trip. I think, upon reflection, a good plan with your time available would be to immediately leave Seattle airport, head straight south toward Olympia, out US 12 West toward Aberdeen (Kurt Cobain's hometown-teach the kids about grunge royalty , then hit Hwy 101 North to Lake Quinault (historic Quinnault Lodge and ancient trees, the biggest spruce trees on earth, large herds of elk), reach the Pacific Ocean at Kalaloch (very cool lodge, beach walks, driftwood) for lunch or dinner there, head North again on Hwy 101, don't miss the Hoh Rainforest and La Push (again on the ocean, stunning easy half mile hike to Second Beach). If the kids are fans of "Twighlight" series, you can stop in Forks (the books and movies were fictionally set here, buy some smoked salmon from the Native American people who live down there on their reservation). Then keep heading north with stops in Olympic National Park, the drive up to Hurricane Ridge is excellent. Close the loop by driving across the Hood Canal Bridge to Winslow, on back on the ferry with magical views of Seattle as you arrive right downtown.

Yes, you could do Mt Rainier or Mount Baker National Park but then wouldn't have time for Olympic National Park. The combo of ocean, mountains, trees, rainforest and striking scenery would make missing this a big mistake, IMO.

[pnwguy2]

Totally agreed. However, Vancouver is probably more a city for singles or married couples than a family with kids. Yes, it is beautiful, and is an important international city, but once you get there and take a glance at the thousand of glass towers, not much remains for a family. Perhaps Stanley Park, but you can find Parks all over the NW. I am not dissing Vancouver, it is indeed a great city.

[homesinseattle]

Gotta disagree with you there, pnwguy2. I had a second home there for three years and the city in amazing for kids. Granville Island is loaded with water taxis, street performers/buskers and all kinds of vibrancy, Vancouver's extensive network of bike paths puts Seattle's to shame. There are festivals absolutely everywhere. Kitsilano Beach is vast and sandy, the parks all over town are lush and well established, great skiing only 30 minutes from town at Cypress and Grouse Mountains. The Aquarium is one of the best in the world, Science Center pretty great too. Lynn Canyon gorge and suspension bridge/waterfalls are 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver and world class beautiful.

I'm not saying Seattle isn't great for kids, it absolutely is. Vancouver is amazing too and it truly puzzles me that Seattle residents don't go up more often. I still have my quick border Nexus pass and go up once a month. Besides, the US dollar is strong right now . Here is a good link: http://gocanada.about.com/od/vancouv...ncouverkid.htm

[pnwguy2]

I defer to you, homes. I have obviously not spent as much time there as you, so my viewpoint is jaded. I know when to admit I am incorrect! But I did say how much I respect the city...

[homesinseattle]

pnw, I like your posts and I like when you call me "homes". I'm just adding to the Northwest love .

[pnwguy2]

And I like your posts, despite a somewhat rocky beginning a few days ago. Just goes to show that all of us are pretty much on the same wavelength here. You can call me pnw, because two of those letters are important to me, not for any reason you would expect. More mysteries to perhaps become explained...

So...from another post...looked at your post about cash offers just as good as lending offers. Well, I can only speak from my experience, but when I bought my last condo in Tri-Cities, my cash offer was less than what the seller declined before. Sure, there are unknown elements here, such as they were getting more desperate, but I have found that cash offers do get more attention, especially with buyers who are in a rush to sell. Thoughts?

Sorry, back to the thread in progress...

[homesinseattle]

Agree, generally cash is king. I was just making the point that a savvy broker can help their financed buyer with a number of steps that make their offer (all other things being equal) be perceived pretty dang close to cash. BTW, I didn't think it was a rocky start, just a spirited discussion, nothing wrong with that .

[pnwguy2]

Yes. And we need more of those in these parts!