Mount Rainier

Seattle is a fairly easy place to get around by car, and it probably isn't worth guests hiring one while here. However, there is one unmissable activity that is a lot of hassle without driving: hiking on Mount Rainier. It's too far to get to by bike, there's no public transport from Seattle, and the only private bus tour we know of charges a lot of money for a trip that involves several short photo stops where you won't be able to get away from everyone else who was on the bus. So I had a better idea.

Even between only two people, it's cheaper to rent a car for the day and drive to Mount Rainier, plus that way you get to spend as long as you like hiking, and it will be much easier to get away from the crowds. If we arrange it such that there are 3 or 4 people per car, the whole trip works out pretty cheap (about $30 for the car plus $25 or so for fuel). I can organise the car hire and can probably also come along myself (bringing a car). If I can come (it depends on whether there is much last minute fire-fighting to do for the wedding) it would either be Monday August 28^th or Wednesday the 30^th; the Monday would suit me better but I think fewer guests will have arrived by then.

If you would be interested in coming along, please comment on this post, and also mention which day would suit you better and whether you'd be up for driving. There's no hard deadline, but it would be better to reply sooner rather than later because car rental costs might go up if we leave it too late to book.

Hotel availability

Just a quick note to warn guests that the Ramada has no rooms left for the weekend before our wedding (Friday August 25th at least). We have a large block booked starting the following Sunday (August 27th), but if you're coming earlier than that, you may run into trouble. For the moment, the Sixth Avenue Inn still has availability then, but it probably means they won't for much longer, as they are very similar hotels located very close to each other. If you have any trouble finding rooms either there or nearby, please get in touch with us and we'll sort something out.

Also, for guests wanting a budget option, the HI Hostel at Pike Place Market is apparently quite good, and is very conveniently located. We didn't mention it earlier because we don't have a block booking organised or anything, but a colleague just stayed there for a conference so now that it's been vetted I feel comfortable directing people there.

Coming to Seattle

I want to mention a few things.

- Some of you already know this, but if you're interested in sharing a room with someone and you want us to set it up, email us and let us know. Be sure to include things like "I only want to room with a female, non-smoking person who hates cucumbers", and we'll do our best to match you.

- We'll be writing a guide for you out of towners shortly. If there's anything in particular you want us to mention, please let us know. It'll mostly be full of things we think are cool. I have promised to keep the "coffee" section as concise as possible.

- The Bumbershoot festival is taking place that weekend, and the lineup has been announced! I would highly recommend going for a day, even if you don't like any of the musicians featured, because there's also a lot of interesting art to look at and people-watching to be had. Also, the majority of you are staying pretty close to it.

Dress, part 3

Of course, if anybody wants to show up in one of these, that would make our day.