4th of July Weekend in Juneau, Alaska (2008)

Can't believe it's already morning and it's time for me to head out to the Sacramento airport...I am flying to Juneau Alaska for 4th of July weekend! I am really excited but nervous at the same time as I know I will be on my own for much of the trip since my friend is working the whole time I am here.  I had purposedly booked a long layover in Seattle so I could get some work done but turns out my friend, and fellow TB'er, Shane (mr_shanet) was going to be able to meet me for lunch!  SWEET!  I was excited to see Shane again although it hasn't been that long (I just stayed with him in April..ha ha). 

I was ecstatic I got a window seat considering I booked my ticket only days before and it appeared I was on stand by since they were not assigning seats online.

.said they would be assigned at the gate.  The last time I flew to Seattle, I had awesome scenery so I was primed and ready with my camera.  Unfortunately, the pilot got on to say we probably wouldn't see much of anything since the smoke from our 800+ forest fires in Northern California has coated the Pacific Northwest skies!  :-( 

I did get to see a little bit but very hazy flying into Seattle...it would've been a beautiful day if not for the smoke in the sky.  I took a number of pictures anyways just because Seattle is one of the prettiest cities I've flown into. 

Well, perfect timing on the landing as Shane was about 5-10 minutes away and would meet me in passenger pick up.  A couple minute delay since I was in departing flights and he was at arrivals and we were on our way!  We drove around a pretty cool area called Southcenter (I think that was the name.

..right, Shane?).  Every chain restaurant imaginable was there - from the Applebee's type places up to The Cheesecake Factory.  We opted to try Bahama Breeze as I've only been to one once and it was back in Cleveland.  Figured this was a great way to start the vacation since the decor is tropical and it made me all warm and fuzzy..not like the rain and cold I was headed to in Juneau! LOL. 

Shane and I ended up hanging at Bahama Breeze for several hours, making friends with the most wonderful server, Rees.  We talked about travel, life in Washington, and I really enjoyed our afternoon.  It was pretty slow at first since we were in between the lunch / dinner rush that Rees was able to spend quite a bit of time with us.

  What an interesting person and he really made my afternoon in Seattle enjoyable!  Come to find out he's a multi-talented guy and is a part-time radio personality in town.  How fun!  Of course, being good TBs, we got a pic with Rees and, yes Melanie, of the food too!! :D 

By the time we finished all that, it was time to get me back to the airport already! It's amazing how quick the time flew!  I was kinda sad to leave but excited about my upcoming flight into Juneau.  Shane dropped me off, complete with my new gifts from Indonesia that he brought back, and 20 minutes later, I was at my gate....ready to go!