A cross-country train trip…with baseball along the way!

Sometime during the cold of last winter, I decided it would be be fun to try to see a bunch of baseball games in different parts of the country and it would additionally be fun to do it all by train. This meant I had to make sure the team schedules lined up with the train schedules and made logistical sense. After a few false starts, I finally determined a way to make it work…I would fly to Seattle and then train my way back home. I actually began on the train from Worcester to Logan Airport.

The flight to Seattle was cramped and long, but uneventful. When I got to Seattle it was (typically) raining. I took the light rail into downtown and found my hostel. The “Green Tortoise” Hostel.

As I walked the few blocks, I passed the Seattle Symphony and happened to see the program for that night posted. Dvořák’s “New World Symphony.” The box office was right there and I couldn’t pass it up. Snagged an orchestra seat for a discount. I was able to take a little nap and get some food before the concert…which was terrific. There’s nothing like a full, symphony orchestra. They also played Bartok and a newly commissioned violin concerto with the composer in attendance.

The next morning, I was still a bit jet-lagged, but did a bit of walking around. The hostel is right across from the Public Market, with the famous fish-throwing stall, live entertainment, all kinds of delicious food and drink and lots of little craft shops. And many pigs. There are also great views of the bay.

Then it was time for baseball. The Seattle Mariners vs the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. First ball park I’ve ever been to with a retractable roof, which was open for the duration of the game. (Apparently they CAN close it during a game if it starts to rain!)

I really liked the ballpark and sat next to some season ticket holders who apprised me of the different players. Mariners won, 5 – 3! and I got there in time to get a free hat.

The next day was breezy but sunny. I walked along the water and it was warm enough to sit and knit for a while.

I walked into “Pioneer Square” which is the oldest part of Seattle and where the burly, brawny men (and some women) started their trek to Alaska and fame and fortune during the Gold Rush. Some very cool buildings.

And now…I am waiting to board the train to Minneapolis/St Paul. Got myself a snug little sleeper room and will arrive Monday morning. The Twins play Monday night!

The bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle
And the hills the greenest green in Seattle
Like a beautiful child growing up free and wild
Full of hopes and full of fears
Full of laughter full of tears
Full of dreams to last the years in Seattle