Postcard from Seattle, Summer 2024

I often reminisce about the beautiful corners of the world I’ve visited throughout my twenties—with friends, family, and on my own. I can honestly say there is not a single flight I regret booking, train ticket I regret buying, or activity I regret trying. Why? Because each experience unlocked an exciting surprise, an opportunity to try something new, and, sometimes, lessons learned. If you do it right, each trip changes you—even just a smidge.

So, in reflecting on my travels, I will be sharing digital postcards from my favourite destinations, taking you along with me. Today’s postcard is from my trip to Seattle last summer, where I joined two friends for a hiking and camping adventure. Buckle up and enjoy!

July 11, 2024 5:00 AM: Toronto Pearson Airport

Booking a 7:00 am flight is all fun and games until the day arrives and you need to be at the airport before the sun is up!

July 11, 2024 10:00 AM: Quick Stop in Vancouver

What does one do during a two-hour layover in Vancouver? Grab a bite from Joe & the Juice, and FaceTime your best friend—whose flight from Montreal to Seattle is delayed. Not by one or two hours. Nearly half a day. Turns out a quick flight can turn into a stressful day of travel, depending the airline you chose.

Spoiler alert: she arrived much later that evening.

July 11, 2024 11:00 AM: Scenic Descent into Seattle

A background story behind these photos—I actually didn’t take them!

Seated in the aisle seat with a poor view of the window, I stretched my neck from time to time, trying to gauge how close we were to landing. Completely unaware of the beauty that surrounded the plane, I watched as the traveler beside me in the middle seat pulled out her phone and reached over at an angle to take a photo. Peeking at her screen, I was stunned to discover that not only were we close to landing—we were hovering above breathtaking, frosted mountain tops.

Equally amazed, my new airplane buddy looked over and asked if I’d like her to share the photos with me. I nodded and smiled with gratitude. And just like that, one AirDrop later, I had the stunning shots she captured of our descent into Seattle.

This is one of the many reasons I love travelling so much. You never know what kind of encounters you’ll have or who you’ll meet.

Touchdown!

First Stop: Lavender Iced Coffee at Monorail Espresso

After landing in Seattle, I met up with a friend who lives in the city, and we spent the day gallivanting while we waited for the final third of our trio to arrive from Montreal.

I fell in love with the lavender iced coffee from Monorail Espresso—a much-needed caffeine boost after hours of travel.

Second Stop: Pike Place Market

There’s no better way to explore a new city than with a local who knows it well! I was lucky to have a friend show me around his neighbourhood and introduce me to some of Seattle’s most delicious spots!

Hours later, the trio was reunited and soon we were off to bed ahead of a busy weekend!

July 12, 2024 10:00 AM: Road Trip Commences

The following day, we picked up our car rental, camping and hiking gear from REI Co-op, and headed to Mount Rainier National Park—which, by the way, I had never heard of until my friends told me about this trip! After looking it up, awestruck by its beauty, I knew I had to tag along.

Sometimes, taking a leap and saying yes to things can bring the best surprises.

July 12, 2024 4:00 PM: Camping Begins

A few hours—and one taco stop—later, we made it to our campground! As a total camping newbie, I was relieved to have two experienced campers with me. In no time, we set up our tents and headed out for our first hike before sundown!

July 12, 2024 5:00 PM: Hike 1/2

July 12, 2024 8:00 PM: S’mores for Dinner

Note to self: pack enough food to survive the night.

July 12, 2024 10:00 PM: Testing Out the Head Lamps Before Bed

July 13, 2024 3:00 AM: Hike 2/2

After just a few short hours of sleep, we gathered our belongings and set out for the final—and most challenging—hike of the trip: up to the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout to catch the sunrise. Despite it being a summer day, the early morning hours were chilly, so we bundled up.

Before this trip, most of my big hikes had taken place during daylight or just after sunrise, so it was surreal—and a little eerie—to be surrounded by mountains in the dark. I’d never experienced anything like it. Everything was still, and yet it felt as if there was a silent roar all around us—the snowy mountains quietly reminding us they were always there.

July 13, 2024 5:00 AM: Sunrise!

Before long, the sun began to rise and soon we had reached the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

July 13, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 AM: Back to the Campsite

After a steep, long trek down the mountain, we made it back to our campsite. Hungry, energized, exhausted, and filled with awe. Creating memories like this with friends was so special and worth the temporary discomfort navigating bumpy terrains in the dark. By the time we made it down, the sun was out and the skies were as blue as the ocean.