Navigating the Natural Wonders of Washington State
Familiarization Trip, Fall, 2003
(SML)

Day one: Friday, October 3

Arrive Sea-Tac and transport to local Sea-Tac Hotel as a gathering place and welcome.
Transportation to Tacoma Sheraton and check-in
Dinner at Altezzo (26th floor of the Sheraton)
Depart for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Arrive at Pt. Def. Aquarium for “South Pacific Exhibit Encounter”
Depart zoo for drive along Tacoma’s waterfront, Ruston Way, back to Sheraton Tacoma Hotel

Day two: Saturday October 4

Breakfast at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel
Tacoma Art Museum
Museum of Glass/International Center for Contemporary Art
Walk outside museum to view outdoor exhibits & the Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Gig Harbor for driving tour
The Inn at Gig Harbor for lunch
Bremerton Waterfront Tour of Naval Museum
Overview tour of USS Turner Joy
On-Water Tour – Depart Turner Joy Dock
Keyport and Tour Naval Undersea Museum
Overnight at Red Lion Hotel Silverdale
Evening entertainment and Dinner – Silverdale

Day three: Sunday October 5 

Breakfast at Hotel
Suquamish Museum – 45 minutes in museum
Poulsbo
Kayaking on Liberty Bay – Olympic Outdoor Center
Port Gamble - Box lunches
Tour Port Gamble Historic Museum, town overview
Port Townsend – downtown driving tour
Tour – Fort Worden, Historic Houses
Maritime Attractions Showcase reception
Board “Island Spirit”
Dinner Aboard “Island Spirit”
Cruise to Friday Harbor
Reception – Whale Museum
Overnight Aboard “Island Spirit”

Day four: Monday October 6 

Breakfast aboard “Island Spirit”
San Juan Island Tour
Lunch Aboard “Island Spirit”
Whale & Wildlife Watching Tour and cruise to LaConner
Shopping in La Conner
Dinner in Mount Vernon (coordinated by the Mount Vernon Chamber)
Hawthorne Inn and Suites in Arlington
Enjoy luxury spa treatment or a trip to the Skagit Casino

Day five: Tuesday October 7 (Network Event)

Breakfast at the Hotel
Everett marina for estuary tour aboard Mosquito Fleet
Northwest Stream Center: environmental educational program
Lunch at Holiday Inn and hotel tour
Edmonds for brief guided walking tour and free time to shop
Edmonds Harbor Inn, Check in
Dinner and networking event with trade show for members

Day six: Wednesday October 8

Breakfast at hotel at leisure
Tour Pike Place Market
Tour Odyssey
Board Waterways Cruises Boat (TBD) Tour: Seattle - Working Harbor Tour, Locks. Lake Union
Lunch Served on board

Option 1:  Seattle Overnight – Warwick Hotel
Option 2:  Airport & Depart.  We will have participants at the airport by 3:00 pm – make travel arrangements accordingly

Post Fam Excursions Include:

SEATTLE EXPERIENCE - Wednesday, October 8, 2003 At the conclusion of the FAM, continue your day by experiencing the best of Seattle. Board a deluxe Seattle coach for a city tour and visit to the Experience Music Project at the Seattle Center. Then enjoy an afternoon cruise from Pier 56 to the wonders of Blake Island State Park and Tillicum Village. Overnight Accommodations will be provided at the Watertown Hotel, located in the heart of the University District.

MOUNT RANIER - Thursday, October 9, 2003 Take a leisurely day trip to what Native Americans referred to as "The Mountain that is God", Mt. Rainier. Mt Rainier is the tallest volcano in the Cascade Range, has the single largest glacial system outside of Alaska, is the Nations fifth oldest National Park and continues to astound, impress and inspire its visitors. On your journey to Paradise located at 5,400 feet, you will travel through old growth forests, along rivers and into sub-alpine meadows all the while keeping a lookout for the abundant wildlife that are indigenous to the area, deer, elk, mountain lion and black bears. Overnight Accommodations will be provided at the Watertown Hotel.

VICTORIA, BC - Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10, 2003 Depart Pier 69 aboard the Victoria Clipper and cruise through Puget Sound to the charming city of Victoria. Enjoy a city tour and a stroll through world- famous Butchart Gardens and experience the tradition of High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. After a restful night's accommodations at the Empress, Day two will feature shopping a visit to the Royal BC museum before returning to Seattle via the Victoria Clipper. Enjoy another night's accommodation at the Executive Pacific Plaza hotel in the heart of downtown.