A Trip to Tillicum Village at Blake Island

One thing I learned in England was how to be a tourist in your own town. No, it's not corny...and I don't know why people have that perception. Even if you don't live in a tourist destination, it's still cool to get out and do the museums and historical sites and restaurants. Of course, when you have company in town, you really have no excuse except to get out there and show 'em what makes your town special. 

I had been thinking that the boys would enjoy this Argosy Cruise to Blake Island to see how the Tillicum Indians lived ever since we first heard about it back in June when Mike's parents were here and we did the Argosy Locks Cruise. With Mom here, it seemed like the perfect time to do it!

Our second Argosy cruise and our second truly excellent
tour guide. They really do train these guys well.

On board the Good Time II.

Looking back at Seattle from our boat, far out in Elliot Bay in the Puget Sound.
What a gorgeous day!

Ollie using his binoculars! 

Mom and I, sheltered from the wind and enjoying the boat ride together.

After about an hour boat ride to Blake Island, we de-boarded
and were promptly welcomed with steaming mugs of
littleneck clams in hot broth. The boys had fun dropping their
clam shells on the ground.

Inside the lodge, salmon was being cooked in the traditional Tillicum way.

Can you even imagine how good this smelled? Probably not, but it was
amazing. We got in line for our meal and show.

The lodge was full of native art. Here's just one example.

The dinner buffet was delicious...There was smoked salmon, venison stew, green beans, rice, salad, and a delicious apple pie dessert. While we ate, the lights went down low and we watched a great little show--part multi-media, part live acting--about the native people of the Northwest and the Tillicum people in particular. I captured just a little of the show on video...

After the show, we had about a half an hour to explore the island before
we re-boarded Good Time II for the return trip to Pier 54 in Seattle's waterfront
district. 

The boys threw rocks in the water. Mt. Ranier is visible on this clear day
waaaaay off in the distance. A gorgeous day!