On the Road - Day 16

Well, the water in the shower at Majestic smelled bad, a train whistle woke us, and the Park is located in the flight pattern to land in Tacoma. Once a plane "turned the corner" we would hear the BOOM! Even the river smelled. Learned that this is a paper mill area and everything smells because of that. Vance discovered another world in the back of a truck which was parked next to our overnight site [see picture].










Went into Tacoma via the commercial dock area, only to learn that the bridge was closed. Skirted the south end of Commencement Bay to arrive at the Museum District, downtown. Lots of brick buildings and boutiques. Wound around to Dock St. and the Museum of Glass. Learned much about the history of art glass, many of the techniques being since 1962. Awesome exhibit showing the varieties of techniques. Glass threads woven into patterns, sandblasted glass, numerous ways to shape and color glass. Ethereal glass dress with seams and crinkled collar, pleated bow at back of knee and draped folds - weighed 400+ pounds. Museum included a "hot spot" of 6 furnaces with gaffers (glass blowers) working. We viewed an interesting film about a native Inuit glass artist and how he came to do his work - evolving from precise methods to freer form, to Native imagery. Enjoyed browsing the gift shop. Got a paperweight the shape of the Hot Spot [left picture above] - I will show you when we get home.

Tacoma street numbering is confusing. Heading north the street (name) numbers get smaller, S. 30th, S. 15th, etc. Then 6th is the division between N. and S., above which street (name) numbers get higher: N. 7th, N. 22nd, etc. No 1st to 5th Sts. N or S. We zigzagged through town to locate 3012 N. 9th where Vance was born. Took a few photos with him standing in front and talked to a neighbor.

We then drove to the Tacoma Camping World to have water pump checked out - NO water! They replaced our "dinosaur" with one that works quietly and efficiently. Also picked up an American Flag windsock for the Holiday. Since I could not reach my friend in Seattle, Penny Hazelton, and because there are very few RV Parks in this area, we decided to spend the night at Camping World. They encourage that - safety for the Camping World folks, and we buy their goods. Vance walked the perimeter and discovered a great corner spot, behind a vacant RV, with grass and trees and view of Mt. Rainier! We set up the camp chair and stool and I read until the light began to fade. Then we walked to Wendy's for a treat - Frosty and Vanilla Float. Pretty nice.

Ended at Camping World parking lot, Fife, WA 98424
Odometer 59,711.5 (23.7) Total: 1568.7