Welcome to Rebels By Bus!
Follow our on-the-bus adventures around the greater Puget Sound area–from simple one-bus trips to complex ones taking us around the Olympic Peninsula.
See our brand new 3 trips brochure–easy trips from Olympia!
Gail Johnson and Mary Williams
Looking ahead to Spring?
After this past week of snow and ice, I imagine that you’re dreaming of springtime? There’s nothing like the Seattle Boat Show to recall sun and water-filled fun. And what better way to get to Seattle than to take the bus!
Here are this year’s Seattle Boat Show details:
When: January 27 – February 5th
Where: Century Link Field Event Center AND South Lake Union
How much: $12 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 11-17), free for age 10 and younger.
Website: www.seattleboatshow.com (you can buy tickets on line)
How to get there by the bus…
From Olympia, you can take Intercity Transit bus 603 (620 on weekends) to the Highway 512 Park and Ride transfer center. See www.intercitytransit.com for the time schedule.
If you prefer, you could also drive from Olympia to the Lakewood Sounder Station (exit 125, (Bridgeport Way); turn left off exit; then right onto Pacific Highway South. The Station’s four story parking garage is a few blocks on your left).
This is where you catch Sound Transit’s route 594 to Seattle. Cost: $3.50 for adults. www.soundtransit.org The bus takes you acro
ss the street from the Century Link Field, at 4th and Royal Brougham.
If you want to be really adventuresome, stay on the bus through Seattle, getting off at 4th and Union. Walk a few blocks north to the Westlake Mall (4th and Pike). Kitty-corner from the northeast side of the Westlake Mall building is the south end of the
Lake Union Streetcar. www.seattlestreetcar.org The street car takes you through the revitalized Eastlake area (thanks to Paul Allen and his Vulcan enterprise) to South Lake Union, which is the other venue for the Boat Show.
Check back NEXT week for details on the 2012 Northwest Flower Show, an eagerly anticipated annual event for gardeners!
The littlest rebel returns!
The RBB March 26, 2010 post features Max, my adorable grand nephew. 
Max has returned to the great Northwest, with his Mom (Sarah), Sarah’s friends Riana, and Riana’s two year old daughter, Shiway.
In early November these two brave women and their two always-on-the-go two year olds took Portland by storm.
Following is Sarah’s write-up of the trip…she is convinced using public transportation with toddlers is the way to go! Yeah, Sarah!
I’ve spent the majority of my life in Alaska – a state that’s not exactly known for its public transportation systems, outside of the Marine Highway (the ferry system that serves Southeast Alaska and goes as far as Bellingham, WA – what an RBB adventure that would be!). With a landmass four times the size of Texas and the great number of people who live outside of urban areas, the developmentof a public transportation infrastructure has presented a challenge. In my 25+ years in Alaska, I’ve never lived anywhere that had a bus stop within walking distance, and park-n-ride options were routinely further away from my home than my workplace.
I did, however, live in Portland, Oregon, for three years while attending graduate school, and learning to use – and love – public transportation was a big part of my experience there. So when my friend Riana and I were planning a trip to Portland for the two of us and our two-year-olds, Max and Shiway, this fall, we quickly realized that having a car-free vacation was a distinct possibility. The littlest rebel returns!- continue reading
Taking advantage of our mild (so far) winter…
We’ve recently had many more blue-sky days than usual…perfect for another bus adventure!
This past week I had a lovely day trip to Theler Wetlands, in Belfair (north Mason County). Sam and Mary E. Theler moved to Belfair in 1926. In the mid 1930’s they purchased 500 acres between Belfair and Allyn for $4,500 (!), which was subdivided into lots for housing. The Theler’s generously gave land to the Belfair school, including the 75 acres where the Mary E. Theler Community Center and Wetlands trails are located. www.thelercenter.org
This is an easy solo short day trip. I caught the Mason Transit Bus (route 6) at the downtown Olympia Transit Center at 9:20. The bus also makes stops at any of the bus shelters heading up Harrison Avenue towards Highway 101. The cost is
$1.50 for adults (50 cents for age 65 and older). This first leg of the trip takes you to the Shelton Civic Center, arriving about 10:10. The next bus (Route 1) didn’t leave until 10:45, so I had plenty of time to walk a couple blocks to Sage Book store (116 W Railroad Ave # 102) for a short lattee. Carolyn Olsen, long-time successful Shelton businesswoman, has created a wonderful atmosphere at Sage. Regulars gather around a huge old oak table to tease and share stories. www.sagebookstore.com
The next leg of the trip (Route 1) was in a smaller van-type bus. This route goes north on Highway 3, past Deer Creek, the Grapeview Loop (Stretch and Treasure Island are reached from this road), as well as Allyn. The water was still and calm; riding the bus you are high enough to see things that you cannot see from a car or truck. Taking advantage of our mild (so far) winter…- continue reading
Asian Market update
As a followup to the October Asian Market tour with Pranee Halvorsen…
Yes, we DID cook dinner, using two of Pranee’s recipes. My favorite dish was her Kabocha squash soup (with Shitake and oyster mushrooms, and thai basil). We also cooked Thai Chicken Fried Rice. To round out the meal we had spring (fresh) rolls as an appetizer, as well as stir fried baby bok choy and snow peas. The six of us had a grand time; lots of chatter and laughter.
Now for the good news: south Puget Sounders: you don’t have to travel to Seattle to find ingredients for your favorite Asian recipes. There is a wonderful Asian market in Lacey!
The Hong Phat Market (at 1107 College Street, the corner of Pacific and College) has a large produce section, as well as dry goods and meat. I’m especially impressed with the produce; both the quality and price. As of yesterday, the sugar snap or snow peas are $3.59 a pound, far less than local chain grocery stores. A large package of baby bok choy is $2.69. Thai basil is $1.00 a bundle. Juicy limes are 20 cents. The market carries Kafir lime leaves ($1.00 a package), as well as lemon grass, Kabocha pumpkin squash and green papaya….plus much more.
I think Pranee Halvorsen (www.ilovethaicooking.com) would be impressed with the selection at Hong Phat. They even carry Mae Ploy brand coconut milk, one of Pranee’s favored brands. All of Pranee’s fans and students from the Bayview School of Cooking will appreciate this market!
Ballard: A Historic and Hip Neighborhood in Seattle
As so aptly stated in the Ballard Merchant Association’s website (www.inballard.com):
Ballard is a historic and hip little town in Seattle’s big city. Settled in 1853, Ballard has been refining its exciting neighborhood for over 150 years. Today Ballard is a place full of some of the best restaurants, pubs, shops, spas, and parks in Seattle. From the famous Ballard Locks, to festive old Ballard Ave, and shopping-rich Market Street, 
come play in Ballard and experience Seattle in a whole new way.
My friend (and apprentice rebel!) Paula and I took inBallard’s advice… we took the bus to Ballard to
“experience Seattle in a whole new way.”
Ballard: A Historic and Hip Neighborhood in Seattle- continue reading
The Grotto in Portland
A place of solitude, peace, and prayer.
Built in 1924, the 62-acre garden was designated a National Sanctuary in 1983. Deeply forested, the main plaza is set alongside a cliff in which an alter was constructed. This area is free to the public. For a small fee ($3), visitors can take an elevator to the upper gardens. The meditation chapel overlooks a spectacular view of Mount St. Helens. The garden paths wind through shrines, various chapels, statues, a peace garden and labyrinth.
Labyrinth
A very serene and meditative retreat that feels far away from a city.
Located at: NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard
This is an easy bus trip:
From downtown Portland, catch Bus # 12 on W. Burnside and SW 6th Avenue.
(From Sellwood, catch Bus 70 and get off on E. Burnside and 12th Avenue, and then hop on Bus # 12).
The 12 stops in front of the Grotto. (To get back into the city, # 12 bus stop is across the street).
VIVALA!
Last night I shared the RBB story and experiences with women gathered for the monthly workshop hosted at VIVALA “style for your active life” store in Olympia. The gracious and lovely Cheryl Selby, owner and visionary of VIVALA, provided refreshments for the dozen or so women who attended the event… including Theo’s chocolate (a destination of one of the trips featured in the RBB brochure!).
THANK you, Cheryl, for hosting this fun event.
VIVALA is filled with beautiful and comfortable clothes, as well as accessories, including jewelry, scarves, and purses. Love those bendy necklaces… I’ll be back for a couple! Visit VIVALA as 111 Market Street NE, Olympia. They’re across from the Olympia Farmers Market. http://www.vivalastore.com/
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
This is a Portland adventure. Mary was in town and stopped in to visit. We headed to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, which is near where I live. Clearly, this park’s peak time is in the spring when the Rhodies are in full bloom, but it was gorgeous with the fall colors.
There are winding paths along the springs, with ducks and geese living in harmony. We spied a heron, but it was too far to get a photo.
Afterward, we headed back to Westmoreland–Bybee and Milwaukie Ave. and went to the Oaks Bottom Pub for lunch. Food was great. And then it was time for Mary to head back to Portland, pick up her niece and little rebel Max, and return to Olympia. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden- continue reading
Wing Luke Museum, Seattle’s International District, Part II
My last trip tweaked my desire to explore Seattle’s International district in more depth. This past week my Anchorage sister and I fulfilled (in part) that wish.
We did the usual… drove to the Lakewood (Sounder) Station, parking our car in the well-lit multi-level garage. The Sound Transit Bus 594 was warmed up and waiting for us. Within a few minutes, we were heading north. In about an hour we got off the bus at the 4thand Jackson intersection (between the Union Street and King Street trainstations) in Seattle.
After visiting the restrooms at the Union Street station (and gazing at the beautiful architectural features), we walked east up Jackson Street. After a few blocks, we turned right at 8th. Our first destination was the Wing Luke Museum.
The Wing Luke Museum is located at 719 South King. (www.wingluke.org) The museum’s namesake was a prominent Seattle attorney and community leader. He was the first Asian American to hold elected office in the Pacific Northwest (1962, Seattle city council). Mr. Luke was a trail-blazer against racial discrimination, as well as a champion for urban renewal and historic preservation. Tragically, he died in a small plane crash at the age of 40, in 1965.
Wing Luke Museum, Seattle’s International District, Part II- continue reading
Seattle Asian Market Tour
I was one of a lucky quartet to spend four hours with Pranee Khruasanit Halvorsen an inspirational Thai cooking expert and instructor.
Laura, Claudia, Judy and I met at the Martin Way Park and Ride to catch the 7:55 am Intercity Transit bus 605. The bus was almost full, but we all found seats. We exited at the Highway 512 Park and Ride, waiting about 10 minutes for the Sound Transit Bus 594. The ride was uneventful, and we got off at the 4th and Jackson stop (at the edge of Seattle’s International District) about 9:45. Stopping at the beautifully restored Union Station to use the restroom, we were in awe of the soaring ceiling, tile floor, and other treasures of a gone-by era.
The Union Station was built in 1910-1, and served as the Seattle train station (prior to the current King Street Station) until 1971. This lovely building was empty for many years until the 1990’s, when it was renovated.
We headed east on Jackson Street, going under the freeway guarded by the yellow and red fish painted on the freeway support pillars. 
Our destination was Viet-Wah Supermarket, location at 1031 South Jackson Street.
Pranee greeted us warmly, and we immediately started a tour of the market. She first showed us the many varieties of rice, informing us of the different characteristics and uses. We looked at the selection of kitchen ware, followed by a stroll through the produce section. The variety of FRESH unfamiliar produce was amazing. By that time we were getting hungry, so Pranee led us across the street to her favorite noodle restaurant: Hue Ky Mi Gia, located at 1207 S. Jackson Street, suite 101. The restaurant was featured in a recent Seattle Magazine, and we soon could see why! As soon as we walked into the restaurant, the aromas were heavenly. We ordered noodle soup, as well as calamari and tofu appetizers. We all enjoyed the extraordinarily flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. Seattle Asian Market Tour- continue reading
