Greetings -
This is the official Itinerary for the trip. You may cross post this
information to other websites, etc. I don't have this info posted
anyplace else. Sorry!
The Seattle Steamrats and Friends will be taking a trip to Snoqualmie,
WA to ride the train, go to the train museum and view Snoqualmie Falls
on Saturday June 13, 2009. This event will happen rain or shine.
Those of you who attended the Cool Weather Croquet outing will not
fear the rain. ;)
Steampunk attire is encouraged, but not entirely necessary. Please
bring a change of clothes if you plan on hiking the falls or dress
appropriately from the get-go.
Children are welcome to attend; this trip is family-friendly. You are
welcome to bring non-Steamrat friends, family members, etc. Please
do not bring pets. They are not allowed on the train or at the falls.
If you have questions before the trip, please post here and I will try
to answer them for you. On the day of the trip, look for me - Mme
Peacock. I will try to make myself obvious to all of you so you can
find me if you need any assistance.
Hope to see you there,
Mme Peacock
(Monica)
Recommended items to bring:
sunblock, parasols and/or hats
comfy shoes
camera
sketch book
folding chairs or a blanket (if you are planning to eat a bag lunch or
sit and sketch)
bag lunch
a printed version of the itinerary and directions to Snoqualmie
What not to bring:
bad attitudes
alcohol
pets
June 13, 2009
Snoqualmie Train Ride & Falls Visit
****************************************
11AM - Arrive in downtown Snoqualmie and meet on the lawn near the
Musuem.
------------------
Good morning! It's so lovely to see everyone dressed so steamily on
such a gorgeous day! We can visit the short indoors portion of the
museum after we purchase tickets. Please bring about $11 ($10 plus $1
for tax) cash per adult. (Children 2-12 are $7 and seniors are $9).
They do take cards as well I believe.
Directions here:
http://www.trainmuseum.org/Getting_here.asp
"A Note About Accessibility:
Northwest Railway Museum coaches are authentic and historically
accurate. They feature limited doorway widths and steep stairwells
not fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Our train crews are
always prepared to assist you when entraining or detraining. However
train crews are not permitted to lift or carry passengers on or off
the train. Please advise the train crew about your special needs
prior to boarding so they may best meet your requirements."
More info here:
http://www.trainmuseum.org/
11:45AM - Queue up for the train.
------------------
The train departs at 12:01PM. The ride lasts 70 minutes. Don't miss
the train. We will be very sad if you do. The train holds about 150
passengers and has only filled up a handful of times in the past 10
years. We should be ok, but please don't tempt fate. Plus I imagine
we'd all like to sit together and that happens more easily when we are
on time or early. If we get enough people, we may even have a whole
car to ourselves.
1:15PM - Regroup on the lawn for lunch.
------------------
To fit everyone's budget needs, we will be offering 2 options:
1) Bring a bag lunch and picnic on the lawn. I believe there are
covered areas to sit, but I can't remember. A picnic blanket might be
advisable.
2) Head to a lunch destination. There are many restaurants in the
area ranging from coffee shops to expensive steak houses. As much as
I would like us to stick be able to stick together, I'm not sure how
many of these places would be able to accommodate large groups. Feel
free to split up into smaller groups. We'll regroup again after
lunch.
I've planned rather generously to allow time for restaurants to work
with us. This would also be a good time to walk the shops if you are
so inclined.
Also there is a paved walking path to the rest of the museum which is
outdoors. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk down and back at a
leisurely pace. You will get to see all kinds of old steam engines
and other railway and logging mechanisms. Bring a camera or sketch
book! You must stay behind a fence, but you can see many of the
machines quite clearly, all with a lovely patina of decay. In my
opinion this is one of the best parts of the trip so try to plan your
lunch to give you enough time. If you don't get to see it before we
head to the falls, it's close enough to hit on the way back.
3:30PM - Meet on the lawn and regroup for the falls.
------------------
As soon as everyone is accounted for, we will head over to the falls.
This is about a 10 minute drive. Finding parking could be difficult
if it is busy, so fewer cars is better. Once at the falls, we will
meet up outside of the giftshop area. If you plan on hiking down to
the falls, be aware that it is a real hike and that the paths are
steep and not paved. Please do not wear anything that would be
inappropriate for a moderately strenuous hike down or back. (Heels and
platform shoes are definite no-no's.) If you need to change, we will
wait. :) If you do not plan on heading down the hiking path, you can
look as fabulous as you like. There are some nice overlooks.
More info here:
http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/
The park and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk. Pets are
NOT allowed. The distance between the free parking lot and the viewing
platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible.
Once we have arrived at the falls, there are no more planned
activities. You are welcome to spend the rest of the day however you
please. If you need to return to Snoqualmie to fetch your car, make
sure your ride knows.
****************************************
Hopefully you will have had a spectacular time with your friends and
will head back to the Seattle area with a big happy smile. Have a safe
drive home!