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Now get ready for sticker shock: The cost of Sunday brunch is $39.95 for one person (this includes the observation deck above). Yes that is a lot of bling bling to a poor slob like me, but after tasting how good the food was and how much food I was served, I can see a value in it. Also, when you consider it costs $13.50 just to ride the elevator to the observation deck, you might as well fork out a little extra to get a good meal. There is a dress code at Sky City, no sleeveless shirts or t-shirts, dress shorts are OK, jeans with holes in them are not, check the website for exact requirements. The Space Needle and the Sky City Restaurant are a must for the Seattle visitor.

As we headed out on Lake Union, a local co-worker pointed out all the sites along the coast; the houseboat where Tom Hanks' character lived in Sleepless in Seattle, U of W campus and football stadium, and the showstopper, Bill Gates' house. Well, we couldn't really see the house, it was getting dark and I was told his house is actually built into the side of the hill so you can't see much, but we did see the two brightly lit boat docks that mark each side of his property.

For dinner, we were served more baked salmon and beef tenderloin strips with potatoes and cheesecake for dessert. The tenderloin was excellent, but the server was a little tight with the servings. Several of us had to sneak extra pieces when she wasn't looking. I have to admit, I also wasn't happy with the drinks. The bartender did not have what I consider top shelf liquor so my rum and coke and my tequila sunrise were both sub-par. Not the bartender's fault, of course, but I let her know I was unhappy. Considering how much we paid for this cruise, is a little Captain Morgan or Cuervo Gold too much to ask?

Putting pettiness aside, the return trip back to the marina was spectacular with the skyline of downtown Seattle in front of us. The views of the Space Needle were especially good. As we drew closer, everyone on board moved up to the front of the boat admiring the sight. As we docked, another Waterways yacht docked beside us and we could see wedding reception going on complete with dance floor and disco ball. I wouldn't have minded a cruise like that! Anyway, a great way to mix and mingle, Waterways Cruises was a fun and delicious experience.

After lunch, several of us headed down the trailhead to the real attraction, the water. We had to walk a short distance from our picnic site to get to the trailhead and from there it was straight down along a switchback trail. Just like hiking in the mountains of Colorado, only wetter. At the bottom was another jogging path along the shoreline. The locals said there was a beach, but it wasn't a sandy beach, it was rocky and full of shells so don't take your shoes off. The cool, rainy weather didn't stop me from wading in the Sound, however. The locals told me I was crazy, but since there's no water in Colorado, I had to make the most of it. Our picnic was cut short because of a rain shower, which we could see approaching us in a large cloud across the water, kind of creepy, but cool at the same time. Still, a very enjoyable afternoon.

The exhibits include movie and TV manuscripts and letters from various SciFi pioneers like Isaac Asimov as well as movie costumes and props and several tv monitors with interviews of Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and George Lucas. The only thing missing was the X-Files. Must not have been able to secure publishing rights. Anyway, plenty of Star Trek, the Matrix and Terminator stuff for the casual SciFi fan, but the truly unique items are the first editions of classic SciFi books and the many Amazing Stories magazines from the 40's and 50's they have on display. Seeing where SciFi came from and how it both shaped and mirrored our current society at the same time was truly fascinating. Even if you don't like SciFi in general, anyone who likes a well-written story should check it out. Cost is $12.95 per person. Fun website also.