2006.9.25. Seattle Repertory Theater Doubt, a parable by John Patrick Shanley (won Pulitzer and Tony for best play of 2005). Directed by Warner Shook. Only 4 characters. One small incident in a Catholic school in Bronx in 1964. Single act. Nice stage design that changes between two scenes by moving apart the first set, and moving forth the second set.

2006.9.16. Seattle Symphony season opening night concert, conducted by Gerard Schwarz

Rossini: William Tell Overture
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (piano by Lang Lang)
Verdi: Triumphal March and Ballet from Aida
Respighi: The Pines of Rome

All festival tunes. 24 year-old Lang Lang is a great performer, obvious trained to play with a body language. The slow movements were extremely touching. However, the forte part was drowned by the orchestra. Two encores by Lang Lang, and one by the symphony.

2006.9.14. Bombay Dreams at The 5th Avenue Theater. Lots of dance and action. Busy stage, glittering costumes. At one point, a set of fountains were spraying water over the dancers. My favorite song is "Love is not Easy" sung by three transvestites.

2006.9.10. Beautiful day. Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey trail. Pleasant walk. Not very well maintained trail. Two blown down trees. Many little ponds, hence still some mosquitoes. LOTS of huckleberries. Leaves are beginning to turn color. Saw a bear dropping, purplish blue with quite some undigested berries. Also saw a few ruffed grouse on the way home (yes, along the gravel road).

2006.9.2. Pinnacle Peak at Mt Rainier. Trail starts right by the Reflection Lake. Well maintained 1.3 miles and 1000 ft to the saddle (5920 ft). At the saddle, splendid views of Mt Rainier and Paradise to the north and Mt Adams and vaguely St. Helen to the south, cool and shady. The peak is further on the left at 6562 ft. Give 30 minutes for safety concern for this last scramble over steep and sometime unstable rocks. Get a firm grip before each move.
Huckleberry is already out. Most flowers are gone. Gazillion flies on the very top.