2025.12.27. Mailbox Peak

12/27, Saturday. Sunny! Almost. I woke up late, had a budget of 5 hours to hike Mailbox Peak (old trail) before returning the car.

Our snow level is low, but with the wet December, Mailbox had plenty snow. Lots of lacy tree branches: quite pretty. Once out in the open, the track was clear and easy (a lot of people). Spikes are enough. I carried snowshoes all the way up and down, never used them.

About 4-5 grey jays up at the summit, trying to steal your lunch. No wind. I waited a bit to catch the birds on the mailbox, while protecting my cheese scone. Overcast to the SE: cannot see Rainier.

I was a bit earlier than expected: c2c, including layer break, bio break, and changing shoes, all in less than 5 hours.

Drove to Snoqualmie Falls. It's been ages since I last came here. As I was near the Falls, saw people walking. So I turned around and parked at Gateway Park. Walked 0.5 mile along a designated trail. Quite pleasant, especially on the bridge over Snoqualmie River.

A lot of people. I was a little too late for sunset. Salish Lodge looks pretty with holiday lights.

2025.12.14-26 Christmas in Vancouver

Very wet December this year. Not much outdoor activity. Lots of holiday lights. Booked a 2bdrm-2ba suite in downtown Vancouver for a week. Our unit is at 21st floor. Great view. However, only one elevator was working, so a long wait and get to meet many other guest in a tight setting. Played ping-pong and pool in the evening.

Saw a group of Barrow's Goldeneye at Sunset Beach at the end of False Creek.

Nelson Street with Butterfly building, Saint Andrews Wesley Church + First Baptist Church. Art Gallery's large Christmas tree.

Christmas market by Coal Harbor / Canada Place. Quite a lot of pedestrian. Seemed lively.

As usually, checked out the lights around LaFarge Lake. It's attracting a lot of people year after year. Some even come out with umbrellas. Armed with a new phone, I tried to take some evening shots.

Of course, food is not skipped, whether it's make-your-own with whatever in the fridge (brought too much food), or in a restaurant.

I drove back to Seattle on Dec 26 afternoon, when it wasn't raining. Of course, soon I was driving through rain. It was supposed to get colder (but dryer) next day.

2025.12.13. Seattle Men's Chorus' Christmas concert

12/13, Saturday, 1pm. Almost a tradition, I go to Seattle Men's Chorus' Christmas concert. It's always fun. This year, it's titled Holly Jolly Jingle. 2 percussion, 2 on keyboard, 1 base (a lady).

Funny costumes: Mexican hats, sunflowers, holiday color, awkward dance. Their rendition of nutcracker suite is very funny.

During intermission, again, you can take photos with the singers. Raffle time. The grand prize is a Suburu.

2025.12.13. Life on the moon - a play

12/13, Friday, 8pm. Baker Theater Workshop stages Life On The Moon at ReAct Theatre.

I didn't know the story, and thought it was about astronauts. Surprised to find that it's a social commetory. I liked it. Good acting. A little sad. A family of 4 celebrating Christmas together, son is discharged from military, daughter has autism.

It's a long walk from home. On the way back, saw many lights on Occidental Square. Looks quite pretty.

2025.12.6-7. Winter Fest 2025 + A Christmas Carol

Winter fest in Seattle Center is not limited to this weekend. The highlight is the elaborate train and village set, every year.

12/6, 12:30. Seattle Boys' Choir sang in Armory. This is just one group. Interesting that the age of the boys in the advanced group and middle group seem similar. The beginner group is definitely younger.

Every Saturday, an ice sculpture is carved outside of Armory. 12/6, Northwest Iceworks chipped this whole thing in under an hour.

12/6-7, Urban Craft Uprising at Exhibition Hall. Many small craft shop selling their products every year before holidays. Usually fun to check out. Here are a couple of funny ones. I made a snowflake tree ornament at a craft session using some quick-set resin and golde+silver flakes.

12/6, 12:00-14:30. Figgy Pudding Caroling. I was late, only saw the final award and performance of the 12 days of Christmas by Beaconnettes - my favorite.

12/6, 11:00-17:00. Birds Connect Seattle hosts an open house, with a falconer showcasing his 2 birds: Taita Falcon and Eurasian Eagle-Owl. Both non local, both raised from a baby, so they are quite domesticated. There's a table with a few preserved birds that you can touch. Questions and answers.

7pm, Elliot Bay Books. A staged reading of Dickens' A Christmas Carol by Elijah Pasco. He was very good, different voices for different characters. I really enjoyed it.