Breaking New Ground: The Best Way to Spend Spring Break in Seattle
Seattle, WA- For many students, spring break is a time of relaxation and pause from the daily chaos of university life. So, while others rest, some take it upon themselves to use their vacation in a more spontaneous way. For instance, going to Seattle, Washington and making the most of what always feels like such a short break and a long academic year.
When spring break started for Saint Thomas University students on March 5th, the campus was deserted just as quickly as the last class let out. While some took a well-deserved nap, others started packing for trips. Young people are often advised to travel as much as possible while they still can. So, after all this sitting around for over two years with intense covid restrictions it was time for me to break out of my comfort zone again. But spontaneously purchasing a ticket to Seattle with a layover in Toronto definitely wouldn’t be the first thing I had planned for the break if asked.
The flight itself was around nine hours and departed on a brisk morning, where surely every other sane student was still sleeping. While the flight itself was early, there was no complaint from me in the first-class cabin where we were being served our first course of the flight- granola, yogurt, and buttered bread started off the course as breakfast bowls and omelets were being made for the main dish.
Between meals, we found ourselves with ample time to enjoy the amazing mountain range that we were flying over. The Cascade Range, named for its cascading waterfalls and monstrous height, is a piece of the Pacific mountain system that stretches over 1,100 km. Both active and dormant volcanos highlight this range. One active volcano protrudes through the center. Known as Mount Rainer, the active stratovolcano is one of the highest and most intimidating peaks in the United States.
Upon landing, we found the grass and snowy surroundings pretty dry and barren compared to the mountain ranges we so casually just flew over. However, the views the city had to offer were anything but disappointing.
By far Seattle’s most talked about attraction is the hallmark Space Needle. Standing at 158 m, the Space Needle highlights all the best parts of the city’s skyline with a rotating glass floor, a restaurant at the top, as well as an outdoor observation deck.
There is also a featured art project only visible from the very top of the needle. Artist Marlin Peterson created a duo of daddy long legs stretching over 60 feet in length. Painted atop the Seattle Armory’s roof, the design has been a favorite for many tourists since August of 2012 when Peterson received a grant from an artist trust in Washington.
For those who are already afraid of heights… and spiders, the next feature of this vacation may not be their favorite either. David Wentzell, my part-time travel buddy, and full-time boyfriend decided to take us on a sunrise hike up a scenic trail for the morning. The hike to the top only took around 45-minutes, but the sunrise view in itself made waking up before the sun all the more worthwhile.
A spontaneous trip to Washington State will never fail to bring new life to an otherwise mundane school year that always seems to keep going. The end of another academic year at university is a reason to celebrate all the hard work students and staff put in this year by traveling and making your own adventures along the way.