Becca "fracta" C.'s Profile

Sorry to say, but out of all the cool things the Big Island has to offer in terms of Nature, the Thurston lava tube ranks pretty darn low.  Now, I've spent a fair amount of time exploring the geological wonders of caves in the lower 48 and Alaska's great outdoors, so maybe I've been desensitized to Thurston.  But come on, it's basically a smooth lava hallway for a few hundred feet with dim lighting....I felt like I was almost in a Disney attraction or something.  I had brought a flashlight to explore the part of the tube that is in a more pristine state, but alas, it was locked up.

In terms of uniqueness, Volcanoes National Park certainly has it.  When was the last time you walked through a field with vents pumping rainwater steam into the air?  It looked like something off of the Lost World.  The trail back into the Sulphur Banks was pretty darn cool.  You are basically standing in a huge caldera that blasted thousands of years ago.  Little smelly, but not much.  There are lots of warning signs posted for those with asthma and who may be pregnant.

The drive to the Visitor's Center was not much further, but had a sweeping view of Kiluea's caldera.  It was massively steaming at the time, but no red glow from lava; I think you need to come in the dark to experience that. (Which is possible since the National Park is open 24-hours a day.)

What soured me a little was several aspects of the park were closed: their dining restaurant/shops, at least 50% of Crater Rim Drive was closed due to toxic gases.  I ended up turning around at the Visitor's Center and headed back to the Thurston Lava Tube.  The tube was actually really disappointing; I'd planned ahead and brought a flashlight to explore the non-lit part of the tube, but there was a huge locked gate.  I'd seen several tubes around the Island, so i was looking forward to exploring; I was denied.  Further on, I drove the Chain of Craters road, but eventually just lost interest after passing the first couple lava flows and craters.

The Park is pretty damn cool, but you really can just blow by this place in a one day visit; there's no reason to set up shop there for several days of exploring.

I'd lump this one in the same status as Alki Bakery; they try, but it's just not quite there.  I'd agree that the value is pretty bad.  An artichoke panini, NW Pacific salad, croissant and a glass of water for $15.  Really?  I could get the exact same at Two Tartes down the street for $10.  I'll come back maybe to try a crepe, but otherwise, I'd stay away.  They're trying to charge Alaska-inflation prices right here in the lower 48.

Very small hole in the wall deli with a couple tables but a good long list of wraps, salads, and sandwiches at good prices.  I'd come here over the Sandwich Deck.

For a nice quiet stay in December, I was happy with Comfort Suites.  They are located on the corner of Airport International and Spenard.  The rooms are large, the ceilings are 10 ft, and have flat screen tvs.  Like Dana mentioned, free wifi, free hot breakfast (though the scrambled eggs tasted like cardboard.)  Good coffee with flavored creamer offered all day long.  Wish I had enough time to try out the workout room.

Essenza certainly delivers on its products.  Many of these products are hand made, like the Santa Maria Novella line from Florence.  Though heavily touted as some of the finest European fragrances, they may not smell as you would expect.  These are natural essential oils, not crazy chemical compounds that are commercially made.  They had a few french fragrance lines that were exceptional (though $120 for 4.3floz!); no WAY I could afford that.  The jewellry is fun to look at, and they have samples of everything, but ideally it's just a browsing store for the masses.  I'll tell you I almost laughed out loud when I saw a $100+ robe that at first glance, I would've paid maybe $15 for at a TJ Maxx.  Anyway, the sales people were friendly at least.

Just went to see Nutcracker today, which was thoroughly enjoyable.  Initially, the choreography was predictable and (dare I say) boring, but it turned out to be a first act fluke.  Honestly, the real star of the show was Maurice Sendak's delicious set and costume design.  The story of Nutcracker isn't all that compelling, so perhaps seeing another ballet production with more emotion is in order...

McCaw Hall is located near parking garages and lots, so this eases the stress of finding a space before getting to the show.  Only that that's horrible is the lack of city planning; at the end of the show, it was an incredible ordeal to get through Mercer to 99 or I-5.  

Other than that, the hall itself was pretty good.  Very clean with unconventional art choices, almost like an airport.  We were in the 5th row of the gallery for the Nutcracker and it had exceptional acoustics from our vantage point.

I really like this TJ Maxx because of its large selection of purses and housewares.  It's location is just out of reach for much of the Seattle masses, so you have a better chance of walking away with a treasure!  The customer service was fantastic as well.

Seriously, these reviews are from angry people.  This particular Carrs is well-lit, newly built, large, with a fairly good salad bar and deli.  I'd prefer to come here over the others on Benson Blvd.  The prices on produce and freezer meals are reasonable (for Anchorage prices), and though the service has never been exceptional, it's certainly never been bad.