Warned continuously about the traffic in Seattle, many of us zipped over the the Seattle Convention Center in a few minutes from Bellevue. Then we sat around the Starbucks drinking coffee and eating cinnamon rolls until the 9 am start time.

More of This Feature • The 2001 AVA Convention • Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens Walk • Photos from Seattle Walk • Point Defiance Walk • Photos Opening Social • Remlinger Farms Walk • Bellevue Walk • Snoqualmie Walk • Olympia Walk • Workshops and Meetings

From Other Guides • Seattle • Northwest for Visitors

Elsewhere on the Web • Pike Place Market

Lines were long at the start, with 882 walkers attending. As we headed out we were grateful for our human arrows, as the original trail had been modified. There was confusion as walkers got their bearings, but eventually we all headed in about the right direction.

Everyone enjoyed the many decorated fiberglass pigs placed all around downtown, a part of the Pigs on Parade sculptures. We wound through the nice shops and down to Pike Place Market.

The market is a wonderful place - fresh fish and boiled crab entice you. Bakery shops tempt you. Fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers please the eye. I stopped at a shop and had a cherry and white chocolate piroushkie.

Then out and along the waterfront as we turned and headed south. The walk wound back up a bit and then out past Safeco Field and the new Seahawks stadium under construction. The hills can be quite steep in Seattle. We climbed up through Chinatown and got some great views from the top of the hill.

Finally, back to the start with plans to go back to the market and get some fresh crab. But I had to return to Bellevue for the AVA Executive Council Meeting and then out with friends for the evening.

More >> Photos from Seattle Walk

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Photos copyright 2001 Wendy Bumgardner, licensed to About.com