Official BS and shenanigans & Good Morning America Thread

Morning everyone.

It's been over 25 years since I have been back to Washington. Some things have not changed, but a lot has.

Everything went pretty smooth. Rented a Camry, but received a new Highlander. Pretty fortunate we got the free upgrade. The eco mode and engine shutoff really ruin this vehicle. Other than that, solid choice for a family do all vehicle.

From our AIRB&B patio...



The wildlife just off our patio was pretty neat to see. We have raccoons here a home in Colorado. This little guy likes a few drinks per day.



Had a pair of bald eagles show up a few times and land on the marker. That was amazing to see. Forgot how damn big they are. Sorry...the iPhone 14 Pro can only do so much.



We seen an otter and some sea lions too. No pics.

This trip started a few years ago when my oldest wanted to see some orca's. She asked once nicely to put a trip up to Washington/Alaska on the radar. Well this was the year. We did get to see a successful hunt. These mammals work together so well. Actually amazing to see this pod work together.



https://youtube.com/shorts/jaISVx2yaYw?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/5wOIP-rWzzg?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/TdSCak3lFmg?feature=share

We used this company. Great staff and the boat was amazing.

https://island-adventures.com/

We have family in Washington and recently lost a family member. Spent some time with them to help in the healing process.

So the next comment is not to be insulting to anyone and where they live. I choose the right to refuse going to a place that limits my rights to bare arms. I was going to get my concealed weapons permit in North Dakota when I was up there last month. Washington has reciprocity with North Dakota, but not Colorado. We have a laundry list of places we want to go in the US, but are restrictive on that one little topic. I broke my rule and we went to WA. Anyway, we stopped in the Seattle area a few times to fuel or use the restroom. When my wife's spidy senses go off, one better pay attention. Nothing happened and we decided to make better fuel up and bathroom break choices.

The last day we decided to visit some Navy museums, do some shopping, and see the family members one more time just outside Tacoma. Safe enough I guessed. Off to the Outlet Collection in Auburn, WA. Around 4pm my daughters just had to stop in an Ultra Beauty. Not like we don't have several here in Colorado Springs...but whatever. We decide to stay outside the store and talk while the girls shopped. We watched people go in and out. Well three of these "people" masked up inside, smashed all the locked glass cabinets with all the perfume and took everything and ran out the store which was right by an exit. We noticed something was going down as these thieves were about to come out the store. We ran in and at first couldn't find my children...which got the blood flowing pretty good. They were found behind the front counter huddled down with some other shoppers. Of course my oldest said "I sent you a text that we were ok and our location..." I really wanted to put my foot in her as and hug her at the same time... The store manager was young but handled it well. I guess this has been happening company wide a lot with the smash and grab thefts. She even went into sale mode once she calmed down a little. I got a laugh out of it and suggested she go home and let this process a bit (she was off in 30). Mall security responded quickly and already had video footage of them and the vehicle. Local law enforcement was on scene quickly too. Maybe they have officers in the mall?

My wife's aunt was very emotional about this (she was with us). A long time ago she lived in Pocatello Idaho (originally from ID on wife's mothers side). There were a string of armed robberies at the time and all but two were not murdered. Her aunt was one of the two young females. I believe there was 6 total armed robberies. This is what brought a few of the family members out to WA over 50 years ago. She just couldn't get over it and the area was a prison for her. My kids/wife handled it well and maybe have a little more understanding on why I am the way I am with my 2A rights.

Overall, pretty good trip.