Good work Tom- I spent 3 years living in Whistler, BC until fairly recently and got down to see friends in Seattle fairly often- its a beautiful part of the world. If you get a chance get out of town for a day into the mountains (you dont have to go far!)- Snoqualmie Falls is great (remember the David Lynch TV series Twin Peaks?) as is Stevens Pass. By the way, I'm into week 5 of my Paramedic basic training and my head is already full to bursting- out on a week of observer shifts in 2 weeks which will be fantastic. Loving it all so far. Enjoy the rest of the trip!