After Hours In Tacoma

Thom and I hoped to see the Tacoma's Museum of Glass but terrible traffic back from Snow Lake prevented us from getting there before closing time.

Still, the museum complex did offer a lot to see outdoors, including the Bridge of Glass, decorated by Dale Chihuly, a native of Tacoma.  His two "Crystal Towers" flank the bridge spanning an interstate highway, which is kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.  The domed building houses a federal courthouse.

The tower chunks are supposed to resemble rock candy.  Walter White might disagree. Visiting meth heads must think they've died and gone to heaven.

Chilly Thom is standing in front of the 80-foot long Venetian Wall, one of two more Chihuly installations on the bridge.  

I'd first become familiar with Chihuly's glass art in St. Petersburg.

The museum faces the Thea Foss Waterway which separates downtown Tacoma from the Port of Tacoma.

Saw mills were once common in the area.  The cone-like structures used to eliminate sawdust--known as beehive burners--inspired the museum's unusual design. 

Most of the transparent glass sculptures in the "Fluent Steps" installation (2009) were created as part of glass-blowing workshops inside the museum.  Sometimes less is more. Meow!

The Murray Morgan Bridge, which once swung open for tree-carrying ships, is another remnant of an industrial waterfront now lined with boat docks and condos. 

 

Zoltan, who lived in Tacoma while he was still serving in the U.S. Army, drove down from Seattle to see us off.  Many laughs were shared over a hearty dinner at Dirty Oscar's Annex, Thom's treat.  I don't believe I've ever had colder beer.  Thanks guys for a great day!