Only in Zeattle

It's already a few official days into the fall. The sun is shining from a clear blue sky and the temperature is more what can be expected in July (a normal July). Out on the boat and decide to pass through the locks and hit the sound, despite the late afternoon.

Drop wife off in downtown (needed to head home early) and swing over to West Seattle to pick up some friends. A little northerly (but warm) breeze gives a bit of a chop heading back north. We check out the Coast Guard in their small, but "loaded" boats "chase" the ferries and the large Crusie ships in and out. It is sort of fun to see this "dance" of these small boats alongside the colosses they are there to protect, but one can not stop to wonder if this is really the best way we spend our tax dollars. Is there a real threat, or are we just led to believe there is one in order to keep the country on its toes, and allow for more of the restrictive measure we are faced with every day.

As we enter Shilshole bay we can see a number of big seals feasting on the abundant salmon population. The seals toss and tear the salmon high into the air, to the excitement of the seagulls overhead. Pretty fascinating to be able to see this "artistry" almost in the middle of a major metropolitan city!

There's a bit of wait for the big lock to fill up, but it is still warm, the sun is slowly setting, and we enjoy the quiet time tied up. Only distraction is some -sshole in a vessel ahead of us who does not have the sanity to turn off his big diesel engine as we wait. He just don't seem to get the "winks" that people are tossing his way.

Well into Lake Union I take my friends down to Blackfish Marine and the little guest dock they have. Time to take the dog for a walk as well, since she has been enjoying the ride so far, but w/o any chance to do her "duty".

Take off again, just the two of us, out on a dark Lake Union. Navigation light on; check!
Despite that, and the late hour, I see, or rather hardly see them. There are still a large number of boats running around w/o any lights. Heck, even the few kayakers that are out are easier to spot than the other (power)boaters. A few of the boats are older, but I did not know that they needed to keep the "antique" (invisible) running lights as well. On a slow and clear evening like this, nothing is likely to happen, but it does not take much; more boats, rain, or a little patch of fog, in order for the situation to get dicey.

If you read this, and have a boat - ANY boat - please check to ensure that you have proper gear for your running lights and that they also work.

Dog and I get through the MontLake Cut and out into Lake Washington. It is dark, really dark, but I scan the horizon, spot only a few boats far away and decide to speed up in order to make it to the dock. Even this late it is amazingly warm. Hard to believe it is almost the end of September.

At the dock dog jumps off and walks around while I tie up the boat. It is so good she no longer, like when she was a puppy, just decides to take off on a venture. Instead she hangs around to ensure "the coast is clear".

All in all, this was just a(nother) great day in the Pacific northwest!