Seattle cruising

[La Maddalena]

The boat is finally running (starboard coupler problem resolved) and we were able to take our first weekend cruise around Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. We moored overnight at Blake Island (birthplace of Chief Seattle, chief of my wife's tribe, the Suquamish), and then back to our slip at Elliott Bay Marina. Trip navigation by our First Mate, Stella (in between naps).

 

[Chris R]

If this was last weekend, I don't envy the wind you had to deal with. I've been on Elliot Bay with the white caps like I see in the pics- but in a driving rain. Not a fun 30 miles back to Gig Harbor.

 

[La Maddalena]

These pictures are from Sunday, which was pretty calm compared to Friday and Saturday. On Saturday I was too busy steering through winds, currents and whitecaps to take any pictures! Docking at Blake Island Friday evening was "an adventure" compared to what I'm used to at Elliott Bay Marina, but good practice. Now I know why people like bow thrusters - could have used one then.

 

[Chris R]

I've docked at Elliot Bay Marina in a wind like that once. Will never forget it Ditto on the thrusters. Although many argue at the "skill" thing- docking w/o thrusters, it's the 3 percent of the time when you really need them that you wish you had 'em.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

We love Blake Island and hit it often all year. Been there twice so far this year and will make more trips as soon as my binoc knees will allow. You should check out IBoatNorthWest.com for fellow PNW boaters... Several are Searay's and every other make as well...

Great pix's...

 

[The Bill Collector]

Looks like home... thank you for sharing !!!

 

[sean257]

Nice pictures!

 

[Jacob]

Love the shot of the skipper!

 

[Nehalennia]

Great pictures Larry.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Nice pics all. Thanks for sharing. Next summer we're planning to do a cruise through Puget Sound (errrr, excuse me....the Salish Sea) then through the Ballard Locks and through Lake Washington. Your pics just whet my appetite for seeing those areas.

By the way, my Admiral will love the shot of your skipper. We have two black pugs but they won't be boat dogs. I want to have one place in my life that is free of cat and dog hair! Black hair in a light colored boat won't please me much.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Nice pics all. Thanks for sharing. Next summer we're planning to do a cruise through Puget Sound (errrr, excuse me....the Salish Sea) then through the Ballard Locks and through Lake Washington. Your pics just whet my appetite for seeing those areas.

By the way, my Admiral will love the shot of your skipper. We have two black pugs but they won't be boat dogs. I want to have one place in my life that is free of cat and dog hair! Black hair in a light colored boat won't please me much.

55 Sedan Bridge in Eastern Washington...?

 

[Gofirstclass]

55 Sedan Bridge in Eastern Washington...?

Yup, Columbia and Snake Rivers and trips to Puget Sound and Desolation Sound every other year or so. We wanted something big enough to spend 3-4 months a year aboard if we want.

~150 more work days to retirement then we're going to go play.... A LOT!!!

 

[Nehalennia]

55 Sedan Bridge in Eastern Washington...?

Yup, Columbia and Snake Rivers and trips to Puget Sound and Desolation Sound every other year or so. We wanted something big enough to spend 3-4 months a year aboard if we want.

~150 more work days to retirement then we're going to go play.... A LOT!!!

First, that's great. Nice boat.
Second, it reminds me when I took my 230OV over to Alta lake for the opening day of fishing. Amongst all the 10'-14' aluminum boats I looked like the Titanic in a bathtub. It was funny.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I don't think I'll have that problem in the San Juans or BC waters. There's some dayum big boats up in that area. Roche is a good place for yacht spotting, or Victoria. Both good places to see and be seen.

We have ~350 miles of Columbia River to play on plus ~150 miles of the Snake River. The Corps locks also add a new thrill. Most have over 100' of lift.

A bit of a different experience from Ballard Locks.