If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and have felt like it’s been a bit of a rough February weather-wise, you’re right- and it was largely the result of a whopping 10 different weather systems passing over us over just a few weeks. Thankfully, we’re almost out of the winter and about to roll into spring on March 21st- starting easily one of the most pleasant seasons to be in the Pacific Northwest.
Spring in the Pacific Northwest means much less feeling “under the weather” from gloom and doom in the skies. Temperatures will have some feel-good hits of the 50s & 60s or so, clouds will no longer seem inevitable to wake up to, and the necessity of purchasing Costco-sized bottles of Vitamin D supplements will start to subside. It’s great weather for jogging or other outdoor exercise, naturally keeping you from becoming a sweaty mess.
There’s plenty of amazing places you’ll want to explore in the Northwest’s great outdoors this spring if you haven’t already or haven’t in a while. The Skagit Tulip Festival near Mt. Vernon runs through the entire month of April and is always a gorgeous sight. If you’re a powerboater, consider Olympic National Park as a cruising destination it’s always gorgeous and serene, and often at its best in the Spring. Expect plenty of nature trails, animal watching, and generally everything around you to be a verdant paradise.
If cruising to the Olympic Peninsula is a bit too much of a drive for your tastes, consider the Anacortes 2014 Spring Boat Show at Anacortes, WA’s Cap Sante Boat Heaven from March 21-23rd, 2014. There will be at least 75 floating boats ranging up to 65 ft. Expect the best yachts from the best brokers, with new and pre-owned vessels available. Look for the “Big White Tent” filled with electronics, rigging & marine services too! It’s everything you need to start Spring Boating!
Astoria, Oregon may also be worth considering as a cruising destination during late April- from April 25th-27th, as it’s the Crab, Seafood, and Wine Festival! Expect fresh Dungeness crab, halibut, cod, tuna and more as you enjoy a wide variety of wines from local vineyards. Musical entertainment and more will also be provided! And if you’ve never explored downtown Astoria, we would highly recommend that you do that while you’re there too. Sublime antique stores, sea lions, the house from the Goonies and the school from Kindergarten Cop (no kidding), and a warm sense of community all make it a lovely place to visit any time of year.
So get out there, boaters! The gloom is over! There’s places to go and people to see! Just be sure to wave at us when you see us out there on the waves.
