Memorial Weekend – Boating in the Pacific NW

 Ballard Locks – Plum Full on Memorial Weekend in the NW

Weather doesn’t stop true NW boaters, rain or shine they go out.  If we waited around for the rain stop we’d never go anywhere.  Memorial weekend in the NW was 50/50 – half sunshine and half drizzling rain.  The Ballard Locks have been busy bursting at the seams – with nearly every possible marine traffic vessel imaginable; kayaks, sailors, superyachts, Ranger Tug & Cutwater boat rendezvous cruise to Fishermen’s Terminal,  barge and tugs, fishing vessels, UW research vessels, National Geographic boats, private luxury charters, loud and wild party boats, you name it – it happened this weekend on the water in the great Pacific Northwest; especially in the greater Ballard area, Salmon Bay and the Ships Canal.

This is a typical Ballard Locks view on Memorial Weekend.  Thankfully most NW boaters are calm and patient when getting through the Locks.  Every once in a while you will see and hear a hyper person screaming from the wheel house – working themselves up.  But for the most part there is no reason to be hyper or frantic.  Watch your lines and be kind to the boats saddled up on the hip next to you,  this way you’ll be sure to have a calm smooth Ballard Locks experience.

There is always one drifter who needs a little help sucking in lines! 

Note:  When going through the Locks things happen quite slow and steady.  As long as you are paying attention to your surroundings you’ll be fine.  For some odd reason, some boat owners get very nervous about going through the Locks.  Get your fenders out in advance; either make sure the kids are out of the way or tuck them inside, man your lines – lastly be patient.  With all that said you’ll be fine getting to the other side on your way to enjoy happy NW cruising.

Rain or Shine – NW Locals Dance & Party on the Top Deck, Salmon Bay – Ship Canal

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

KICK OFF TO SUMMER IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST!!!