SEATTLE BOAT SHOW

WE LOVE EVERYTHING BOATS, 

and WE LOVE BOATS ON LAKE UNION.

The weather started out a bit ominous, but blue holes quickly appeared. Actually, we find the Washington weather refreshing, especially after the often hot searing sun in Mexico. It is the swimming in warm aqua waters off the stern of the boat that we will miss the most while cruising the Salish Sea. A hardship to be endured cheerfully, in trade of the Pacific Northwest's many fine distant anchorages.

The BIG green and white Willard 60' dwarfs her Grand Banks 42 neighbor. Nevertheless, not impressed by size alone, I had to drag Darrell away from our GB 42 sistership. We have one at home awaiting her journey north. Regardless, he returned three times to visit this boat! She was very impressive, but I have vowed, Scrimshaw, our 17th boat, is the last boat. Those who know me too well, "Stop Laughing"!!!!

We were anxious to check out pilothouse boats, that offer good protection and comfort to captain and crew, but in the end we agreed our GB 42 works best for us. Many of the new boats have eliminated the ability to walk around the outside cabin and decks. This gives the owner increased interior space, but for us we enjoy the safety afforded by having ready access 360 degrees around our boat for ease of docking, or deploying our kayak from midships. We also love our spacious aft stateroom with the walk around bed and double doors with a hatch to bring in lots of light and plenty of fresh air. The view isn't bad either. Different strokes for different folks.

Looking across Lake Union towards the 12 acre park bearing the same name.

We arrived very early in Seattle with San Diego cruising friends from SV/Tapatai. Later in the afternoon we were scheduled to meet up with more cruising friends, MV/Mystic, from Los Gatos. Being with good friends for 4 days, in Washington, surrounded by beautiful boats, was pretty flipping fantastic! We nearly had time to drop off our baggage at the Silver Cloud Hotel, (highly recommend a room facing the lake) before we caught a UBER ride to the big Century Link for the indoor boat extravaganza. Boats and gear and seminars on how to catch and prepare crabs. We also attended a seminar on the crazy extreme tides and currents that grace the Salish Sea up to Alaska! Yikes! Our learning curves are going to soar.

An adorable rowing and sailing pram. Boat #18.

 It didn't take Darrell long to pick out this little cutie. He misses sailing (me too), and we both want a sailing pram. This beauty is made in Gig Harbor, another dream location in Washington. My gal friend, Judy Mae, has one she uses in Morro Bay. I imagine it won't be too long before an identical boat is mounted on the stern of Scrimshaw. All this boat shopping got us tired and hungry. Back to the hotel for afternoon naps, and later we reconvened for an early dinner.  We are a kind of "Early to bed, early to rise" group of cruisers at this advanced stage in our nautical careers.

Nourishment

Tapatai flanks the table, with Mystic next to Fred, and Scrimshaw more or less in the middle. After cruising with these folks in Mexico, I had never seen them in so many clothes! Seems only Darrell and I are willing to go this distance long term.

Washington is much more than lots of pretty waters and fancy islands with bobbing boats, it also is home to a large contingency of Foodies! Out of our 4 day trip we took advantage of the day with the most pouring rain to pass on crawling around boats, and headed down to Pike Street Market before the crowds arrived. Good choice. And a very fun choice as well.

We will have a crab trap and large boiling pot onboard Scrimshaw.

We will also be carrying fishing tackle for these babies.

 An extremely enthusiastic "Fish Guy" offers us tasty smoked salmon.

Boaters do not live on seafood alone. Luscious fruits, savory cheeses with fresh breads and cured meats, and plenty of chocolate are necessary for happy crew. For me, flowers are a must at any well set table. So many choices to fill up Scrimshaw's stores.

 OMG!

Oh Yeah Baby!

 Even the cheese guy couldn't help but sample his wares.

 Dessert anyone? All chocolates are at least 72% cocoa.
Of course, this is Seattle, after all.

Tulips are grown in La Conner, the town is also a favorite stop for boaters.

 SOLD!

Delish!

Hot cocoa is a must when it's rainy and cold, and it's ubiquitous in Seattle. We stopped into a warm cozy cafe before catching our courtesy shuttle ride back to the Silver Cloud. Remember the name, Silver Cloud, another of Seattle's best. A short nap, followed by cocktails with our boat buddies to recount our day's activity and onto a fine Thai dinner. We never did make it to a Starbucks, shame on us. There are sooooo many cafes and bistros to visit, it's going to take almost as long to enjoy them all, as visiting the more than 400 islands in the Salish Sea. In fact, local friends tell us to count on at least seven years to explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest. 

He's ready to go!

Penny captured this picture of the "Captain of My Heart", just shy of the top of his lovely head. We had just returned from a morning swim in the indoor pool before having our included breakfast. Bacon, sausage, eggs, quiche, muffins, oatmeal, and a variety of juices are available for weary travelers. On Tuesday nights, wine, fruits, and cheeses are offered to guests as they sit and relax in the hotel's modern, but comfy dining room with lots of welcoming nooks for private conversations. No worries, lots of walking to and crawling all over boats burns up calories pretty quickly.