First off, this was our route. Or at least a detail of where we spent the bulk of our time. Starting in the bottom right, we cruised up from Tacoma (well south of the map) to downtown Seattle. Then across the water to Bainbridge Island, then across again to the ship canal, through the locks and into the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, then across again to Manzanita Bay, then up to Poulsbo, and then south again to Tacoma.
Starting at Bell Harbor in Seattle we awoke to the sound of a Cruise ship arriving to swap passengers for an Alaska cruise.
The boat against the Seattle skyline. The new Washington Mutual Headquarters is seen most prominently to the right.
Nordvika and the Whaler
From left to right, Qwest Field, Safeco Field, and Mt. Rainier, home of, respectively, the Seahawks, the Mariners, and about 400 full and part time National Parks employees.
More of the cruise ship
A better picture of the Seattle skyline
A Candian Goose looking for handouts in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island
My girlfriend, competently piloting the Whaler, but perturbed by my insistence that we stop to take pictures.
Seattle from across Admiralty Inlet
The Olympic mountains with Eagle Harbor and the headquarters of the Washington State Ferries in the foreground.
Heading north to Shilshole, one of the many State Ferries passes to our stern
Dingies, crab-pots, and kayaks are all necessary accessories.
Entering the Ballard locks
Thankfully my first experience "locking through" is in the "small" lock, which is much more forgiving.
You are a tourist attraction. Hundreds of people watch your every move with amazement and most are incredibly envious.
The doors close and you feel as though you're in the bottom of a well, not a waterway.
No kidding!
There is literally no room to spare in the small lock.
The slow creep up continues
The spectators get closer
And the next thing you know, you're face to face
With the show over, the spectators leave. I wonder if this is how stars feel after the crowd files out.
The University Bridge connecting Capitol Hill with the University of Washington, over the University Cut, connecting Portgage Bay with Lake Washington.
The Retriver, which appeared in the first season of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch.
The Wizard, which appeared last season
Famous Fisherman's Terminal. We stayed here alongside the local fishing fleet. Again, we felt like a tourist attraction as people walked the dock, hoping to find authentic "men of the sea". I guess.
Locking down through the big lock. That's me tending the line.
Anchored in Manzanita Bay on Bainbridge Island
Again, the Olympic Mountains
A sailboat anchored nearby
A Coast Guard Safeboat patrolling the perimeter of the Keyport Installation at US Navy Base Kitsap. This is where they build, maintain, and test torpedos for submarines based at nearby Subase Bangor.
Liberty Bay. The town of Poulsbo (Paul's Bo) does it's Independence Day fireworks on July 3rd to avoid competing with nearby Seattle and Tacoma's top notch shows. Guess what day we're there.
The flags go up!
Downtown Poulsbo. There is a heavy Norweigan influence here. But try as I might, I am unable to locate anyone selling Norweigan beer.
Heading home for the 4th of July festivities in Tacoma.
Whaler in tow
One last time, the Olympics
