More of Seattle and her Front Yard -- 6/22/2014

Our Tyee friends loose our lines and give us a push off as we depart their Eagle Harbor outstation and turn toward Blake Island, where we hope to spend some time at the Washington State Park.  Our plan is to go early so as to catch Destiny and Hayden Bay, who are rafted and hanging on the hook in the harbor, but the tide dictates a prudent wait.  Herb sees .6 ft depth under Willie's Tug on the chart plotter, and we wait.  

We wait.

Soon we are able to leave and cruise toward Destiny under bright sunny skies and relatively calm water. We see her anchored with Hayden Bay rafted, so Yea they have not left.  As we approach, we see no-one peering out to welcome us; surely they are not still sleeping....

Explanation:  a phone call from David tells us they have gone into town for breakfast, are just now arriving at the dock to hop into the dinghy for the ride back to the boats.  David finds an opportunity to photograph Willie's Tug as she nears their anchorage.  

                                                                     Thanks, David, for the photo!

When they return, we raft to Destiny for a short visit.   In the words of David, "What a great life we lead," as evidenced by the leisurely morning relaxing and enjoying friends.  

Herb, Marcus, David, Maureen, and Jorge

The conversation gets around to Seattle, the skyline and some of the buildings, especially the Columbia Center, the tallest building in Seattle and the state of Washington, as well as the 20th tallest in the whole United States.

There is an observation deck on the 73rd floor of the 76 floor building, where the public can enjoy what must be a fabulous view.  

Find the Columbia Center....

So obvious is the darker building on the right.

Marcus describes the architecture -- the stacks or columns that are placed together to form the building,  but I don't dare try to repeat it accurately, so will borrow a photo from Seattle.about.com



I copy from Pacific Coast Architectural Database   "The building had an unusual form, composed of three large arcs placed back to back, each oriented to the west, south, and east, facing Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier and the Cascades respectively. Compare with a rectilinear block, the arc form provided increased window surface area to be exposed toward the remarkable views."

Maureen has a schedule today, so we say so long for now to the group, un-raft, and look forward to the next time we meet.

Continuing to Blake, we head south to the very small island and hope there is room for us.  There is usually a park host, but no reservations are allowed.

A gleaming snow covered mountain reaching far up into the skies catches my eye.   So beautiful, Mount Rainier fills my camera lens. 

As we get closer to the island, we see many, many sailboat masts peering over the breakwater, and I am so afraid the marina is full.  However, we will cruise inside and look at each finger pier.  We don't see a space for us at first, but as we slow to a crawl, a park host appears and tells us to raft to a piling to wait for a vessel that will leave shortly.

Well, they don't leave soon, but the host finds a place for us in the U of the pier, along side the main dock.  That will work.

There are nice walking paths along the perimeter to a beach, and Jake takes his walk toward some feeding deer, just as the evening sky paints a pink glow.

A deer starts to cross in front of Jake and Herb in search of greener grass - 

Not fearing the dog, he continues his crossing, and I can guarantee Dr. Jake will not chase him!

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Sunday, June 22, 2014