And Willie Said: Seattle Boat Show Day One -- 1/22-23/2015

The day is finally here when we depart Port Isabel and fly to Seattle for the Seattle Boat Show. We are asked if we will buy a new boat -- No? -- so why are you going?

Only a boat owner would know the answer to that question. You go to look at boats, and a more practical reason is to purchase items to enhance or upgrade the amenities you already have.

And a big reason is to visit with the awesome friends you have made through boating.

Oh, and sometimes you come home with an unexpected purchase agreement in your hand....

First to greet us are Bruce and Vicki, and we catch a ride to pick up mail from our Seattle mail drop. Lisa brings out a large envelope which will keep us busy for a little while.

Just down the street we turn into the Harbormaster's
office at Elliott Bay Marina, where Bruce picks up complimentary boat show tickets from Joe. We get excited! Next stop -- boat show!

With a temperature of low 50s we walk over a mile to Century Link Field stadium under softly falling drizzle or mist. Nobody cares! We have hoodies and are dry and toasty warm!

As we walk, I am like a kid in a candy shop seeing familiar sights of Seattle, a city I love.

Starbucks!

Approaching the stadium, I am reminded of the fantastic NFL game and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.

The blue and green lighting -- be still, my heart.

First stop inside the hall is the Ranger Tug - Cutwater area. Imagine that! Ivan shows us the new R-21, quite a bit different from the one Herb and I had years ago. Our experiences in the 21 showed us that we love boating and would enjoy one with a little more space.

We greet a few more factory friends and see a stack of handouts for boat shoppers. Two familiar faces jump out and I recognize myself and Vicki, a photo taken on some of our travels together last Summer. Nice memories.

I am told there are 11 Ranger Tug and Cutwater boats on display here today, this one being shown by Ronnie.

We note many changes in the different models and are impressed with how busy the factories have been.

We don't get around to all booths today, so have to save some for tomorrow. It is time to get on to the evening's activities, but first the walk back, and a look at some of my favorite things.

Seattle Great Wheel is at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay, and at 175 feet, it is the tallest Ferris Wheel on the West Coast of the United States.

All Blue!

Seattle Art Museum

Our friends direct our attention to an intersection where pedestrians can walk diagonally. I've got to have a photo of this, as I think it is a great idea.