Sound Transit light rail open house in Ballard-February 15

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There will be a Sound Transit light rail open house in Ballard on February 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Leif Erikson Lodge, 2245 NW 57th. There will be an opportunity to obtain information, provide input and comment. More information is online at:  https://wsblink.participate.online// The final comment date is March 5, 2018. You can also email comments to wsblink@soundtransit.org.

We’re reminding everyone that it is important to attend if you have opinions on the current design.  It is based on an elevated track along 15th after crossing the Ship Canal on a lift bridge.  An elevated station  similar to what is being built at Northgate is intended for the vicinity of Market Street.  Bring those opinions.  Decisions now will influence the character of Ballard for the next century.

Boat Show

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Would you like to work the boat show this week?  As of last evening, Captains Nautical Supply needs someone to help them work their booth.  Contact Kristen at amazonred53 at gmail  dot com.

Washington Sea Grant Pumpout survey

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In partnership with the Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act program, Washington Sea Grant manages the popular Pumpout Washington program to increase awareness and use of marine sewage pumpout stations in Washington.

When completing the survey, think about your boating away from Shilshole…like in South Sound, Blake Island, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, San Juans.

Here’s an opportunity to help them…. Pumpout Survey

Are you ready?

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Though its been a mild winter, temperature-wise, we have had a series of storms that have brought some steady strong winds, which play havoc on our docklines, fenders, tarps and canvas.  Be sure to check your boat out regularly and secure anything that is loose or chafing.  Check on your neighbor’s boats and call the marina 24/7 with any concerns (206-601-4089).

The 5 hour power outage last Friday was not storm related but caught everyone off guard.  Not a big deal for us boaters that live off 12 volts, but what if it lasts awhile?  Do you have gas for your generator? Do you have a 12 volt plug/charger for your phone, computer, handheld VHF?  Enough food for your family and pets? Are your diesel tanks and water tanks topped off? February is usually our coldest month, so be prepared for freezing temps.

In any marina emergency or situation, tune into VHF channel 71 to hear any updates from the Port or your neighbors.

Coast Guard seeks mariner input for Pacific Seacoast study

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking input from mariners for a study of navigation requirements in the Pacific Seacoast System.

The Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study will review the short range Aids to Navigation (ATON) system that covers American waterways from the Canadian border to the Mexican border and around Alaska, Hawaii and the Marianas Islands.

Interested mariners and maritime stakeholders can provide input by taking the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PacSeacoastWAMS

The survey will be available until March 31, 2018.

In addition to the survey input, the system-wide study will cover international requirements, environmental concerns, user capabilities, available technology and available resources.

A White Christmas

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A week ahead of time, the weather forecast didn’t predict a White Christmas. Instead, it would be rain and mild temperatures. That changed two days before Christmas with a cold blast from the north. On Christmas Eve day, it snowed and stuck!

With his reindeers, Santa must have plotted a course to the Marina using that snow-flake version of water. Look at how he filled my stocking!

Best of all, he brought my family together for the holidays. Thank you Santa.

(A special thanks to Lee Youngblood for the family photograph.)

Argosy Christmas Ship

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The beach at Golden Gardens Park was filled with people on Saturday to watch the Argosy Christmas ship. There were bonfires in the fire pits, children running along the shoreline, and lots of hot beverages. At sunset, against a crimson sky of broken clouds, the Argosy ship was greeted by lighted boats from Shilshole Bay Marina. The choir’s singing was broadcasted on mega-speakers for twenty minutes. I think this event is a jewel of Seattle’s holiday celebrations.