If You're Leaving From Seattle

[KAYEF]

If you are leaving from Seattle.......especially if you are going on the Repo through the Panama Canal, you would really appreciate a visit to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. The Locks used to be touted as the second largest on our continent (largest being P.C.).

You can google them, using the name I have above. Not only are the locks amazing to watch, you can walk across them for a different perspective and you can also walk to their Fish Ladder. The grounds are VERY beautiful...........trees, flowers, shrubs from all over the world. If you have kids, it's FUN rolling down the terraced grass. (Can you tell I grew up within walking distance?;))

If you plan to take a "Harbor Tour" aboard a boat, there is one tour that will take you through the Locks for yet another perspective.

The Locks are in Ballard, across the Ballard Bridge. On the south side of that bridge is a huge Marina; some of the D.C. boats dock there during their down time ie: NORTHWESTERN, Sig's boat.

It's a fun place to buy fish and chips and sit outside in the SUNSHINE and watch the boats.

I don't know why these Locks aren't touted more by Seattle's Tourist Board; they are a treasure and a real place to learn.:)

[JoePDX]

I second KAYEF's suggestion. One of my favorite places in Seattle. :D

 

Joe

[Justakitten]

I lived in Seattle for several years and never heard of it. I am going up this weekend, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the advice.

[IslandThyme]

It's cool to see out of towners recommending "our" locks. That's one of my very favorite places in Seattle, it's a true treasure. Plan to spend at least 2 hours there, preferably 3 if the salmon ladder interests you.

[Caribensun]

:confused:Hey, I did not know about them either and we go up too. Thanks KAYEF!

Seadeck2

[Caribensun]

For those in the Portland area if you ever want to start a cruising group and meet up 2 to 4 times a year and talk about cruising let me know. I know of a group that does this in Vegas. We could meet a restaurant or pizza place (informal). We meet up with a few others now.

[KAYEF]

It's cool to see out of towners recommending "our" locks. That's one of my very favorite places in Seattle, it's a true treasure. Plan to spend at least 2 hours there, preferably 3 if the salmon ladder interests you.

As I said, I grew up within walking distance.............lived above Ray's Boathouse when it WAS a boat house!

I got so tired of always taking company to "the Locks" but once I left to go to college, I realized what a VIEW I'd had all my life and what an amazing thing the Locks were!;)

I just don't understand why Seattle doesn't tout them more; they're a marvel as are the botanical gardens there.

BTW, as far as I'm concerned I'm not an out-of-towner; I'm still a Ballardite.:)

[KAYEF]

For those in the Portland area if you ever want to start a cruising group and meet up 2 to 4 times a year and talk about cruising let me know. I know of a group that does this in Vegas. We could meet a restaurant or pizza place (informal). We meet up with a few others now.

That sounds like fun................I live in Fairview Village, out Gresham way................leaving this weekend for the new HAL itinerary ..........14 days all the way to Kodiak Island and up Cook Inlet to Anchorage.:)

[IslandThyme]

Wow, living upstairs from Rays, best view in the West. And you all, if you go to the Locks, have lunch at Ray's Boathouse Café, upstairs from the restaurant. The view is spectacular and the food is truly excellent.

[Justakitten]

Compleatly off subject but since I have some locals here I thought I might ask. I am in search of a good TA. We booked our cruise with some place my mom found online and I am not happy with the experience. Anyone have a TA they love? I don't want to break any rules on this board so if you have any suggestions could you email me them please. Thanks in advance.

 

KSBoles@hotmail.com

[CelebrityMan]

Hi,

 

KAYEF, I'd be very interested. I was involved with a similar group several years ago, but that faded out. They always seemed to choose meeting/gathering times that didn't fit my/our schedule.

 

Give it a try.

 

Feel free to e-mail me: calrussell@hotmail.com

 

 

 

CM

[Caribensun]

Hello,

Hope everyone has checked on a possible price drop on your cruise.

email me at gayle.r.shriver@state.or.us we are in the Clackamas area and another couple are in Troutdale. We should try to meet next month after KAYEF gets back, we can hear all about the cruise.

KAYEF when you are back let us know.

 

Anyone know of a restaurant we could meet at, at Cascade Station Mall by the airport, would be central to most everyone. Haven't been over there in a few months.

 

Seadeck2

[mohavemommy]

We did the harbor tour to the locks last summer. It was an amazing sight. We plan to return again next summer when we are there.

 

[Justakitten]

There are a few resturants at Cascade Station. They are Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Robin, Hot Pot & Sushi, Pizzano's Pizza and a few fast food type resturants like Taco Del Mar and Panda Express. I am open for anything. Email me at ksboles@hotmail.com