Half way there cruise?

Today while heading into Port Ludlow, Maureen and I ran into Herb and June aboard their R-25 Sea Sweeper. We ask if they would be attending the Halfway There Cruise and they said yes! They are officially number 13 to sign on! We asked where they would like to see the cruise go. They too said they thought the locks sounded fun!

So here is the plan:
Friday, meet at Shilshone Marina overnighting there
Saturday, Go through the locks, lunch somewhere on Lake Union. Overnight at Fishermans Terminal
Sunday, lock down and head back home

Below are the list of attendees so far. Please, if I have mispelled or place the incorrect information, please let me know so I can correct it.

1. David and Maureen, Karma, R-29
2. Bruce and Vicki, Moondance, R-25
3. Drew and Michelle, R-Dragon, R-25
4. Barry and Gill, Laxey, R-25
5. Pete and Sporty Boy, Sporty II, R-29
6. Bob and Nita, Nellie Too, R-29
7. Tim and Kim, Big Attitude, R-25
8. Patrick, That’s It, R-25
9. John and Laurie, Laurie Ann, R-25
10. John, Red Ranger, R-21
11. Steve and Tina, Christina B, R-25
12. Dave and Lynne, Lobo, R-25
13. Herb and June, Sea Sweeper, R-25

See you on the water!
 
We are now up to 14 vessels for the "Halfway There" cruise. Our latest entry comes from Bill and his wife (sorry, don't know her name) have purchased Solitude and are planning to attend! Bill and his wife live in the Gig Harbor area and plan to trailer Solitude. They will be keeping Solitude as part of the name of their new boat but will be adding to it. Maybe, "Our" Solitude, Finally-Solitude.

Bill and his wife loved what the name stood for but did not want to add confusion to the site by leaving it simply Solitude.

Below is the list of attendees so far. Again, if I have misspelled, mis-named, mis-spoused, mis-anything, let me know and I will correct it!

1. David and Maureen, Karma, R-29
2. Bruce and Vicki, Moondance, R-25
3. Drew and Michelle, R-Dragon, R-25
4. Barry and Gill, Laxey, R-25
5. Pete and Sporty Boy, Sporty II, R-29
6. Bob and Nita, Nellie Too, R-29
7. Tim and Kim, Big Attitude, R-25
8. Patrick, That’s It, R-25
9. John and Laurie, Laurie Ann, R-25
10. John, Red Ranger, R-21
11. Steve and Tina, Christina B, R-25
12. Dave and Lynne, Lobo, R-25
13. Herb and June, Sea Sweeper, R-25
14. Bill and his wife, “The New” Solitude, R-25
 
Happy New Year everyone!

We need to confirm the plans for the Half Way Cruise March 19-21. Our undestanding is that the group will be staying at Shilshole Bay Marina Friday the 19th. On March 20, everyone will go through the locks to Fisherman's Wharf. If all agree with this plan, we will make reservations at Fisherman's Wharf for one night on Saturday March 20. So far we have 14 boats attending. The cost again is 80 cents a foot with limited power included. There is 400 ft. available and rafting is permited. We will not be at Shilshole Friday night so reservations are up to each individual or if someone wants to take on that responsibility for the group.

It is our understanding we want to get together for dinner Saturday night. Our suggestion would be at Fisherman's Wharf, Chinook Restaurant (Anthony's). There are other restaurants in Lake Union, but moorage is limited. However we could boat pool. Lake Washington has restaurants in Kirkland, but again moorage is limited and the lake is unpredictable.

We called Chinook's tonight and they do not take reservations; it is first come, first serve. If we want to eat early around 5 p.m. there should be no problem Also, take out is available for those who would prefer to eat on their boat. There may be other restaurants available but we are not familiar with them. There is bar/tavern that offers pub food.

Bob and I will be going through the locks early in the week and bringing the boat to our home on the river to replenish the supplies. We will be at Fisherman's Wharf either Thursday or Friday night. Also, we will have a car at the moorage area and Bob will be available to help anyone Saturday going through the locks. If anyone would like to venture up the Sammamish River to our home, please let us know. Refreshments and appetizers will be available if you want to make the 45 min. trip up the river. (This depends on river and weather conditions.)

We look forward to seeing you. Please let us know your plans as soon as possible. If you prefer to call us, our home number is 425-488-1713.

Bob and Nita
 
I have already made the reservation for Shilshone. It is currently for both Friday and Saturday night. Now is the time for everyone to speak up and give their piece...... We will let the majority rule..... Shilshone or Fishermans!!!

Like in Mass. tonight, the people will speak!
 
Just a few more thoughts about the half way cruise.

For those boaters not familiar with Seattle, Shilshole Marina is North of the Ballard Locks on Puget Sound and Fisherman's Terminal is located in Salmon Bay close to the Locks. If we stay at Shilshole both nights and still make a trip inside, it will take anywhere from 1 1/2 hrs. - 4 hours to go through the locks round trip. You really can't estimate the time it will take as it depends on boat traffic/commercial traffic.

Fisherman's Terminal has 400 ft. of dock space at 80 cents a foot including electricity. There are only 5 stations for electrical hook up. Shilshole Marina charges 85 cents a ft. and power is an additional $3 per night (30 amp.). Both locations have restaurants. If we want to have dinner together Saturday night, we will need to make reservations.

The "Nellie Too" votes for Fisherman's Terminal Saturday night. By doing this it will give boaters an opportunity to explore more of Lake Union/Lake Washington.

Nita
 
REGRETTABLY THE BEE HAS MADE A CHANGE OF PLANS FOR MARCH, MARINA REAL IN SAN CARLOS MEXICO WON OUT OVER LAKE UNION BY [LETS SEE??] ALL THE VOTES. PROJECTED HIGH OF 79 LOW OF 72 SUNSHINE AND BLUE SKYS!!! BUT IN THE MEANTIME WE WILL BE THINKING OF ALL OUR PNW EXTENDED FAMILY AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU GUYS AT THE BIG RONDIVIEW IN SEPT...... STEVE AND TINA 😉
 
I can't believe you guys baled on us for Sunshine, warm weather, warm water, and sandy beaches........
 
Bob and Nita,
It appears that the masses have decided...... The "Halfway There" cruise will meet at Shilshole Marina on Friday March 19th. Weather permitting we will lock through into Lake Union on Saturday morning. We can all proceed into Lake Union or Lake Washington and meet for lunch, go on our own way, or whatever we all decide. Saturday night we will overnight at Fishermans Terminal. Sunday we all head on our merry way.....

I have made reservations for 14 vessels at Shilshole Bay Marina. Each of you will need to contact the marina no later than March 5th and provide them with payment for the night of the 19th. They can be reached at 1-206-787-3006. When calling, tell them you are with the "Ranger Tug Group". Give them your boat name and length. I have provided them with a list of owners names, vessel name, length, and electrical needs. We may not all be able to plug in for the night as there are limited connections.

Bob if you can go ahead and make the reservation for Saturday night, that would be great!

As for locking through. The locks provide a nice booklet with instructions on the procedures for going through. I will pick some up prior to the cruise so each of you can have one. John and Laurie as well as Bob and Nita have been through these locks. Friday night I am sure they would not mind covering the procedures also. Maureen and I have locked through other locks but not these. They are not as daunting as you may think. It is actually quite fun!
 
We have called Fisherman's Terminal today requesting space for March 20. We have not heard back, but it shouldn't be a problem from earlier conversations we have had with the terminal. We will let you know once we hear something.

Since everybody will be having lunch on their own Saturday, I'm not sure if we want to get together Saturday night for dinner. The other thought is to meet at the Highlander Pub at Fisherman's Terminal when ever you return from exploring Lake Union/Lake Washington. Some of the other options for dinner include the restaurants below. By the way, all of the restaurants serve lunch.

Daniels Broiler and Chandler's Crabhouse on Lake Union (two separate restaurants run by Schwartz Brothers) - web address: schwartzbros.com. Check for menus and pricing. Moorage is available with adequate notification. Again we could boat pool.

McCormick and Schmick's Harborside - web address: www.mccormickandschmicks.com. Limited moorage, 60 ft. dock, we can raft 3 deep. They will reserve the dock for us. Boat pooling required.

Chinooks at Fisherman's Terminal - web: www.anthonys.com. Chinooks does not take reservations, seating is first come, first serve. There is also Little Chinooks that is a take out "fish and chips" that is really good.

Highlander Pub - at Fisherman's Terminal. They serve burgers, fish 'n chips, salads, chicken strips, etc. Dart boards, pool tables and live music Saturday night.

Ivars Salmonhouse Restaurant (North Lake Union) - www.ivars.net, moorage is available on a limited basis.

Anyway, this will give you an idea of some options for lunch/dinner. Check out the restaurant web sites for menu and pricing. If you have some other ideas, please let us know. There are many other options.

Bob and Nita 🙂
 
Bob and Nita,
I vote for the Pub! It sounds like the most fun of all of the locations!
 
Hi David and Maureen,

Nita and I will not be at Shilshole on Friday so please don't reserve space for us, we will be at Fisherman's Wharf on Thursday and Friday. Please keep in mind I will be available to help friends throught the locks (I have been doing this since 1971).
Bob
 
For those who will be staying at Shilshole Bay Marina on Friday, there are three Restaurants available. Again there is an Anthony's (Anthony's Homeport) which you have the web address for. There is also Ray's Boathouse Cafe web site www.rays.com, Little Coney no web but phone #(206)782-6598. I don't have any experience with these locations but if you try them you can let me know how they were. Ray's is rated as expensive the other tow are rated as moderate.

Bob
 
Hey, I'm in for this!!!

In fact, I spent 4.5 hours on Lake Washington Monday as a prelim to the March Cruising Madness...

I put the Red Ranger, an R-21 EC, in at Renton in the south end of Lake Washington. Then I headed north all the way to the cut, a canal at the UW campus that goes west into Lake Union and through a lock to the Shilshole Marina in Puget Sound.

Although my friends and I didn't go all the way to Shilshole, we did go into Lake Union and stopped for a drink at Ivar's Salmon House, an historic restaurant that is worth a visit. One of my boatmates has been going there for 30+ years, although he hadn't been there for several years until Monday. When we walked into the lounge, the guy serving drinks recognized my buddy. He visited with us for awhile and noted that he has been working there for 34 years!!!

Anyway, we had a drink and left at 2:55 p.m. and headed straight back to the park/boat ramp at the southeast end of the lake. We got there about 4:30, just before dark. So for those keeping score, it took about 1.5 hours to get from Lake Union to the end of Lake Washington using a 30 hp Yanmar in my 21-footer. I was going about 2,800 rpms, and about 7.5 knots.

That was my first time in Lake Washington and I'm definitely going back. Next time, I'll put in someplace further north so I have more time to explore Lake Union and the area near the lock. By the way, the weather on Monday was excellent. Flat water, sunshine and 63 degrees. The temps in Seattle so far this year are about 7 degrees above average. Here's hoping we fade to spring early (as long as we get a good snowpack in the mountains) and get more boating done than last year.

Cheers,

JtheK
 
Just an update to let you know Bob talked to Ray at Fisherman's Terminal and moorage is confirmed for March 20. They are also attempting to make power available to each individual boat. Yeah!

On a side note, if you have to tie up prior to entering the Ballard Locks on the Puget Sound side, the planks are covered with barnacles which is an issue depending on tide. It is suggested that you bring large fenders to protect the side of the boat. Bob has been known to drop anchor while waiting for the locks to open and allowing others to raft off.

Nita
 
Hi Dave and Maureen
R29 Karma

We would like to sign up for the half way cruise.
What is the requirements to make reservation for both Shilsole Marina and Fisherman Terminal.

Dennis
R25 Tug of My Heart.
 
Dennis,
I will go ahead and add your name to the list at Shilshone Bay. All that is required there is that you pay for your reservation by March 5th. You can do it on the phone using a credit card. Bob will add you to the list at Fishermans. I have not heard but I believe there we all simply pay once we arrive.

Below is the list of Attendees so far. If I have misspelled or incorrectly stated any information, please let me know so I can correct.

1. David and Maureen, Karma, R-29, Electric
2. Bruce and Vicki, Moondance, R-25, Electric
3. Drew and Michelle, R-Dragon, R-25, Electric
4. Barry and Gill, Laxey, R-25, Electric
5. Pete and Sporty Boy, Sporty II, R-29, Electric
6. Bob and Nita, Nellie Too, R-29, Electric
7. Tim and Kim, Big Attitude, R-25, Electric
8. Patrick, That’s It, R-25, Electric
9. John and Laurie, Laurie Ann, R-25, Electric
10. John, Red Ranger, R-21
11. Dave and Lynne, Lobo, R-25, Electric
12. Herb and June, Sea Sweeper, R-25, Electric
13. Bill and his wife, “The New” Solitude, R-25, Electric
14. Dennis and his wife, Tug of My Heart, R-25, Electric
 
David:

Change #11 from "Dave and Lynne" to "Dave and Rob". I'm bringing a boating buddy. Spring is for "Boys Cruises". In 2 weeks I go on one to Princess Louisa Inlet with a group of 7 or 8 boats, but I'll be on a 40' trawler.

Dave
 
Whoooo, had me worried there for a minute Dave! Got it taken care though. I would love to hear about your trip to Princess Lousia at the cruise.

1. David and Maureen, Karma, R-29, Electric
2. Bruce and Vicki, Moondance, R-25, Electric
3. Drew and Michelle, R-Dragon, R-25, Electric
4. Barry and Gill, Laxey, R-25, Electric
5. Pete and Sporty Boy, Sporty II, R-29, Electric
6. Bob and Nita, Nellie Too, R-29, Electric
7. Tim and Kim, Big Attitude, R-25, Electric
8. Patrick, That’s It, R-25, Electric
9. John and Laurie, Laurie Ann, R-25, Electric
10. John, Red Ranger, R-21
11. Dave and Rob, Lobo, R-25, Electric
12. Herb and June, Sea Sweeper, R-25, Electric
13. Bill and his wife, “The New” Solitude, R-25, Electric
14. Dennis and his wife, Tug of My Heart, R-25, Electric
 
David --

Glad to be able to shake you up. Rob's a reasonable guy. He rode with me to the Des Moines marina in 2008 and we visited the factory. Almost had him buy a 21'! We went from DesMoines to Bremerton for lunch -- so I knew in advance of the facilities when you started the 2009 rendezvous.

It looks like there will be another boys cruise for me between Princess Louisa and Seattle. Most likely in the San Juans, with an overnight at Sucha currently in the plans. The boats on this one are my old sailing buddies -- ones that still cling to the cold, wet way of moving about on water. However, if it gets real stinky, they win.

All this cruising is interrupting my retirement!

Dave
"Lobo"
 
I thought I'd give you all an update about the facilities at Fisherman's Wharf for the March 20th get together. I talked with Ray the marina manager to confirm that the moorage will be available. He said he is anxious for our arrival and will be by to talk to us. They are attempting to attract boat clubs to their facility so this is an exciting time for them. The fees again ar $0.80 a foot payable at the time of arrival which again includes power (as a reminder, they are attempting to make it available to all). He also asked me if any of our group keeps their boat on trailer, if so, he would like to talk about their launch facilities. We have discount coupons for Shilshole for $10.00 off, if any of you would like one let me know and I will make sure you get it.
Happy Tugging,
Bob
 
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