We departed Stimsons Marina at 9:45 on Saturday morning under cloudy gray skies with just a hint of a breeze on the water. We proceeded east on the ship canal toward Lake Union.
It quickly became apparent that the Washington Husky's were playing at home today. Ahead of us and behind us, there were a number of boats decked out for the game with their purple attire and Husky flags.
Motoring past Husky Stadium, there were a number of boats already anchored and awaiting the start of the festivities. While some folks will dinghy in and attend the game, others will simply hang out on their boats and watch the game on television.
As we crossed Lake Washington, the winds picked up to seven to ten knots creating a small amount of wind chop. Maureen opened up Karma and we were soon taking spray over the bow. Oh well, not to worry. It was simply fresh water giving Karma a rinse down! Ah, the joy of boating on fresh water! No salt to clean off afterwards. Just dry her off and she would be ready to go!
We arrived at Kirkland Marina at 11:00 to find just one other vessel secured. We had a choice of whatever spot we wanted. We selected a spot two thirds of the way down the main pier. This would afford us the most protection from wind and swell. Nita had warned that this marina could get lumpy during the day and she was right. With boats passing by on the lake and a ten-knot breeze it was quite lumpy.
The NOAA weather forecast was right on. Low clouds, light breeze, some patchy fog and then clearing after eleven. And then as if by cue, at 11:15 the sun broke through and the gray rolled away!
Once we had Karma secure and the shore power hooked up, it was off to tour town on our bicycles. We cruised up and down the streets checking out the various restaurants and shops along the way. Kirkland is definitely a place we are coming back to. Everything you need is within two to three blocks. There are numerous restaurants, a wine store, kitchen gadget store, and a QFC supermarket. You name it, and they have it.
John and Laurie Gray joined us later in the afternoon for a glass of wine along with an assortment of snacks and then Salmon Burgers on the barbee. From our vantage point on the dock, we had an incredible view of one spectacular sunset!
As the sun dropped below the horizon, the breeze began to subside. Along with that, boat traffic on the lake diminished. It was not long and the lake was like a sheet of glass. We had a nice calm evening. No rolling or bumping.
Sunday morning once again broke gray and cloudy. We will head back to Stimsons around ten. This will allow plenty of time to get Maureen to the airport for her flight back to Denver.
Kirkland is definitely a location I would recommend a visit to if you are on Lake Washington. The marina is clean and kept up. There is a park right at the foot of the main pier with all the shops and restaurants just steps beyond. Power is only available on the south side of the main pier though.
See you on the water!
