Mini Cruise to Fisherman's Terminal - May 26 thru 28th

N

Nellie Too

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Joined
Jan 13, 2009
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793
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Hull Identification Number
86
Vessel Name
(2009) Nellie Too
Nita and I are thinking about going to Fisherman's terminal again as we did last year for a mid-term get-together. Last year we had about eight boats and we thought we might improve on that number. The terminal is inside the locks so for some it could be a new enjoyable experience. Within the terminal is Chinooks Restaurant ( part of the Anthony's chain) and a limited amount or shopping. Within a mile is the Ballard district of Seattle with numerous shops and places to eat and enjoy you favorite beverage. I have called the terminal to see if there dingy moorage in town which could be utilized. Let me know you thoughts. I am thinking about May.
Bob
 
We're in! An easy trip for us since we moor in Lake Washington.

FYI the opening day of boating season is during the weekend of May 5th. It's a blast but maybe not the best weekend to find space in the canal.

http://nwboatinfo.com/OpeningDay.aspx

Dave & JoAnn
 
Hi Bob & Nita - Kate and I are interested too. thanks!
 
Bob,
Not sure if I can find it from here...... oh wait, I can see Fishermans from my slip here at Stimsons! Maureen and I are in.

Let's try not to do it the same weekend as Trawler Fest in Anacortes as we had already planned to join you there.
 
1) When is the Anacortes Trawler Fest ?

2) We've never been through the locks. There's a small and large lock. How does one decide (if one can decide) which lock to use ? Is one used for outbound and the other for inbound for example? How long a line does one need to throw to lock's ground crew, and how many lines needed? I've been told you need at least a 30' line.

3) I tentatively commit LAXEY to meet up with all for this GTG -- depends on my 1st mate's situation, or it could be I take son and grandson along with me. It sounds like a good opportunity for me to experience the lock duties/hardships. 😉 I've never liked locks as in the UK as a boy there were just too many of them within just a few miles along the lower rivers. The river Thames was the worst as I recall until you get almost within sight of Tower Bridge -- and when I did it was almost nightfall and I had no navigation lights running and got pulled over by the river police -- most embarrassing for me having a girlfriend as my 1st mate at the time. :roll: :evil:
 
The locks are an adventure but nothing to worry about. We've moored in Lake Washington for about 15 years which means each trip to the salt means two trips through the locks. I figure we've been through at least 60 times and have never had a problem.

You don't get a choice of which lock you'll traverse. It's whatever the lock master decides.

If you use the small locks you tie up like you would to any dock. The lock wall moves up or down with the water so once you're tied up you can enjoy a beverage of your choice until you untie and motor out.

The big locks seem more intimidating but for boats our size are almost as easy as the small locks. Larger boats are directed to tie up to the wall, which requires 50 foot lines. They have to play out or take in their lines as the water level changes, and do all the work. Smaller boats like ours tie up to the larger boats and therefore get a free ride. See the beverage of your choice comment above.

We've never had to tie up to the wall on the large locks. There are always bigger boats. Our fifteen year old 50 foot lines are still brand new. I've locked through on bigger boats and even if you ended up on the wall, it's still easy but you trade work for the beverage.

The locks employees are super helpful and everything you need to know on traversing the locks are at:

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMen ... Navigating

Dave
 
David,
I think you can almost jump that far.
Bob
 
I am going to talk to Ray, the marina manager, to figure out some good dates. We will definitely plan it around Opening Day and the Anacortes event. We will not have it on Opening Day because of all the crazies out on their boats; its as bad as Seafair.
Bob
 
Keep us posted. We head to Europe on may 12 so it all depends. No, we are flying to Europe, not taking Stout!

Allan and Yvonne
 
Opening day for the boating season is May 5th. The Trawler Fest in Anacortes is May 15-19 so we are thinking that the mini cruise be May 26-28th. I talked with Ray, the Manager at Fisherman's Terminal, and he is going to get us some $10.00 discount coupons for moorage. He also is going to contact the Chamber of Commerce of Ballard to try and get us some specials (?) and supply a map of the area. Currently we have six boats planning on attending.

We will keep you posted.

Bob and Nita
 
Bob/Nita: How long do you have plans for staying docked at Fisherman's Terminal ?
 
Barry,
We are not really sure but at this point we are thinking about staying the three days. We have promised to meet a new couple to RangeTugs in the first part of June in Anacortes to spend some time together, but we will wait and see. If you haven't been to Fisherman's Terminal, it is the base for the Alaska fishing fleet. Typically, there are fishing boats at the dock that sell fresh fish and other aquatic creatures for comsumption. If any of you have been entertained by the series "The Deadliest Catch", typically there are some of the featured boats at the terminal.
Bob
 
It appears Karma will not be attending this cruise after all. May is a very busy month.... The first weekend is Opening Day of the Season. Not a good time to try to be negotiating the locks I would assume.... The following two weekends we will be in Anacortes for Trawler Fest. I have enrolled in Trawler Fest University to attend the Diesel Workshop.

Karma will depart Stimsons early on Saturday the 13th of May bound for Anacortes. We will remain there through the morning of the 20th when we will return to Stimsons.

The following weekend is Memorial Day..... Again, I would assume this would not be a good time to come through the locks.

We will be thinking of all of you cruising in our home waters!
 
Hi David,
The mini-cruise is scheduled for Memorial day. You stated that this would not be a good time to transverse the locks but actually it probably is the best if you are coming from the sound. Most of the boat traffic on Friday and Saturday will be leaving the lake to cruise in the sound so there will be many opportunites to come in from the outside with most of the traffic going out. When the weekend is over most of the traffic will be re-entering the lake so the traffic leaving will be minimal (believe me, I am speaking form many years of experience) and the lock attendant staff will be at a maximum. You might reconsider since you will probably at Stimson's.
Bob
 
I agree with Bob. I don't think there's been a holiday or major event that we haven't locked through (almost always going in the direction of the "crush") and we've never had a problem although we've had some lengthy waits depending on timing/luck. Locking in the opposite direction of everyone on holiday is even easier.


Dave
 
Bob,
You are right. We will be on the "lakeside" of the locks so it will present no issues to us. You are far more experienced at the locks than we are so, let's go for it! I just keep thinking of the story you tell of having the gates open and nowhere to go with your big single screw Monk......

Since we will be on the "lakeside" already when everyone else comes through, I would be willing to meet anyone with concerns of locking through at Shilshole. I would ride along and assist where needed. You could then drop me at the day use dock near Stimsons.

Dave and Bob are both right in regards to using the locks. There are many times I have gone through on my own and had no issues. They can just intimidate the first time user!
 
Hi Bob and Nita! Great idea for a mini re-union. We'd like to join, depending on whether they get that R-29 ready for us on time. We are thinking of trading our "Papageno" R-27 in for a 29. Can't quite stretch to a 31 just yet.
Cheers, Ted and Donna
 
Put the Red Ranger down for this excursion, as well.

And, I'll be bringing the new girl in my life -- Sable, my chocolate lab that will have had her third birthday by then.

JtheK
 
I thought I'd give an update to the Mini Cruise. We are securing gift certificates from various vendors in the area. Chinooks Restaurant (Anthony's) is donating a coupon for a luncheon for two, West Marine is donating a gift, there will be a bottle of exceptional wine(a choice of red or white) and we are working to secure as many items as we can for a cruise drawing. We hope to get a minimum of 25 boats to participate. This is the kickoff to the boating season, I hope you can participate.
Bob
 
Is there a definite date for this mini cruise yet? We're not sure yet what our "May" travel plans are but will be there if we can. It will be fun to see all of you!

Laurie
 
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