Son of Mass Canoe Rental Meet Up Concept June 20, 2008 4:52 PM Subscribe
Let us cast our boats upon the water. (Seattle meetup)
Here's the concept one more time: one can rent a canoe at the Waterfront Activity Center on Lake Washington and stay out until 8:30 PM for a maximum rate of $7.50 an hour per canoe. There will be ample wildlife and not so wildlife. Herons are everywhere and one can see the occasional nutria.
Throw bread at the ducks in the wildlife preserve and they may run--in the Arboretum, they form boarding parties. Late June is not always when the ducklings are at their eensy-beensiest babiest but, nonetheless, the Cute will be strong there.
I know a route that takes about an hour and a half which takes you to the edge of Laurelhurst, then across the lake and through the Arboretum. But it does involve being on open water for at least a half mile, so there is that to consider. The more athletically challenged--or merely sheerly lazy--could cut directly across to the Arboretum, cast their bread upon the water and languidly await the jaunty sojourners. Lifejackets will be supplied and required and waering them is up to the wearer, given that the ability to swim is highly recommended in the case one doesn't. As always, paddling on the water is something to be done sober, so, perhaps, for the convivially inclined, drinks could be arranged later nearby or near enough by apres 8. See also. And here is a map.
Unsolicited testimonial: I haved lived in Seattle for forty odd years now and I can say that, pound for pound, dollar for dollar and hour by hour, this is about the most fun a person can have in public within the city limits.
One advantage to renting a canoe in the evening is there are no waiting lines and no crowds on the water. If the weather holds up, a 6 PM start time for, say, next Friday or Saturday is very do-able. And, one can stay out on the water until 8:30 PM, so there is that as well. Friday or Saturday, weather permitting--and it looks like it will--works for me. And you ?
Here's the concept one more time: one can rent a canoe at the Waterfront Activity Center on Lake Washington and stay out until 8:30 PM for a maximum rate of $7.50 an hour per canoe. There will be ample wildlife and not so wildlife. Herons are everywhere and one can see the occasional nutria.
Throw bread at the ducks in the wildlife preserve and they may run--in the Arboretum, they form boarding parties. Late June is not always when the ducklings are at their eensy-beensiest babiest but, nonetheless, the Cute will be strong there.
I know a route that takes about an hour and a half which takes you to the edge of Laurelhurst, then across the lake and through the Arboretum. But it does involve being on open water for at least a half mile, so there is that to consider. The more athletically challenged--or merely sheerly lazy--could cut directly across to the Arboretum, cast their bread upon the water and languidly await the jaunty sojourners. Lifejackets will be supplied and required and waering them is up to the wearer, given that the ability to swim is highly recommended in the case one doesn't. As always, paddling on the water is something to be done sober, so, perhaps, for the convivially inclined, drinks could be arranged later nearby or near enough by apres 8. See also. And here is a map.
Unsolicited testimonial: I haved lived in Seattle for forty odd years now and I can say that, pound for pound, dollar for dollar and hour by hour, this is about the most fun a person can have in public within the city limits.
One advantage to renting a canoe in the evening is there are no waiting lines and no crowds on the water. If the weather holds up, a 6 PM start time for, say, next Friday or Saturday is very do-able. And, one can stay out on the water until 8:30 PM, so there is that as well. Friday or Saturday, weather permitting--and it looks like it will--works for me. And you ?
Ah, I really wanted to do this our last attempt and I can verify that this is a one hella-fun thing to do, especially for any Seattle newcomers.
Sadly, next Friday at 6 is difficult and next Saturday is impossible for me. But no one should listen to me since I have been to like the last 5 meet ups in a row (as has Tube, I think). In case anyone cares about little ol' me, Sunday and Mondays are great and any midweek day after next week is possible.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 5:20 PM on June 20, 2008
Sadly, next Friday at 6 is difficult and next Saturday is impossible for me. But no one should listen to me since I have been to like the last 5 meet ups in a row (as has Tube, I think). In case anyone cares about little ol' me, Sunday and Mondays are great and any midweek day after next week is possible.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 5:20 PM on June 20, 2008
ps. I only go for the alcohol anyway, so I'd probably try to hook up afterwards if there was an afterwards.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 5:23 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 5:23 PM on June 20, 2008
Surely you mean the most fun a person can legally have.
Protip for fun: combine canoeing and illegality! I've never done, but it sounds like two fun things would make more fun together.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 5:31 PM on June 20, 2008
Protip for fun: combine canoeing and illegality! I've never done, but it sounds like two fun things would make more fun together.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 5:31 PM on June 20, 2008
Protip for fun: combine canoeing and illegality!
For a fact, however, canoeing is not an activity that particularly lends itself to operating in a diminished capacity.
posted by y2karl at 5:50 PM on June 20, 2008
For a fact, however, canoeing is not an activity that particularly lends itself to operating in a diminished capacity.
posted by y2karl at 5:50 PM on June 20, 2008
Do they have longboats?
posted by Eideteker at 6:04 PM on June 20, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Eideteker at 6:04 PM on June 20, 2008 [1 favorite]
But there's all sorts of fun illegality which has nothing to do with the diminished capacity. You could use the canoes to trespass, for example, or engage in indecent exposure.
On the other hand: canoeing? On a lake, not rapids, with a lifejacket on? It sounds to me like the worse thing you're asking for, even drunk off your ass, is getting wet or bumping your canoes into each other. Are there enough power boats on this lake that you have to worry about traffic? My dear father and his friends used to put on lifejackets, load up a buoyant cooler with beer, and go float around loaded in a lake without even the benefit of a canoe. Seriously, I'm asking for explanation of how drunken canoeing would be a very dangerous activity compared to say, driving a car sober on the highway.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 6:12 PM on June 20, 2008
On the other hand: canoeing? On a lake, not rapids, with a lifejacket on? It sounds to me like the worse thing you're asking for, even drunk off your ass, is getting wet or bumping your canoes into each other. Are there enough power boats on this lake that you have to worry about traffic? My dear father and his friends used to put on lifejackets, load up a buoyant cooler with beer, and go float around loaded in a lake without even the benefit of a canoe. Seriously, I'm asking for explanation of how drunken canoeing would be a very dangerous activity compared to say, driving a car sober on the highway.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 6:12 PM on June 20, 2008
I try to do this every year in the days before Seafair and watch the Blue Angels practice. Alas I cannot make these days cause of work, but it sounds like fun!
posted by vito90 at 6:15 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by vito90 at 6:15 PM on June 20, 2008
"I haved lived in Seattle for forty odd years now"
How odd have they been?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:18 PM on June 20, 2008
How odd have they been?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:18 PM on June 20, 2008
(Also, if I lived nearby I would totally be down with this)
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:19 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:19 PM on June 20, 2008
I can vouch. My first taste of alcohol was when I was about 7 on a canoe trip with the entire extended Bartfast clan on a river in rural Michigan. Peppermint Schnaaps. I cannot say for certain if it resulted in decreased performance but I do recall quite a lot of canoes running into one another and people getting wet. Under the 520 bridge in Seattle on University of Washington owned equipment is *not* the place for this sort of canoeing. People, don't do drugs. And stay in school.
There was talk of having a family meetup at some point, would this not be an appropriate family event?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:25 PM on June 20, 2008
There was talk of having a family meetup at some point, would this not be an appropriate family event?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:25 PM on June 20, 2008
If memory serves, you shouldn't actually feed bread to birds. Give 'em seeds and whatnot, whatever their proper diet is.
And mr_crash... it's y2karl. I'd be willing to bet that many of those years were passing strange.
(In the good way. Not an insult.)
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 6:27 PM on June 20, 2008
And mr_crash... it's y2karl. I'd be willing to bet that many of those years were passing strange.
(In the good way. Not an insult.)
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 6:27 PM on June 20, 2008
Are there enough power boats on this lake that you have to worry about traffic?
Quite possibly. Crossing the lake on the route I favor can be problematic if you do not know how to cross a wake. And wakes you will see--as you have to cross a boating lane at some point if you cross over to the Arboretum side. There can be very large wakes crossing in different directions for one short stretch. It is not that hard if you know what you are doing nor does it take that long but doing it drunk is asking for trouble.
Another thing to consider if what it would like to swim amid a stand of milfoil in the water, which could be possible in many places. That, too, can be done, no doubt, but better done sober.
posted by y2karl at 6:36 PM on June 20, 2008
Quite possibly. Crossing the lake on the route I favor can be problematic if you do not know how to cross a wake. And wakes you will see--as you have to cross a boating lane at some point if you cross over to the Arboretum side. There can be very large wakes crossing in different directions for one short stretch. It is not that hard if you know what you are doing nor does it take that long but doing it drunk is asking for trouble.
Another thing to consider if what it would like to swim amid a stand of milfoil in the water, which could be possible in many places. That, too, can be done, no doubt, but better done sober.
posted by y2karl at 6:36 PM on June 20, 2008
If memory serves, you shouldn't actually feed bread to birds.
Oh, for Christ's party pooping sake!
posted by y2karl at 6:39 PM on June 20, 2008
Oh, for Christ's party pooping sake!
posted by y2karl at 6:39 PM on June 20, 2008
I'm down with it Karl, especially because you mentioned nutria. Perhaps I should bring my camcorder, as not long ago I got some good video of Lake Washington beavers.
posted by Tube at 6:43 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by Tube at 6:43 PM on June 20, 2008
Well and good, then. Last time I suggested this, the only person to show up was Sandra Bernhard's big brother and this is how it went.
posted by y2karl at 6:47 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by y2karl at 6:47 PM on June 20, 2008
For a fact, however, canoeing is not an activity that particularly lends itself to operating in a diminished capacity.
Did someone mention drinking Budweiser?
posted by stirfry at 7:06 PM on June 20, 2008
Did someone mention drinking Budweiser?
posted by stirfry at 7:06 PM on June 20, 2008
"For a fact, however, canoeing is not an activity that particularly lends itself to operating in a diminished capacity."
Beg to differ, though I have to say that kayaking is even better.
(Thought this was a long-boat thread.)
posted by klangklangston at 7:10 PM on June 20, 2008
Beg to differ, though I have to say that kayaking is even better.
(Thought this was a long-boat thread.)
posted by klangklangston at 7:10 PM on June 20, 2008
I am sorry I can't make this, it sounds fun and I love canoeing on Lake WA. Also I added a Seattle meetup indicator to the outside so that people who didn't know y2karl might have some idea about what this post was about. Hope that's okay.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:39 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:39 PM on June 20, 2008
Hope that's okay.
Oh, very much so--I was being lazy and mostly recycled last year's post, which itself could have been less obscure.
I am sorry about going on about the diminished capacity part but I have to deal with drunks on a near daily basis where I live, and it is not fun. I have myself canoed under the most diminished of capacities, wearing no life jacket and a half mile from shore--while standing in the canoe pirogue stylee. I shudder to think about it now.
There are the so-called smart drugs. Alcohol is so the anti-smart drug. It tends to bring out the don't tell ME what to do! in people at the absolutely worst possible time. That time I was out making like Pirogue joe, it was only my life I was putting in danger.
So, while I think a canoe excursion is a great idea, at the same time I worry about people getting in harm's way on my account. Hence the emphasis on safe and sane while on the water.
posted by y2karl at 8:35 PM on June 20, 2008
Oh, very much so--I was being lazy and mostly recycled last year's post, which itself could have been less obscure.
I am sorry about going on about the diminished capacity part but I have to deal with drunks on a near daily basis where I live, and it is not fun. I have myself canoed under the most diminished of capacities, wearing no life jacket and a half mile from shore--while standing in the canoe pirogue stylee. I shudder to think about it now.
There are the so-called smart drugs. Alcohol is so the anti-smart drug. It tends to bring out the don't tell ME what to do! in people at the absolutely worst possible time. That time I was out making like Pirogue joe, it was only my life I was putting in danger.
So, while I think a canoe excursion is a great idea, at the same time I worry about people getting in harm's way on my account. Hence the emphasis on safe and sane while on the water.
posted by y2karl at 8:35 PM on June 20, 2008
If you do it at 4:30 I'd be happy to throw something at you as I crawl past on 520.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 8:53 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 8:53 PM on June 20, 2008
I am totally down, having just finished moved here from Olympia on the 14th.
posted by blasdelf at 8:54 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by blasdelf at 8:54 PM on June 20, 2008
By the way, since no consensus on date has yet been established, I must note that Thursday would work as well for me. I would kick this down the road a week but then you are looking at the whole 4th of July thingy. So, this being the best of all times as far as being closest to the solstice, especially as the how late you can stay out part, not to mention the impoosible to describe extreme pleasure found in paddling through marshes and observing the teeming birds, frogs, turtles, beaver, nutria and so forth, I felt compelled to bring it up again.
posted by y2karl at 11:36 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by y2karl at 11:36 PM on June 20, 2008
Sweet, blasdelf! Welcome to the big city!
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:55 PM on June 20, 2008
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:55 PM on June 20, 2008
When we cast our boots upon the water in Vancouver some people were so drunk they forgot to take their feet out first.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:12 AM on June 21, 2008
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:12 AM on June 21, 2008
Alcohol is so the anti-smart drug. It tends to bring out the don't tell ME what to do! in people at the absolutely worst possible time...Hence the emphasis on safe and sane while on the water.
I'm in total agreement on this point. However, after two hours on the water I will likely start experiencing the shakes. How about the College Inn or even margaritas at Agua Verde afterward?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:12 AM on June 21, 2008
I'm in total agreement on this point. However, after two hours on the water I will likely start experiencing the shakes. How about the College Inn or even margaritas at Agua Verde afterward?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:12 AM on June 21, 2008
That sounds good to me--I was about to solicit opinions on the matter but then I went to the Solstice parade. Which was just fine. Apart from the fact that my camera's batteries were dead but no never mind there--I actually looked at everything rather than just take pictures. Boy, there were not only naked bicyclists this time but naked roller bladers and pedestrians, too. And giant paper mache puppets galore and that samba dancing troupe at the end. Ah, Fremont Solstice parade...
posted by y2karl at 3:32 PM on June 21, 2008
posted by y2karl at 3:32 PM on June 21, 2008
There is a giant pink duck bike in my parking lot right now that was meant for the parade, don't know if it ever made it there.
I am down for the event, either friday or saturday works for me, especially if someone has a trunk I can lock my work bag in on friday, I can just make sure I catch the bus and get off in the U.
posted by mrzarquon at 7:04 PM on June 21, 2008
I am down for the event, either friday or saturday works for me, especially if someone has a trunk I can lock my work bag in on friday, I can just make sure I catch the bus and get off in the U.
posted by mrzarquon at 7:04 PM on June 21, 2008
But there's all sorts of fun illegality which has nothing to do with the diminished capacity. You could use the canoes to trespass, for example, or engage in indecent exposure.
This brings to mind an incident involving a grad student canoe outing, a pirate flag someone happened to bring along, and a foreign vessel paddled by two half-drunk frat guys carrying illegal beer cargo.
posted by Tehanu at 2:57 PM on June 22, 2008
This brings to mind an incident involving a grad student canoe outing, a pirate flag someone happened to bring along, and a foreign vessel paddled by two half-drunk frat guys carrying illegal beer cargo.
posted by Tehanu at 2:57 PM on June 22, 2008
especially if someone has a trunk I can lock my work bag in...
If I recall correctly, there are coin operated lockers at the Waterfront Activity Center, where you could put your bag for something less than a dollar.
I just checked the weather forecast and it's going to be in the mid-70s from mid-week until the weekend. Now, I am open to meeting up at the WAC at 6:30 on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
The trip I do takes about an hour and a half at a languid pace but it can be done faster. I go north on the inside channel behind the stadium and go up to around where the ballfields are and take a left and go through another inside channel up to where the UW's property meets Laurelhurst, pass into a little cul-desac there where I have seen bald eagles a number of times.
Then I pass across the lake from Laurelhurst, cross the boat lanes and go under 520 and into a slough that passes between Foster Island and the Broadmoor golf course and into the the inlets along the Arboretum, paddle through up to where the footbridge crosses from the Museum of Science and Industry parking lot to Foster Island, under that, and, voila, you are right across the Montlake cut from the Waterfront Activity Center. And then we could meet up at the College Inn or Agua Verde or wherever @ 8:00 to 8:30.
But as to that and the day, I'm pretty much flex and open to input.
posted by y2karl at 5:53 PM on June 22, 2008
If I recall correctly, there are coin operated lockers at the Waterfront Activity Center, where you could put your bag for something less than a dollar.
I just checked the weather forecast and it's going to be in the mid-70s from mid-week until the weekend. Now, I am open to meeting up at the WAC at 6:30 on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
The trip I do takes about an hour and a half at a languid pace but it can be done faster. I go north on the inside channel behind the stadium and go up to around where the ballfields are and take a left and go through another inside channel up to where the UW's property meets Laurelhurst, pass into a little cul-desac there where I have seen bald eagles a number of times.
Then I pass across the lake from Laurelhurst, cross the boat lanes and go under 520 and into a slough that passes between Foster Island and the Broadmoor golf course and into the the inlets along the Arboretum, paddle through up to where the footbridge crosses from the Museum of Science and Industry parking lot to Foster Island, under that, and, voila, you are right across the Montlake cut from the Waterfront Activity Center. And then we could meet up at the College Inn or Agua Verde or wherever @ 8:00 to 8:30.
But as to that and the day, I'm pretty much flex and open to input.
posted by y2karl at 5:53 PM on June 22, 2008
How about Saturday? I suggest this from a purely selfish perspective, as is looks like Saturdays don't require a parking fee. I'm a dreaded driver, as mrzarquon can attest.
And Saturday would work well if people want to drink alcohol afterwards...
All these years in Seattle and I've never been there. I was out there just now to double check the location, and I see they have a veritable flotilla of aluminium canoes. Good choice Karl.
posted by Tube at 10:48 PM on June 22, 2008
And Saturday would work well if people want to drink alcohol afterwards...
All these years in Seattle and I've never been there. I was out there just now to double check the location, and I see they have a veritable flotilla of aluminium canoes. Good choice Karl.
posted by Tube at 10:48 PM on June 22, 2008
I just did this very activity last week, and I really enjoyed it.
MOAR ROWING PLZ. Saturday would be good for me. (but not the weekend of the 4th, because I'm discovering my love of American by going to Vancouver.)
(I'm actually D.C. local, but in Seattle this summer for an internship.)
posted by ntartifex at 12:21 AM on June 23, 2008
MOAR ROWING PLZ. Saturday would be good for me. (but not the weekend of the 4th, because I'm discovering my love of American by going to Vancouver.)
(I'm actually D.C. local, but in Seattle this summer for an internship.)
posted by ntartifex at 12:21 AM on June 23, 2008
One thing to think about Saturday is power boats. While there will be power boats out on any nice day, there would be more on Saturday than any other. That would be a factor in cutting across Portage Bay to 520. The less boats with which to deal there, the better.
So, while there is parking fees to consider--and thank you for reminding me about that: I had forgotten to mention that, bike and bus rider that I am--it's not free but it's not the worst rate possible.The fee would be about seven bucks. That's not excessive for event parking. And you can park right by the building.
posted by y2karl at 12:25 AM on June 23, 2008
So, while there is parking fees to consider--and thank you for reminding me about that: I had forgotten to mention that, bike and bus rider that I am--it's not free but it's not the worst rate possible.The fee would be about seven bucks. That's not excessive for event parking. And you can park right by the building.
posted by y2karl at 12:25 AM on June 23, 2008
Can't make it those days. Bummer.
posted by matildaben at 12:57 PM on June 23, 2008
posted by matildaben at 12:57 PM on June 23, 2008
Well, to confuse matters more, I thought I would point out that Sunday's weather is looking good, too.
I suppose we should come up with a date, so let me suggest Thursday or Sunday. I can do Friday or Saturday as well but I am thinking that Thursday and Sunday are going to be the least busy at the boathouse and easiest to be on the water as far as boat traffic is concerned. So, I am good with Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday in that order.
I suggest meeting up by 6:30.
Bring ID--you'll need it to rent a canoe. If you bring cameras or any electronics, bring something fairly waterproof in which to carry them--they can get splashed on if they are loose in the bottom of a canoe. And I suggest the College Inn as the meetup point thereafter as it's close.
posted by y2karl at 5:20 AM on June 24, 2008
I suppose we should come up with a date, so let me suggest Thursday or Sunday. I can do Friday or Saturday as well but I am thinking that Thursday and Sunday are going to be the least busy at the boathouse and easiest to be on the water as far as boat traffic is concerned. So, I am good with Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday in that order.
I suggest meeting up by 6:30.
Bring ID--you'll need it to rent a canoe. If you bring cameras or any electronics, bring something fairly waterproof in which to carry them--they can get splashed on if they are loose in the bottom of a canoe. And I suggest the College Inn as the meetup point thereafter as it's close.
posted by y2karl at 5:20 AM on June 24, 2008
My vote is Sunday, just for personal reasons.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:14 AM on June 24, 2008
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:14 AM on June 24, 2008
Well, that's two for Sunday then. Given his parking considerations, I think Tube will be amenable unless church interfers. Anyone else ?
posted by y2karl at 10:16 AM on June 24, 2008
posted by y2karl at 10:16 AM on June 24, 2008
Sorry, I'm already looking at a full weekend. Another time, perhaps.
Since when does UW charge for parking on Sunday? Especially for E12, the lot where the WAC is. That thing is HUGE.
And if they do, then park in the S1 garage behind the UMWC/HSC. It's free, just a little bit of a walk.
posted by dw at 10:30 AM on June 24, 2008
Since when does UW charge for parking on Sunday? Especially for E12, the lot where the WAC is. That thing is HUGE.
And if they do, then park in the S1 garage behind the UMWC/HSC. It's free, just a little bit of a walk.
posted by dw at 10:30 AM on June 24, 2008
I think Tube will be amenable unless church interfers.
Not since I was about 20 and read Bertrand Russell...
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
Karl, the canoes I saw looked like multiple-human models. Doesn't two-per-canoe make for more symmetrical paddling?
posted by Tube at 5:45 PM on June 24, 2008
Not since I was about 20 and read Bertrand Russell...
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
Karl, the canoes I saw looked like multiple-human models. Doesn't two-per-canoe make for more symmetrical paddling?
posted by Tube at 5:45 PM on June 24, 2008
two is suggest. I'll volunteer to be the odd man out if it turns out as such, as I've spent many a summer soloing canoes, so I feel more than comfortable piloting one by myself.
Also, I can give any folks who are uncomfortable with the idea some quick pointers instructions on advanced topics like J strokes and other such things.
Who wants to put the Official Time and Place post up?
posted by mrzarquon at 7:08 PM on June 24, 2008
Also, I can give any folks who are uncomfortable with the idea some quick pointers instructions on advanced topics like J strokes and other such things.
Who wants to put the Official Time and Place post up?
posted by mrzarquon at 7:08 PM on June 24, 2008
Who wants to put the Official Time and Place post up?
I just did so.
I would not want to go more than two per canoe. And I have some specific opinions to share later on how to sit in a canoe and what you can and cannot do when in a canoe. (Like no standing up and making no sudden leans from side to side, to name the more obvious.) I am sure that mzarquon may have some similar thoughts and suggestions as well.
I, know my J stroke, too, having got a canoeing merit badge when I was a Boy Scout and I have been going canoeing at the UW since the 1967, so I think we will have at least two people who know something about what they are doing. And, since I have a tour planned, I would be happy to go solo on point, myself.
But, for a fact, that will depend on who shows up--I would prefer that we who know a little something about techniques like paddling and how to head into a wake be the ones to carry the less experienced. I do know that whether I go solo or with someone else, I'll be in the back--which is the driver's seat if you don't know.
I would like to be able to hit the water sometime as soon after 6:30 PM as possible and am therefore showing up sometime around 6:00. This will be a time sensitive event--if you want the full tour, I suggest you show up early and leave with the early birds. If there are late birds who can't make it until after 6:30 PM, then I recommend you rent a canoe and cross to the Arboretum side and await the arrival of the Jaunty Sojourners at a point to be determined.
There are maps linked above in the more inside part of the post. I will try to post one with the route drawn on it in the next day or two. I would suggest that if people show up late at the WAC and want to meet up with the departed, that we all meet near the bridge from Foster's Island to the Arboretum path along the Broadmoor Golf Course on the Montlake side. I will provide a map for that route as well.
And the after canoeing fall back meet up point will be the College Inn near the corner of University Way and Campus Parkway. Unless they moved the place--I haven't been there for about 30 years.
If you have questions, send me a Mefi Mail. I also suggest all we who are going exchange cell phone numbers via Mefi Mail as well, so as to be able to coordinate things better on Sunday.
posted by y2karl at 5:34 AM on June 25, 2008
I just did so.
I would not want to go more than two per canoe. And I have some specific opinions to share later on how to sit in a canoe and what you can and cannot do when in a canoe. (Like no standing up and making no sudden leans from side to side, to name the more obvious.) I am sure that mzarquon may have some similar thoughts and suggestions as well.
I, know my J stroke, too, having got a canoeing merit badge when I was a Boy Scout and I have been going canoeing at the UW since the 1967, so I think we will have at least two people who know something about what they are doing. And, since I have a tour planned, I would be happy to go solo on point, myself.
But, for a fact, that will depend on who shows up--I would prefer that we who know a little something about techniques like paddling and how to head into a wake be the ones to carry the less experienced. I do know that whether I go solo or with someone else, I'll be in the back--which is the driver's seat if you don't know.
I would like to be able to hit the water sometime as soon after 6:30 PM as possible and am therefore showing up sometime around 6:00. This will be a time sensitive event--if you want the full tour, I suggest you show up early and leave with the early birds. If there are late birds who can't make it until after 6:30 PM, then I recommend you rent a canoe and cross to the Arboretum side and await the arrival of the Jaunty Sojourners at a point to be determined.
There are maps linked above in the more inside part of the post. I will try to post one with the route drawn on it in the next day or two. I would suggest that if people show up late at the WAC and want to meet up with the departed, that we all meet near the bridge from Foster's Island to the Arboretum path along the Broadmoor Golf Course on the Montlake side. I will provide a map for that route as well.
And the after canoeing fall back meet up point will be the College Inn near the corner of University Way and Campus Parkway. Unless they moved the place--I haven't been there for about 30 years.
If you have questions, send me a Mefi Mail. I also suggest all we who are going exchange cell phone numbers via Mefi Mail as well, so as to be able to coordinate things better on Sunday.
posted by y2karl at 5:34 AM on June 25, 2008
y2karl- I was thinking more of a single comment that summed up the whole thing.
Seattle Canoeing, Sunday June 29th
Time: 6pm
Location: UW Waterfront Activities Center
Cost: $7.50 for non UW staff / students / alumni (full rates here) CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
For folks who don't want to cross the open water or latecomers (we set sail 6:30ish, myself and y2karl will have cellphones on us, mefimail for numbers) cross the canal and hangout in the arboretum, where we swing through on the tail end of our adventure.
Post adventure drinks and food will be at the College Inn.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:28 AM on June 25, 2008
Seattle Canoeing, Sunday June 29th
Time: 6pm
Location: UW Waterfront Activities Center
Cost: $7.50 for non UW staff / students / alumni (full rates here) CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
For folks who don't want to cross the open water or latecomers (we set sail 6:30ish, myself and y2karl will have cellphones on us, mefimail for numbers) cross the canal and hangout in the arboretum, where we swing through on the tail end of our adventure.
Post adventure drinks and food will be at the College Inn.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:28 AM on June 25, 2008
For folks who don't want to cross the open water or latecomers... cross the canal and hangout in the arboretum
More specifically, a spot within sight of the bridge by Duck Bay is recommended, as seen on the map from the link above, the legend for which is written in white below and left of the legend there for Foster Island.
Go across the Montlake Cut and under the footbridge between Montlake and Marsh Island and then turn left and follow the pillars of 520--note the kayak slalom course hung from 520 along the way--until you see the second footbridge to Foster Island proper and then cut under 520 and head south, passing the traditional nude beach area of the Arboretum on your right along the way. You will pass under an on ramp to 520 from the Arboretum interchange and then will see the footbridge from Foster Island to the Arboretum that passes alongside the fence to the Broadmoor Golf Course. If you are adventurous, beyond that bridge is a shallow slough that leads to a little bay full of lily pads and reeds. That is one of my favorite spots. There's a few fallen trees to paddle around but the effort is worth it. It is very still and tranquil there. ...At least when no one else is around.
posted by y2karl at 10:01 AM on June 25, 2008
More specifically, a spot within sight of the bridge by Duck Bay is recommended, as seen on the map from the link above, the legend for which is written in white below and left of the legend there for Foster Island.
Go across the Montlake Cut and under the footbridge between Montlake and Marsh Island and then turn left and follow the pillars of 520--note the kayak slalom course hung from 520 along the way--until you see the second footbridge to Foster Island proper and then cut under 520 and head south, passing the traditional nude beach area of the Arboretum on your right along the way. You will pass under an on ramp to 520 from the Arboretum interchange and then will see the footbridge from Foster Island to the Arboretum that passes alongside the fence to the Broadmoor Golf Course. If you are adventurous, beyond that bridge is a shallow slough that leads to a little bay full of lily pads and reeds. That is one of my favorite spots. There's a few fallen trees to paddle around but the effort is worth it. It is very still and tranquil there. ...At least when no one else is around.
posted by y2karl at 10:01 AM on June 25, 2008
And here is a map for the WAC as linked above. The route I have in mind will go north in the inside passage, take a right by the baseball field and then on to an undisclosed location in Union Bay from where we will cut across the lake, going under 520 by the SAM IS COMING graffito--which dates from around 1968, by the way--and going down the slough by the Broadmoor golf course to little old Duck Bay and on to and through the Arboretum.
The advantage to this route is the scenery, the wildlife and not having to deal with power boat wakes until the crossing.
posted by y2karl at 12:59 PM on June 25, 2008
The advantage to this route is the scenery, the wildlife and not having to deal with power boat wakes until the crossing.
posted by y2karl at 12:59 PM on June 25, 2008
I don't know who Sam was but I have often wondered. SAM IS COMING is far older than the era of hip hop tagging and wholesale graffiti. It's underneath a bridge, the classic and just about only location back in the day. It's nearly always in the shade and yet still has faded--I seem to recall that it was there when I first rented a canoe in the late 60s. Which would make it forty some years old.
posted by y2karl at 7:44 AM on June 26, 2008
posted by y2karl at 7:44 AM on June 26, 2008
Yay! This is awesome, thank you! I'll be there...
posted by owhydididoit at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2008
posted by owhydididoit at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2008
Hey, I hate to bail last minute, but I've burned out my back and shoulders moving out of my apartment yesterday and today, so I won't be able to make it. It looks like today will spent on codeine and the coach.
Have a good time, and keep an eye out for the ducks.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:53 AM on June 29, 2008
Have a good time, and keep an eye out for the ducks.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:53 AM on June 29, 2008
I can't be there either. I'm stuck working against a deadline that I've been slacking on. I was hoping to pull it off but I'm not done and need the evening to finish. :-(
posted by owhydididoit at 3:48 PM on June 29, 2008
posted by owhydididoit at 3:48 PM on June 29, 2008
Well, my Treo takes crap pictures, but it was super fun and the weather was amazing. You'll have to wait until Karl posts his pictures to see the motherfucking *bald eagle.* Great meetup.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:08 PM on June 29, 2008
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:08 PM on June 29, 2008
It was a very good meetup, and Karl is to be commended. No one became tired from paddling, and no one got really wet. We could talk back and forth between canoes, at least most of the time.
We saw a large bald eagle in a tree, perched on what looked like a dowel. It was surrounded by squawking crows. Later, we saw a big bird circling the open water, and the others identified it as an eagle as well, probably the same one. We passed two large herons perched at the water's edge. Karl fed peanuts and donuts to the ducks.
Afterwards I gave Karl a ride to Capitol Hill and I was blown away at seeing an entire city block raised. This included a Taco Bell, a QFC, and the Bartells where I worked for several years. I almost got out just to gawk at the big hole in the ground.
This was an outstanding meetup.
posted by Tube at 11:32 PM on June 29, 2008
We saw a large bald eagle in a tree, perched on what looked like a dowel. It was surrounded by squawking crows. Later, we saw a big bird circling the open water, and the others identified it as an eagle as well, probably the same one. We passed two large herons perched at the water's edge. Karl fed peanuts and donuts to the ducks.
Afterwards I gave Karl a ride to Capitol Hill and I was blown away at seeing an entire city block raised. This included a Taco Bell, a QFC, and the Bartells where I worked for several years. I almost got out just to gawk at the big hole in the ground.
This was an outstanding meetup.
posted by Tube at 11:32 PM on June 29, 2008
Yeah and the parking lot, too! Also, I should have spelled it razed...
posted by Tube at 12:17 AM on June 30, 2008
posted by Tube at 12:17 AM on June 30, 2008
its a shame I missed it, but my back is thanking me for the heavy couch time
The qfc has been moved one block south to a building with a hot topic and urban outfitters
My new apartment is behind the pit next to the library on the hill, I can wait for the to pour the foundation as the dust sucks
I guess I'll have bring some other folks out canoeing this summer on my own
posted by mrzarquon at 8:24 AM on June 30, 2008
The qfc has been moved one block south to a building with a hot topic and urban outfitters
My new apartment is behind the pit next to the library on the hill, I can wait for the to pour the foundation as the dust sucks
I guess I'll have bring some other folks out canoeing this summer on my own
posted by mrzarquon at 8:24 AM on June 30, 2008
Wait, the QFC is gone?
And here is what will replace it. The whole block came down--QFC, Taco Bell, APaprtment building and two houses. It will be a six story 295 unit building to match Brix, whihc was built on the old Safeway site on Mercer and Broadway. When Brix reopens, there will be a new Safeway and the indoors cafe for Vivace at the ground floor.
Because the old Vivace is going down, along with two whole blocks of the east side of Broadway south of John Street. Twice Sold Tales has moved to a spot on Harvard and Denny. The Jack in the box is closed and everything on that block, stores on Broadway, houses on Denny and Federal, the apartment building on John. Everything on the block south is coming down--for the light rail station.
So, Broadway has been zoned for six story condos, three to four mid to low income apartment buildings and every fast food restaurant on Broadway apart from Dick's have been closed and, gee, it makes you wonder, don't it ?
Also missing are Jimmy Woo's Jade Pagoda and the Elite Tavern...
There are a pair of Mallard ducks, boy and girl, who now hang out on the front lawn of the subsidized housing apartment building just south of the Harvard Exit on Harvard, from where half the street crazies on Broadway live. They evidently also maintain residence in the pond of some older apartment building up near 15th, where they are known as Cheese and Crackers. Mornings these past few summers, they used to hang out just outside of the doors to the new QFC in the Broadway Market. Before that, they first appeared in the parking lot of the old QFC, where the employees dubbed them Ricki and Lucy. I saw them only last week. Now everything is coming down and yet they still endure. Go figure....
Outside the old QFC, there were some bronze dance steps from the last big do over in 1982-a dance called the Obeebo, which was a name made up by the artist. The steps were of shoes, men's and women's, and had details related to their locations. The Obeebo had coffee beans in the heels, as they were put in front of the second Starbucks store ever, right next door to QFC. Where I once ran into Sandra Bernhard one morning, who thereupon said 'Hi, Karl' to me when I was standing in the checkout line, thereby raising my social capital at QFC to the penthouse level forever after. Now all is gone except the Obeebo and the ducks.
posted by y2karl at 8:54 AM on June 30, 2008
And here is what will replace it. The whole block came down--QFC, Taco Bell, APaprtment building and two houses. It will be a six story 295 unit building to match Brix, whihc was built on the old Safeway site on Mercer and Broadway. When Brix reopens, there will be a new Safeway and the indoors cafe for Vivace at the ground floor.
Because the old Vivace is going down, along with two whole blocks of the east side of Broadway south of John Street. Twice Sold Tales has moved to a spot on Harvard and Denny. The Jack in the box is closed and everything on that block, stores on Broadway, houses on Denny and Federal, the apartment building on John. Everything on the block south is coming down--for the light rail station.
So, Broadway has been zoned for six story condos, three to four mid to low income apartment buildings and every fast food restaurant on Broadway apart from Dick's have been closed and, gee, it makes you wonder, don't it ?
Also missing are Jimmy Woo's Jade Pagoda and the Elite Tavern...
There are a pair of Mallard ducks, boy and girl, who now hang out on the front lawn of the subsidized housing apartment building just south of the Harvard Exit on Harvard, from where half the street crazies on Broadway live. They evidently also maintain residence in the pond of some older apartment building up near 15th, where they are known as Cheese and Crackers. Mornings these past few summers, they used to hang out just outside of the doors to the new QFC in the Broadway Market. Before that, they first appeared in the parking lot of the old QFC, where the employees dubbed them Ricki and Lucy. I saw them only last week. Now everything is coming down and yet they still endure. Go figure....
Outside the old QFC, there were some bronze dance steps from the last big do over in 1982-a dance called the Obeebo, which was a name made up by the artist. The steps were of shoes, men's and women's, and had details related to their locations. The Obeebo had coffee beans in the heels, as they were put in front of the second Starbucks store ever, right next door to QFC. Where I once ran into Sandra Bernhard one morning, who thereupon said 'Hi, Karl' to me when I was standing in the checkout line, thereby raising my social capital at QFC to the penthouse level forever after. Now all is gone except the Obeebo and the ducks.
posted by y2karl at 8:54 AM on June 30, 2008
By the way, the meetup was me, Tube, Slarty Bartfast--whose handle my friend Vera was once convinced was Farty Blortfast, don't you know--and blasdelf, who turned out to be the most technically qualified online, and on the water, being a canoeist and white water kayaker and all and evidently having been on the internet since the parchment scrioll emails sent down pneumatic tube days, of the whole crew. Heh, and I called shotgun before I found out either of those things....
Well, I got an AVI of the eagle but it's a blob in the background with Tube and Blarty's canoe in the foreground, with them turning and grinning at the camera in turns. And then I have about four stills of the everyone turning and grinning at the camera.
And now I know that ducks will eat doughnuts in a pinch.
posted by y2karl at 9:10 AM on June 30, 2008
Well, I got an AVI of the eagle but it's a blob in the background with Tube and Blarty's canoe in the foreground, with them turning and grinning at the camera in turns. And then I have about four stills of the everyone turning and grinning at the camera.
And now I know that ducks will eat doughnuts in a pinch.
posted by y2karl at 9:10 AM on June 30, 2008
and here are the ducks:
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2465417526/
New twice sold tales store front (I will go back with the 40D and get pics of their new neon, but the cats are there, and very happy):
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2600533163/
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2600524431/
I used to live at Harvard and Thomas, behind the Jai Thai, i've now moved to Mulholland Apts, next to the big pit mentioned before.
The whole area is changing, I don't know if I will want to still be hanging around when its done, I may have to move up to 15th.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:12 AM on June 30, 2008
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2465417526/
New twice sold tales store front (I will go back with the 40D and get pics of their new neon, but the cats are there, and very happy):
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2600533163/
http://flickr.com/photos/mrzarquon/2600524431/
I used to live at Harvard and Thomas, behind the Jai Thai, i've now moved to Mulholland Apts, next to the big pit mentioned before.
The whole area is changing, I don't know if I will want to still be hanging around when its done, I may have to move up to 15th.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:12 AM on June 30, 2008
Added photos of Slarty, Tube, blasdelf, SAM IS COMING and sample representative shots from last year's would be putative canoe trip....
posted by y2karl at 9:51 AM on July 10, 2008
posted by y2karl at 9:51 AM on July 10, 2008
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Surely you mean the most fun a person can legally have.
posted by dersins at 4:59 PM on June 20, 2008