celebrating spring at dock street
Date: May 19, 2022
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 3 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: Dock Street Marina, Tacoma
Engine Hours Start: 1366
Engine Hours Finish: 1370
Weather/sea conditions: Partly cloudy, west wind, light chop
How is it that this is our first boating adventure since February? Blame it on the weather, so many wet, cold, windy days that have seemed to never end, and we have stayed ashore. The good news is that NORTH STAR has had her annual haul out at Swantown for cleaning and polishing of her hull. Bottom paint is holding up well and will last at least another year. Zincs have been taken care of as well as engine maintenance. And, a frozen windshield wiper unit has been replaced. Our tug is ready for us - and so is the weather, finally! With a string of dry days predicted, we are off to experience the vibrant city atmosphere that surrounds Tacoma's Dock Street Marina.
Four herons are fishing from the finger piers at our marina as we leave, targeting enormous clouds of anchovies that are filling the waterways. We make our way into Budd Bay, heading north on an inviting day with enough clouds in the sky to catch our interest. We can just make out the seal colony on Eagle Island as we pass by, the seals all gathered in a group along the shore.
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 3 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: Dock Street Marina, Tacoma
Engine Hours Start: 1366
Engine Hours Finish: 1370
Weather/sea conditions: Partly cloudy, west wind, light chop
How is it that this is our first boating adventure since February? Blame it on the weather, so many wet, cold, windy days that have seemed to never end, and we have stayed ashore. The good news is that NORTH STAR has had her annual haul out at Swantown for cleaning and polishing of her hull. Bottom paint is holding up well and will last at least another year. Zincs have been taken care of as well as engine maintenance. And, a frozen windshield wiper unit has been replaced. Our tug is ready for us - and so is the weather, finally! With a string of dry days predicted, we are off to experience the vibrant city atmosphere that surrounds Tacoma's Dock Street Marina.
Four herons are fishing from the finger piers at our marina as we leave, targeting enormous clouds of anchovies that are filling the waterways. We make our way into Budd Bay, heading north on an inviting day with enough clouds in the sky to catch our interest. We can just make out the seal colony on Eagle Island as we pass by, the seals all gathered in a group along the shore.
Our good weather turns as we transit the Narrows. We get some rain, wind, and white caps. The wind continues as we enter the Foss Waterway, making our docking a challenge. The hull of NORTH STAR briefly scrapes along the corner of the finger pier as a sudden gust is more than the thrusters can handle. Fortunately, no harm is done, phew. Safely docked, we are ready to enjoy our surroundings. We have a gorgeous old wooden boat next to us, Zanzibar from Seattle.
What's happening? We're surprised by the crowds in front of the Museum of Glass. It turns out we have arrived in the midst of activities for an ongoing conference for glass artists from all over the country. Outdoor tents are set up for portable kilns for glass blowing demonstrations as well as for talks and general gathering. Unlike our visit in February, we are hardly alone here! We are happy to see sea life creations by the artists. We may want to change our plans to leave on Sunday so that we can check out the festival planned for that day.
This is the first time we have actually seen water flowing in the circle of columns outside the museum, and like all kids, someone has to test the water.
We climb the spiral stairs alongside the museum chimney and discover a new art installation made of sheets of steel, a herd of floating caribou (?).
We cross the bridge of glass and continue to the campus of the University of Washington Tacoma. The old brick warehouses and industrial buildings that have been renovated and repurposed to create the campus look terrific. Spring flowers and banners for the graduating class of '22 add lots of color. Look carefully in the window of the library building for a glimpse of a large orange Chihully glass chandelier.
As so often happens when there are some clouds in the sky, sunset time is pretty special.
May 20, 2022
Friday layover day at Dock Street
Weather: Sun, breeze, low 60's
It's a beautiful spring day! We decide to move NORTH STAR to a better location. The boats on each side of us are heavily involved with the glass conference and will be hosting parties aboard. We'll give them some space. We don't go far, just to the opposite side of the dock, and face our stern so that we are out of the winds blowing down Foss Waterway.
Friday layover day at Dock Street
Weather: Sun, breeze, low 60's
It's a beautiful spring day! We decide to move NORTH STAR to a better location. The boats on each side of us are heavily involved with the glass conference and will be hosting parties aboard. We'll give them some space. We don't go far, just to the opposite side of the dock, and face our stern so that we are out of the winds blowing down Foss Waterway.
Morning is filled with various boat chores and hanging out in the warmth of the sun in the cockpit, enjoying our spot on the water as we watch various boats cruise by on the waterway and taking in the sounds of the busy city beside us - the sounds of traffic and trains are nonstop. It isn't a bit like our home surrounded by quiet forest, and we are taking it all in. We are getting our city vibes!
The cockpit remains our hangout in the afternoon when two of our cousins arrive. It's been over two years since we have been together due to the pandemic, and they are our first guests as things are easing up somewhat. The virus continues to plague the world, but vaccines and masking are good tools against it, as well as using good sense in distancing. We actually tested ourselves before they arrived to make sure we are healthy. It is great to be together, and we all walk to nearby Zeeks Pizza to share a meal. (Across the street from Tacoma Art Museum, and the pizza and salads are terrific!) We stroll together back through the U.W. campus before saying goodbye.
With plenty of daylight left, we get in an early evening walk along the Foss Waterway. (Not too many photos, we have posted so many of this area in the past.)
The cockpit remains our hangout in the afternoon when two of our cousins arrive. It's been over two years since we have been together due to the pandemic, and they are our first guests as things are easing up somewhat. The virus continues to plague the world, but vaccines and masking are good tools against it, as well as using good sense in distancing. We actually tested ourselves before they arrived to make sure we are healthy. It is great to be together, and we all walk to nearby Zeeks Pizza to share a meal. (Across the street from Tacoma Art Museum, and the pizza and salads are terrific!) We stroll together back through the U.W. campus before saying goodbye.
With plenty of daylight left, we get in an early evening walk along the Foss Waterway. (Not too many photos, we have posted so many of this area in the past.)
May 21, 2022
Saturday Dock Street layover day
Weather: Perfect! Upper 60's, breeze
Today we plan to WALK! Starting with breakfast, we climb the stairs along the glass museum chimney to the Bridge of Glass and head to Anthem for coffee and pastries. We bask in the sunny courtyard as we eat, taking in views of the Museum of History and Union Station. And look at those roses in bloom! So beautiful.
Saturday Dock Street layover day
Weather: Perfect! Upper 60's, breeze
Today we plan to WALK! Starting with breakfast, we climb the stairs along the glass museum chimney to the Bridge of Glass and head to Anthem for coffee and pastries. We bask in the sunny courtyard as we eat, taking in views of the Museum of History and Union Station. And look at those roses in bloom! So beautiful.
Heading back toward the Foss Waterway, we take in views of the freeway and train tracks from the Bridge of Glass. These ribbons of transport really divide the Foss Waterway from downtown Tacoma. We are especially intrigued by a long train of tanker cars, and head to street level for a closer look.
Walking continues, following the train to its end and finding ourselves back on the waterway. Pathways and small parks make walking along the waterway pleasant. We enjoy watching crews out practicing in outriggers by the public dock next to the cable bridge. Near the Dock Street Marina, the old Albers building has been converted to lofts, another place where repurposing has added to the ambiance of Tacoma.
A break for some lunch aboard NORTH STAR and a rest, and we are off again, this time to ride the trolley (it's free!) to its end in the theater district of Tacoma and then return on foot as we continue to explore the city. We cross the Bridge of Glass once again and board the trolley at the station by the Museum of History and across the street from the U.W. campus.
Construction is underway to extend the trolley. For today, this is the last stop, and what we see. We are a street below Broadway and the theater district. These colorful buildings are a part of what is known as Antique Row.
A short walk from the station takes us to McMenamins Elks Lodge, quite the transition from Antique Row! This old hotel is a fascinating stop. First we climb the Spanish steps. There are some inviting outdoor dining spots!
Venturing inside, we learn that we can tour the hotel, and what fun that is! We are allowed to visit floors filled with old artwork, whimsy, and chandeliers that amaze us. It is a remarkable collection illustrating so much history of Tacoma and the people who put their mark on the city.
Phew! There are plenty of captions and descriptions to read along the way, and we will definitely return for another visit! We're ready for some fresh air and continue our walking on Broadway. We have a view of the old city hall before arriving at the main entrances to the shops along Antique Row. Sanford and Sons is the one that catches our interest. Large windows of glass art are on display (and for sale) and date back to the Alaska Pacific Expo of 1909. We pass on exploring the three floors of goodies today, the weather keeps beckoning to us to stay outdoors.
Continuing our walk along Broadway, we pass theaters, including the Pantages, and enjoy shop windows, streetscapes, and architecture along the way.
Our walk finishes with flowers on the U.W. campus.
Evening calls for a short stroll near the Museum of Glass. It's prom night, and there are many young couples and groups of decked out students (along with parents) taking photographs in the scenic setting.
Date: May 22, 2022
Time Start: 3:20 p.m.
Time Finish: 6:15 p.m.
Cruise From: Dock Street Marina, Tacoma
Cruise To: Eagle Island Marine State Park
Engine Hours Start: 1370
Engine Hours Finish: 1373
Weather: Sunny 70 degree day with a breeze, hazy afternoon
Yes, we are enticed to stay until mid afternoon to take part in the public festival surrounding the Museum of Glass. The museum is also free today. Our plan is to go right when things open and avoid the crowds that will build later in the day. We will be leaving Dock Street later in the afternoon when currents are favorable for us as we head south through the Narrows. We are among the first to visit many of the kiosks.
Time Start: 3:20 p.m.
Time Finish: 6:15 p.m.
Cruise From: Dock Street Marina, Tacoma
Cruise To: Eagle Island Marine State Park
Engine Hours Start: 1370
Engine Hours Finish: 1373
Weather: Sunny 70 degree day with a breeze, hazy afternoon
Yes, we are enticed to stay until mid afternoon to take part in the public festival surrounding the Museum of Glass. The museum is also free today. Our plan is to go right when things open and avoid the crowds that will build later in the day. We will be leaving Dock Street later in the afternoon when currents are favorable for us as we head south through the Narrows. We are among the first to visit many of the kiosks.
After browsing the outdoor kiosks, we head into the museum. First stop is the hot shop to watch the glass artists as they create a sculpture of colorful faces that will be joined together in a major work that will be displayed at a housing development. The designer of the sculpture is on the floor and diagrams with chalk what the facial features in the sculpture stand for. We see only a small part of the project today.
Next are visits to the galleries. One gallery is focused on a private collection of Lalique glass and the other displays a collection of modern pieces that stretch the imagination on what can be made with art. And some of the work is outright bizarre, like clothing made of glass and nightmarish looking animals in cases surrounded by walls where painted monsters have facial features made of glass.
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We can't resist a visit to the museum shop where there is a variety of glass work for sale. We browse and even find a piece to take home.
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We stretch our legs with a walk and then it is time to be on our way, tracing our route out the Foss Waterway and through the Narrows to little Eagle Island. The lone buoy at Eagle Island is occupied. We drop our anchor for the night.
Date: May 23, 2022
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 3 p.m.
Cruise From: Eagle Island Marine State Park
Cruise To: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Engine Hours Start: 1373
Engine Hours Finish: 136
Weather/sea conditions: Cloudy, cooler day, breezy, some clearing, low 60's
We are missing the seals at Eagle Island. Where are they? We do have several very vocal geese on the beach, but no other birds. It's a quiet morning with a chilly wind and not much sun to warm us.
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 3 p.m.
Cruise From: Eagle Island Marine State Park
Cruise To: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Engine Hours Start: 1373
Engine Hours Finish: 136
Weather/sea conditions: Cloudy, cooler day, breezy, some clearing, low 60's
We are missing the seals at Eagle Island. Where are they? We do have several very vocal geese on the beach, but no other birds. It's a quiet morning with a chilly wind and not much sun to warm us.
The captain takes the dinghy for a short row before we continue our cruise home while I stay aboard where it is warmer.
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Skies begin to clear, and we stop along Squaxin Island for a lunch break. We have often anchored in the area near the old state park. The island has reverted completely to the tribe, and going ashore is not possible.
The wind kicks up on the last leg to Swantown, perfect conditions for sailing.
And then we are home. We have had five terrific days on NORTH STAR. Let's hope for some more blocks of good boating weather!
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