Tag Archives: Lake Washington

A Ride-Along We’ll Not Soon Forget

3 Replies

About two weeks ago, my husband, grandson and I had the opportunity to take a ride with the Seattle Police Harbor Patrol Unit. This came about through a purchase I made at a fundraising auction. I’ve always loved seeing how the police work and have ridden along before, but always in patrol cars. This was a first and now my favorite ride along of all.

The sun gods offered us one of the most beautiful days so far this summer, so being on a boat on Lake Union made the time even more perfect.

The two officers who took us out shared all kinds of information about the Harbor Unit and it boggles the mind all the different events they have to be prepared for. Almost every officer in the unit dives, their boats have firefighting capabilities so the officers are also trained in firefighting and of course, they have to be skilled in boating. This is all in addition to their regular police training.

The Harbor Unit patrols both Lake Union and Lake Washington with a fleet of seven boats. Our Seafair celebration on Lake Washington this coming weekend is their busiest time of year.

During our tour, we responded to a call of a small oil spill from a docked boat. Nothing too dangerous, but a frequent occurrence for the Unit.

If you get a chance to ride with a police officer, in any jurisdiction, I highly recommend doing so. It truly is eye-opening.

The houseboat from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle."

Posting Everyday in May – A Big Challenge

1 Reply

Today I’m starting participation in a Blogathon, which means I’ve been challenged to post every day for the month of May. I’m doing this for many reasons – to post more regularly, to learn about blogging, to meet other bloggers and to gain new readers. I have one guest poster scheduled and hope to get more, on Fridays I’m going with a list theme (for example, my favorite farmers’ markets in Washington) and there will be various other themes fit in.

To write a post everyday will be difficult, that’s a given. But you can help me out. If you read something you like or find interesting, please share it with your Facebook friends and your Twitter followers or whatever social media group you engage in. Thank you very much.

Taking a Waterways Cruise    

Today’s post is about the Easter brunch cruise we thoroughly enjoyed. This one is a bit different than the Argosy Cruises that depart from the waterfront in downtown Seattle.

They are called Waterways Cruises and either tour Lake Washington or Lake Union. The boats are smaller yachts. Waterways offers a wide variety of cruises from lunches to brunches to sunset dinners and from skirting the shores of Lake Washington so you can see where some of our resident billionaires, like Bill Gates, live, to exploring the houseboat communities on Lake Union (think, “Sleepless in Seattle”).

Even though we had “silver” clouds the day we boarded the “Olympic Star, the view from the water was still gorgeous and so very different from what you can see from the roads. The waterfront side of most of the homes is their claim to fame, and their most picturesque angle. It is what you would find in a home and garden magazine.

The food was very tasty – especially Chef Udo’s Smokey Thick Cut Bacon, the Poached Eggs on Brioche and the Banana Coffee Cake. When you pair the brunch with a Mimosa, you experience a taste of paradise.

My husband kept commenting, “This would be a great activity to share with out of town visitors.”     

Captain Ron and I after the brunch cruise

Since boat rides place very high on my list of “favorite things,” I plan to take another, Waterways narrated tour to learn more about the homes of the rich and famous or maybe play Bingo or hear the history of Seattle. The choices are endless.

The Woodmark Hotel: Very Dog-Friendly and Inviting

4 Replies

Woody is the Director of Complaints at the Woodmark Hotel

Woody, the Labradoodle, has his own private office at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, but prefers to spend most of his time mingling with the guests, human and four-legged.

Located on the shores of Lake Washington at Yarrow Bay, the Woodmark welcomes dog guests and provides them with a bed, water bowl and a treat. You won’t be charged a fee for your pet, either. That truly is the purest in dog-friendliness.

As the warmer weather approaches, Woody hosts a Yappier Hour on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Beach Café’s outdoor seating area. Dog treats abound. For those of us who eat with a knife and fork, the Beach Café focuses on Northwest cuisine in a casual and friendly atmosphere. The menu includes burgers, steaks, salads, seafood, chicken and more.

Hotel Lobby

For a more fine dining experience, Bin on the Lake serves local and seasonal delicacies, small and large plates, and 80 different wines by the glass.

Guestrooms and suites contain all the extras. Luxury bedding with down pillows and cashmere throws grace the beds. Complimentary high speed Internet access, a 32” LCD Flat Panel TV with surround sound and a computer docking station make it easy for those who need to stay connected. Soaking tubs and a rainwater shower along with a selection of bath amenities allow for self pampering. If you’re not inclined to use the make-your-own Martini Bar, call the desk and someone will do it for you.

Hungry late at night? You have complimentary “Raid the Pantry” privileges, from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m., to snacks that include sandwiches, soups, chips, desserts and juices.

Hotel guests can go cruising on the Woodmark II, a 28-foot Chris-Craft. The tour takes you through Yarrow Bay, to the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, by the University of Washington and in front of elegant homes on Lake Washington. One of those homes is owned by Bill Gates.