The Go-to paddle: Shilshole Marina to West Point Lighthouse - Seattle, WA

   Rain today is the first weekend rain we've had in about 6 weeks...crazy for the NW! We've been knocking down some longer paddles but I always seem to fall back on an easy 2 hour roundtrip paddle (leisurely pace) - Shilshole marina South-ish to the Discovery Park (West Point) lighthouse.  We paddle this little trek all of the time.

   Once you head out of the protection of the marina breakwater you'll cross the entrance to the Ballard locks (watch out for boat traffic). One piece of boat knowledge that is helpful in situations like this is to know that in the US, entries like this are marked by red and green buoys. Boats entering and heading 'upstream' are considered returning, and will keep the red buoys on their right (red, right, returning and thus, green on their left). That will help you position yourself when you are waiting to cross.

  On the way back in we caught a Stellar Sea Lion snoozing on the dock...until next time!
   ~Paul & Amber   ETC