Sea Kayak - Carkeek Park

Trip Report

Felicia gives the beach talk at the 14th Street boat ramp in Ballard.

On our way to Salmon Bay at the westernmost part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, aka the "Federal ship canal."

Approaching the busiest locking system in the US: the Hiram M. Chittenden locks, aka the Ballard Locks. Operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Not so busy yesterday, though.

We arrived when the traffic light was red and we hung out in the waiting area for the small lock to clear.

Ash, Karen and Rene.

After larger boats went in we got the order from the Lock Master to enter the small one.

Dewet hanging off the floating walls as the water drains down to the level of Puget Sound.

The doors on the west side of the lock opening.

"Kayakers move out!" shouts the Lock Master. We obliged, bracing as needed to counteract the swirling waters.

Entering Shilshole Bay we made our way to the north guide wall in order to stay out of the way of powerboat traffic.

Paddling back from Carkeek Park.

Heading south toward Meadow Point. The incoming tide gave us a little more than one knot boost on the way back.

To break up the return we paddled along the inside of the breakwater that protects Shilshole Marina.

Michelle keeps a wary eye on the sea serpent.

"This far and no farther!"

Heading back along the south side of the canal, keeping the red day markers to our starboard (right) sides per "red right returning."

Arriving at the west entrance to the small lock.

Rene and Ash watch as the lock doors open.

Hanging off the floating wall. Here Elizabeth used her short tow line to loop around the nearest yellow bollard on the floating wall. A little bit of water from the lake system can be seen leaking through the imperfect seal of the eastern doors.

Michelle hanging out as the western lock doors close.

Map