Friday, April 28, 2017

Chittenden Locks, #Ballard, WA - #SaturdaySnapshots

Recently I had an opportunity to explore the Chittenden Locks in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. What a great way to spend a day.
[Click on photos to enlarge.]

Our group's walk started at Golden Gardens Park and followed a paved walkway alongside Shilshole Bay of Puget Sound. (See map below.) 

Because some members of our group like to stroll while others like to charge ahead, we all stopped to meet up at Leif Erickson's statue for a head count. The Ballard area of Seattle was settled by Scandinavians, and the names of early immigrants are listed on stone pillars surrounding Leif's larger-than-life statue.

A railroad draw bridge spans the ship canal.

The area is surrounded by the beautifully-landscaped Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens, which we explored. They deserve a separate blog post. 

This photo shows the difference in water levels within the locks as compared to the ships in the background.

The locks contain a fish ladder for spawning salmon and other species. Today we saw only one lonely fish trying to make its way upstream. It would be fun to come back again at spawning time.

Stainless steel sculpture titled "Salmon Waves."

Despite the threatening clouds and blustery wind, we didn't get rained on and even had a few sunbreaks during our walk. 

This video is shown at the visitor's center and gives a history of the building of the locks.

Here's a map showing where we walked (from Golden Gardens Park to Chittenden Locks).





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13 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to your post about the Botanical Gardens- I love viewing travel images, specially if they include beautiful nature!

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    1. I'll probably put together a post that's devoted to the flowers, trees, and other plants I've seen on our hikes. That's part of the joy of being outdoors for me.

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  2. I love that the architects left room for nature in their design! It would be really neat to go there during a spawn. (although, I am very afraid of fish! Weird, I know.) Great shots, very informative!

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    1. The green space is lovely, especially at this time of year when so many plants are blooming. I'm sure it's beautiful in summertime, too.

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  3. You have such scenic walks! I love the Seattle area, and despite several visits there over the years, I must admit that I haven't even begun to explore all the various beauties of the region.

    Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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  4. I hadn't really explored the Seattle area much until I joined this walking/hiking group. Now I've been to lots of beautiful places, plus I'm more physically fit. It's great fun.

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  5. I love the photo of 'Salmon Waves' sculpture. Captures of the locks are very good too, especially #4 with looming sky. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Klara. Luckily, rain didn't fall even though the sky looked threatening.

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  6. What an interesting walk. The locks for the salmon are interesting, and I like the sculpture.

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    1. I like the sculpture, too, and I'd love to see the fish ladder at spawning time. This was an interesting place.

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  7. Some great photos. Someday, I want to visit Seattle. I have friends in the area and really need to take the time to visit. I would love to see the Locks.

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    1. They're definitely worth a visit. I just wish a big ship had gone through while we were there. I'd love to see that! I believe the best time for viewing the salmon run is September, but you could search online to be sure.

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  8. I visted the Locks many years ago and have never been back. Dod they know when the migration begins? My Friday Quotes

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