Summertime on the Water in Kirkland

It's one of the things everyone loves about our city- the lakeside!!  And with things heating up around here, I thought there were a few things you'd like to know ......

-What is with all those little dead fishies?  I've seen them too- the small silver ones that are at Marina Park, Waverly Beach Park and Houghton Beach to name a few.    Lots of people are noticing them and concerned, but the parks dept told me this is a natural occurrence that happens each year as the lake temperatures rises.  So nobody dropped their Clorox bottles overboard, it's just nature doing its thing.  Oddly enough, I happen to know a biologist that works for the government and studies local fish and he was delighted to enlighten me on the complicated ecology of Lake Washington.  So I'll net it out- with warmer temps come natural spring turnover which brings the de-oxygenated water up from the depths as surface water sinks and we lose some little guys in the process.  It's warmer than usual this year, so the turnover is probably bigger than in the past. Luckily, our problem does not look like this guy's (photo left).

-After listening to that lesson, you deserve a treat.  Go straight to Trellis at The Heathman and ask for the special peanut butter and chocolate cookies that aren't on the menu.  To die for. Thanks to the Rexs for sharing this secret with me.

-Agua Verde has arrived at Houghton Beach.  You may have visited this popular spot on Lake Union, but now we have one of our own in the waterside hut previously occupied by Jimmy's on Houghton. Smoothies and quick casual Mexican food is awfully convenient after some sunning and park play.

-Random thought:seems with each new arrival there's a departure too.  Farewell to Cafe Harlequin.  I never could afford to eat there, but I'm sure it was good.

-Waterski and wakeboard lessons are on their way to downtown Kirkland!  Being someone that waterskis a few times a week, I'm a bit biased, but I think this is a super cool idea.  My friend and coach, Mark Lord, owns Seattle Water Sports and will be offering lessons by appt Mon, Weds, Fri, Sat and Sun from 6am til noon starting this weekend until Sept 30th.  Additional hrs in the afternoon and evening may be available based on demand and you can also book group lessons in advance.  They will be operating out of the main Kirkland dock.  Half hour lessons are $50 and equipment rentals range from $5-25.  Mark is a great coach- he's patient (a requirement when working w/me, haha) and breaks things down so that you can build skills in a logical progression.   Whether you are a first timer or advanced, this is a great opportunity to hit the water with some know-how.  Seattle Water Sports will also be giving free tube rides this weekend as part of Kirkland's water event from 12-4  Saturday the 20th (there's also free sailing and kayaking and discounted para-sailing). Call 206-310-2628 to arrange a ski or boarding lesson.

-While we're talking about water sports,  I feel obligated to mention boating safety.  Here's a link to the Kirkland Boater's Guide (who knew?).  Always have a third person as a spotter on board when towing a tube, boarder,  skier or surfer.  When an emergency comes up, say....maybe one Janis waterskiier falls and takes her ski in the back of the head, that extra set of hands is critical in dealing with the situation.  Always have enough flotation devices on board too- and if someone goes overboard you throw it to them (don't go after them and jeopardize your own safety). I saw the sheriff stop a couple of kids on waverunners the other day that were crossing wakes just missing one another.  The water always seems so much less regulated (more drinking, no license) you just have to be careful out there.  Oh, and if you see a ski course that looks like a bunch of buoys in a formation (Kenmore, Yarrow Bay) please please stay away from it.  Bad etiquette. ;-)

-One more thing.  Did you know you could be learning how to play water polo?  And it's FREE.  There's a fun group of people that meet at Marsh Park EVERY Wednesday around 5:30/6pm and have extra equipment available for anyone that wants to join in the fun of kayak polo (don't worry, the boats aren't tippy).  No experience necessary.  And they do this year round.  Whoa.     ~j

Comments

[98034 Resident]

I love you forever for telling me about the Agua Verde opening! Yay for fish tacos.

[PS]

So what is going on down at the Volleyball Court next to the Beach House??

[Ryan]

We are super excited about Agua Verde having opened, this is just the kind of great but inexpensive food that makes us become regulars. Now I don't have to contemplate driving over to U-District for great tacos. (Though Jalisco's has very good authentic tacos on their menu if you know to order them...they even have Lengua.)

[David]

What happened to Cafe Harlequin?