Sunday In Ballard

Ballard is a neighborhood just to the North of Seattle that borders Shilshole Bay. It was originally settled by Scandinavian immigrants and continues to maintain a strong Nordic heritage.  Sunday seemed like a good day to explore this interesting town.  We got there early and spent some time walking around.

This looked like a unique place to eat, although it was closed.  I found out later that it's an oyster house.  So I probably won't be going back.  You will, however, find me at Cupcake Royale, home of the delicious lavender cupcake.  I'll take cupcakes over oysters any day.

We wandered down to the Ballard Farmer's Market which is open every Sunday year round, rain or shine.  There were tons of vendors with local, organic, seasonal and sustainable products to sell.  The boys were going to try some fresh goat's milk until they saw it.  The flowers were lovely though.

Our next stop was the Sonic Boom Record store.  My guys could have stayed here all day looking through the new and used CD's and LP's.

T thought this old album by Frank Sinatra was pretty interesting.

Eventually I dragged them out and we headed for the Ballard Locks.

The Locks are part of the Ship Canal and were built in 1916.  If you're ever in Seattle, I highly recommend visiting this unique place.  In order for a boat to move from Puget Sound (at sea level, obviously) to Lakes Washington or Union (which sit 20-22 feet above sea level), or vice versa, they have to go through the Ballard Locks.   Boats from kayaks to commercial vessels pass through here on a daily basis.

A boat coming from Puget Sound enters the lock chamber, ties down, and the gate is closed behind them.

Then, the "filling valve" is opened, the "draining valve" is closed (by the lockmaster - fun job).  In approximately 10-15 minutes the water pressure is equal, the front gates are opened, and the boats motor on into the lake.  The whole process is reversed to get back to the Sound.  It's super cool to witness.

I was hoping he would invite me aboard his million dollar boat, but no such luck.

The Locks are also home to a unique freshwater/saltwater fish ladder and a beautiful garden. We grow our rhododendron's big here!

We finished the afternoon at my favorite restaurant for an Earth Pie.  So good.

Most of the day was cloudy and cool.  Just as we got in the car to go home, the sun finally burned through.  Spring in Seattle!