Opening Day @ the Montlake Cut

Yesterday was the opening day for the boating season.  Traditionally UW hosts the Windermere Cup Rowing Races.  After the races, there is a parade of boats  down the Montlake Cut with Yacht Clubs from the Portland up to Vancouver bringing their vintage boats to show off.  Everyone is dressed in naval regalia.  We were entertained by the UW Marching band on a big boat.  The Coast Guard and a Seattle Fire boat led the way.  Both sides of the cut were lined with pleasure boats that people had anchored starting Thursday night.
If you don't own a boat, luckily you can also see the parade from shore.  I was walking with my friend and just happened to arrive at a great spot to see the parade from the Washington Park Arboretum. Here are a couple of sketches from the festive event!

Montlake Cut Opening Day

US Coast Guard and Seattle Fire Boat

Montlake Bridge Tower

When you live in the land of strip malls, it is nice change to observe the creative architecture produced by designer Carl F. Gould in the early twenties. The bridge has been added to the National Register of Historical Landmarks. Pen and ink with watercolor wash.

Bridges from Montlake Park

Perfect weather for sketching today. Montlake Park was a great location that I would enjoy returning to in the future.

Montlake Bridge

I started this sketch of the Montlake Bridge in April but was stopped due to a sudden rain.  It took until today for me to get back to the Montlake Cut to finish the drawing and add watercolor.  What a great day!Lots of activity on the water and from here there are many more view options.  Great spot for sketching.