Oh SHIP!

Late Sunday morning, my husband and I were just minding our own business when I looked out our window and noticed a large cargo ship very close in towards Beach Drive and moving very quickly (I was not able to catch a photo).   The views from the condos on Beach Drive and by the light house must have been amazing!    Dsc_0020

For the heck of it, we hopped in our car to see what was up.   We’ve never seen a fully loaded boat that size come in from Tacoma and make a bee line to Seattle.   Following the vessel we wound up discovering Jack Block Park.  We have driven the park many times, but have never checked it out until today.   

Dsc_0069_2

From there, we ventured out to Harbor Island trying to avoid the remote control trains and to learn more about the Hyundai Republic (we wanted to be able to read the name on the boat).

Dsc_0107

From Terminal 18 Park, we were able to clearly read the name of the ship that cruised by this morning.   We also learned that Harbor Island was once the largest man made island in the world.   According to the plaque at the park, it was started unknowingly by ships dropping their ballast overboard prior to 1895.   Dredging and earth from the Jackson and Dearborn street regrades was also used to create Harbor Island.

Dsc_0113

A little research revealed that the Hyundai Republic was scheduled for arrival at the Port of Tacoma on January 25 and not at the Port of Seattle

Local Author in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Cover_0108

Our very own Suky Hutton has a terrific article in the January 2008 issue of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine about the mysterious white rooster who was also featured on Beach Drive Blog.

It’s a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend you pick your copy today and check out the SeaTown Diary section with Suky’s article and learn more about Coner the white rooster of Mee Kwa Mooks Park.

Hat tip to Larry for giving me a heads up about our Beach Drive Neighbor.

Strange Sighting at Mee Kwa Mooks

While I was just out in search of more decked out Beach Drive homes to feature on BDB, we noticed a group of people  on the beach moments ago (during an exteme low tide).    Not sure what was going on but it sure looked interesting with the flashlights bobbing around. 

Any clues?

Lowman Beach Park in the Snow: December 5th’s Holiday Photo

Dsc_0060

This photo of Lowman Beach Park was taken on December 1, 2007 during our first snow.

Alki Coast Gaurd Station: December 4th’s Holiday Photo

Dsc_0076

Also home to the Alki Light House which was first lit in 1913.   Touring the light house is on my "to do" list.   Have you toured the Alki Light House?

Happy HOLLY-days

One neighbors major pruning can be another neighbors holiday arrangement.   The Burkholders, owners of Screamer Hats (we could all wear a Screamer Hat today–brrrr) say the neighbors are welcome to prune some holly from their downed holly tree.    You’ll find this tree near the south end of Emma Schmitz Memorial Viewpoint.

Dsc_0001

Happy Thanksgiving to your family from ours!

Mee Kwa Mooks Work Party

Dsc_0078

EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Recreation, MudUp and the Green Seattle Partnership are working together to keep Mee Kwa Mooks "happy and healthy" along with the Friends of Mee Kwa Mooks.

"….by removing damaging invasive plant species, planting native plants, and taking care of past forest restoration sites, we help preserve our natural areas for generations to come!"

Thank you to all of the those dedicated individuals volunteering in our Seattle weather to keep our parks enjoyable.   

Would you like to roll up your sleaves and help keep a Seattle park pristine?  Visit Seattle Park’s Department’s Work Party site by clicking here.

Suspicious cars parked at Mee Kwa Mooks

I received this email from a Beach Drive neighbor concerned about suspicious car at Mee Kwa Mooks Park:

"This morning at 5:45ish I was out for a morning walk/run and noticed a early 90’s/late 80’s (4) door model Mazda Protégé. It was a dark maroon color. Their were people sitting in there and the car was running. I believe they may have been sleeping; however, they did not move their car until 11:40ish. I had literally just decided I was going to go and get the license plate number just to hang on to….For all of the “suspicious” activity with car prowlers and attempted break ins I just thought I might spread the word… thanks."

Benjamin Kinlow, Community Crime Prevention Coordinator suggests:

"…keep a record of suspicious person and vehicles.  I am including an attachments [see below] to help you with keeping a record.  If you see vehicles at this location serval times a week, then I can let the Community Police Team Officer know and request patrol check the park every day."

Download nuisance_log.pdf

Download nuisance_house_packet.pdf

For more information, you contact:

Benjamin Kinlow, 684-7724
Community Crime Prevention Coordinator
Seattle Police Department
Southwest Precinct, 2300 SW Webster St, 98106
benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov
Fax: (206) 733-9324

Mee Kwa Mooks Park Celebration

I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a Saturday morning than to learn some history about a neighborhood park and an original West Seattle family.   This morning a new sign was unveiled for Mee Kwa Mooks and a Emma and Ferninad Schmitz grandchild., Alan, was present to give first hand stories of life at the Schmitz home.

Dsc_0061

It’s hard to believe that this home was torn down.   Just north of the park, if you look up the long driveway, the white house that is currently there replaced the Schmitz home pictured here.   

Dsc_0065

Mee Kwa Mooks Park is expanisve.   What a generous gift from the Emma and Ferninad Schmitz.

Update:  Here are more photos from the event.

West Seattle Blog’s videos of the unveiling.

Update 10/16/2007:  Read West Seattle Herald’s story about this event.

Crowing about Mee Kwa Mooks upcoming celebration

I spied a rooster in Mee Kwa Mooks Park on Thursday morning.   I suppose I’ll learn more about this fella on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.  when the mysteries of Mee Kwa Mooks are revealed!

Img_5935