WEST SEATTLE SCENES: At the beach

On the last night of winter, Alki was a popular place. We drove over for a look after several people messaged us, worried that too lttle social distancing was happening. Most of what we saw was people walking in couples or family groups – but not all – remember, keep your distance! Meantime, it was defintely a lot like a summer night – cars and motorycles being shown off:

The wind and waves finally calmed down – but earlier this week, some great scenes we wanted to share before it’s too late:

The view above is from David Hutchinson – below, looking the other way, from Theresa Arbow-O’Connor:

And this one, also from earlier in the week, is by Chris Frankovich:

More sunshine is forecast tomorrow – and then at 6:30, join Alice Enevoldsen‘s equinox sunset watch online!

Jeannie March 19, 2020 (2:44 am)

Loved the seagulls photos! BUT I don’t think the people on Alki are doing their best at social distancing. Even if you’re at least six feet behind another person, there will likely be other people walking in the opposite direction and not keeping enough distance. I’m not paranoid or a worrier, but I listen to science. And we need to flatten the curve.

Alki resident March 19, 2020 (4:20 am)

It’s good to see all of those people practicing social distancing .

flimflam March 19, 2020 (7:09 am)

huh. “a lot like a summer night”? this is what will inevitably lead to a full “shelter in place”.

anonyme March 19, 2020 (7:46 am)

The gull photos are wildly beautiful.

Janelle March 19, 2020 (4:33 pm)

I agree, especially that first seagulls photo, wow!

I really appreciate all the wonderful photography shared in this community, especially the wildlife photos! Thank you for capturing these beautiful moments and sharing, especially during these hard times.

David March 19, 2020 (7:59 am)

Can someone explain to me how the patio at Blue Moon Burgers is allowed to serve beer and food and be occupied by about 40 people yesterday evening around 5:30pm? Is there some kind of open-air exception to the Inslee order which closed all bars and restaurants? The dining room had the chairs up but the patio was packed.

Kimberly Valadez March 20, 2020 (12:16 am)

Theyre violating the executive order. There is no provision for this.

Lola March 19, 2020 (8:40 am)

Love all of the Photo’s. Loved the Seagulls photo. Great shot. Do not love all the people who are in such a crowded area. I know we are all trying to cope this this up-heavel but please do not congregrate in one spot. If you see that many people go somewhere else where there is less or go further down to where it clears out a little.

TJ March 19, 2020 (8:46 am)

Unfortunately social distancing is hard to follow for us as whole, but I certainly hope Inslee is not contemplating a shelter in place order. It would be the biggest overreaction in our history, and there isnt enough government money to give to bail us out of the economic repurcussions of that. As the weather gets better people are going to go out. I honestly can say I could do it for 2 weeks, but not longer.

WSB March 19, 2020 (9:09 am)

We were researching that and even in the Bay Area counties that have been told to “shelter in place,” that does not mean “don’t go outside for a walk.”
CD March 21, 2020 (5:37 pm)

Right, even more of an overreaction than what they did in Italy.
Lynn March 23, 2020 (12:03 am)

lol. If these folks knew of the suffering of Covid19 patients maybe they will listen to the order. I have a friend who is a physician in Denver, treating a 32 years young patient who is on the vent. Hearing that alone was enough to make me just stay home. True, it doesn’t affect everyone the same way, but I’d rather not play Covid Roulette.

Tracey March 19, 2020 (8:53 am)

I was at Alki yesterday ( by myself ) and there was no social distancing going on especially among school aged kids. It looked more like a scene from a Florida spring vacation than from a city facing a global pandemic. One guy actually did the throat clearing spit just as I went by. Perhaps I was part of the problem but I was alone and keeping a mindful distance.

JM March 19, 2020 (9:21 am)

I was also on Alki last night and walked by Blue Moon’s packed patio with people drinking beer and eating burgers as if it were just any warm evening to hang out in large groups. I have to agree we are moving toward “shelter in place” if people in particular young people don’t start to understand the seriousness of this.

hj March 19, 2020 (10:35 am)

“in particular young people”??? Like 86-year-old senator Don Young who just told Alaskan seniors to go about their daily business as usual?
- Calires March 19, 2020 (12:17 pm)
  
  Don Young is another example of why there should be dementia testing for all elected officials. That said, I have a feeling he’s always been a lunatic.
22blades March 19, 2020 (11:17 am)

I drove by Blue Moon Burgers as well around 5 pm and we were appalled by the lack of guidance or blatant disregard of Social Distancing on the part of the staff as well as patrons. Spuds had a packed line out the door as well. Unbelievable…and putting others at risk.

zark00 March 19, 2020 (9:49 am)

I think the main problem with the lack of social distancing is summed up in posts like TJs above – people simply do not believe that this is an extreme threat, they believe that all of this is an overreaction, and they choose to follow their ‘gut’ rather than advice from actual scientists. Inslee will be issuing a shelter in place order – count on it. Italy is all anyone needs to look at to see how bad this truly is.

WSRes March 19, 2020 (10:00 am)

I pedaled solo through Alki yesterday (rode on the street) and I too was stunned to see folks not social distancing. So when Governor Inslee drops the shelter in place order it’ll be because of days like yesterday. It’s a choice and we drive this decision. I am a first responder. This isn’t “just like the flu”.

M March 19, 2020 (10:31 am)

I I biked through Alki yesterday. Saw a lot of people cycling and walking. I saw most people pretty spread apart except couples.I did see 4 teenagers not keeping their distance with each other.

west sea neighbor March 19, 2020 (10:44 am)

I also went on a solo bike ride around alki yesterday, and noticed an utter lack of social distancing. There was even a line out the door at Pepperdock, with patrons lined up right next to each other and people eating on the patio. It was kind of disturbing.

Warren t March 19, 2020 (10:53 am)

Irresponsible and ignorant behavior by so many. What are the rules for patio dining – surely the scene at Blue Moon can’t be allowed?. The picture above should be used as a PSA for what one doesn’t do during this time. It shouldn’t be just like a “summer night”.

TJ March 19, 2020 (10:58 am)

I am all for social distancing, but also live in the reality that “sheltering in place” on a level of Italy won’t work here. Great story on the news last night about this. This would be a local thing, so whatever the neighboring jurisdictions are that aren’t sheltering in place would just be in a position to spread this again when we come out of it. I know of a few peopled who say they refuse to be told to stay at home except for travel to the store. My brother told me he was at a gun store on Tuesday and the line was out the door. His friend that works there said everyone coming in was either skeptical of the police being able to respond or flat out not believing the government’s intentions in this. While I don’t quite understand that, it does go to show people won’t adhere to a shelter in place order for very long

Tracey March 19, 2020 (11:30 am)

Hey America. I get it. Science has proven time and time again that guns don’t kill people, viruses kill people.
zark00 March 19, 2020 (12:07 pm)

Distrust with the federal government is at an all time high. It’s lower today than it was when we impeached Nixon and he resigned. I suppose everyone can decide for themselves why that may be the case; I know where I lay the blame.This is a time when American’s should be doing things like hanging the OK/Help signs, helping neighbors, family and friends who need it, and generally ‘protecting and keeping’ our fellow countrymen.But we’re buying guns, telling people “this is just a Flu”, and ignoring the experts advice on how to combat this. If you bought a gun, but didn’t check on your elderly neighbors, you are failing.
Ice March 19, 2020 (12:53 pm)

So the idea behind ‘sheltering in place’ and social distancing isn’t to get rid of the virus, it’s to stop too many people from being infected with it at one time. A percentage of people who are infected by this virus need medical attention in order to survive, and at this point our hospitals are already full, so the longer we can put off individuals being sick, the more people who will need medical intervention can receive it. Many many many of us will get this and most of us will be completely fine, but let’s consider the few people who won’t be fine.

Phausto March 19, 2020 (11:32 am)

Maybe people will be willing to shelter in place if they don’t have to dig graves later?

ds March 19, 2020 (12:34 pm)

Big difference between walking around the block and heading to a public park with the rest of West Seattle. Of course people are craving natural beauty and fresh air, along with a sense of normalcy and all of the other things that come with our amazingly beautiful beaches and parks. Until we get some more specific social distancing guidelines on this exact scenario, or maybe until it rains… we are going to see varying degrees of judgment. My gut says avoid crowds, even if outside, but at this point that is just interpretation of what officials are putting out.

David Benson March 19, 2020 (12:42 pm)

Fortunately, the reason cold and flu seasons end in the summer is because people are spending more time outdoors. The transmission rates of airborne viruses is practical non-existant outdoors. Whereas the root of the problem is everyone cooped up in windowless offices coughing on each other. Kudos to all these people being smart enough to recognize that, and get the heck outside!!

Admiral girl March 19, 2020 (2:10 pm)

Incorrct – This is not the flu – and people are still getting sick and dying in areas where the weather is hot: Singapore, Australia, Florida.
- David Benson March 19, 2020 (10:55 pm)
  
  SARS-cov-2 is a human coronavirus. The common cold is also a human coronavirus. SARS-cov-2 is new, so it is more dangerous to humans at this point in time. As I stated, the reason cases of the cold and flu decline is because more people are outside where transmission is much less likely. It would stand to reason, as the transmission of the SARS strain is the same as other SARS strains, that humans being outdoors and not crammed in buildings with other infected people, would slow the spread. What do I know though? I’m just a doctor.
  - Mike Hickey March 20, 2020 (12:22 pm)
    
    Well if I need a doctor I’m definitely not going to see you because even though I grew up in West Seattle I live in Italy now. And the temps are up in the 60′ and 70’s and a record breaking 475 people died in the last 24 hours. So I would suggest you stop saying that. Maybe you should go back to Med School for a week or so or come over here to Italy. Whoops, I FORGOT. The entire EU borders are closed for your protection and ours.
  - ltfd March 20, 2020 (1:42 pm)
    
    Where did you get your epidemiology degree?

Judy Krebs March 19, 2020 (12:43 pm)

I understand that people want to get outside and do things. I think it makes sense. The sun and fresh air are good for us mentally and physically. As someone who walks Beach Drive and the quieter part of Alki, I would prefer runners and bicyclists leave the sidewalks to the walkers. You’re making it impossible to keep physical distance on the sidewalks by running or biking right into people. At the same time cars need to slow down and yield. Where is everyone going so fast?! While I’m walking my dog, I say “hi” from more than six feet before turning away from someone walking towards me. I let them pass. I let people pass me if they are walking faster by simply stopping and turning away. I actually had two smokers walk by me at two different times of day the other day. I admit to being pretty annoyed about having to breathe in their smoke. It’s just common decency that we should be aware of other people and mindful of not breathing (or blowing smoke) on each other. There is plenty of room for all of us if we just have patience and care. We can do this! We can be safe and happy! Great pics, BTW.

SLJ March 19, 2020 (1:26 pm)

Parents, please keep your kids home. My teenagers aren’t happy to be stuck at home, but it’s for the good of everyone. I’m surprised at the number of high school kids still hanging out together. It’s hard to be away from friends at this age, but also hard for them to remember social distancing. The next couple of weeks won’t be fun, but spreading the virus is worse. Fortunately most teenagers have phones and can still keep in touch that way.

Perplexed March 19, 2020 (1:49 pm)

All of you complaining about what you saw on Alki were out too. If you don’t like it, don’t go down there. Work in your garden to enjoy the lovely weather, You being on Alki contributed to the crowd whether you were alone or riding your bikes. Find a new route to take. Stay away from the large crowded areas and let them spread the virus among themselves. It’s like you’re mad that anyone was out when you wanted to be alone.

22blades March 19, 2020 (3:36 pm)

We drove by on our way home and we sure didn’t stop.
David March 19, 2020 (3:37 pm)

Simply looking for an answer as to why Blue Moon is able to house dozens of people on their patio, serving beer and burgers, while Inslee ordered all bars and restaurants to be closed. You have any info?
- Xana La Fuente March 21, 2020 (3:41 am)
  
  I heard it was a private birthday party could be wrong. They did and always do a lot of to go orders. Their lucky enough to have all that outdoor seating I’m sure other businesses would do the same thing if it was their spot. Hardly anyone except Pegasus and Dukes have tiny sidewalk areas. The outdoor tables at BM are roughly 4 feet apart that’s good enough for me.
Warren t March 19, 2020 (5:14 pm)

Perplexed, so I’m getting you think social distancing doesnt apply to you?
- perplexed March 19, 2020 (6:05 pm)
  
  I haven’t left my home in over a week.
Xana La Fuente March 21, 2020 (3:37 am)

Thank you! I’ve lived on Alki 5 years. I love the early morning and late night walks where no one is around. But like the lady who complained about the walking smokers, try living in another big city my goodness we live in one of the last neighborhoods where your safe for the most part to walk at night. Also one of the most beautiful spots. I hear the beach property next to Eddie Vedders is for sale, don’t like it maybe go buy your own beachfront property. It’s a public beach and the six foot thing was made knowing people will be more like 3 to 4 feet. I was happy to see older women with their kids. Dad’s with kids. I can spot a normally working dad at the beach during the week a mile away because I’m there every day and I think people just want to spend time with their loved ones. It was the best part of my day actually. Stay inside if your that worried I agree with that too!

Also John March 19, 2020 (3:03 pm)

Darwin’s name will continue not only for his Theory of Evolution, but also for those that live life carelessly.

bloo March 19, 2020 (5:13 pm)

If not ‘shelter in place’ then how about close Alki Beach (and all public beaches), and all playgrounds and ballfields in the city of Seattle? People will continue to travel to these places to congregate otherwise. An extreme idea, but not as much as ‘shelter in place’. Crime has been reported to be down, so perhaps it’s feasible to do this and have enforcement.

David March 19, 2020 (9:07 pm)

Just as an update – drove by Blue Moon again today around 5:15pm and the patio was completely empty and the restaurant closed up. Seems as if they were either reported or decided they were in violation of the order. Either way, probably a good thing.

WSB March 19, 2020 (9:16 pm)

We also noticed the patio empty around 5:45 or so – there were a few people standing just east of it with food/beverages, though that could have been from elsewhere.
- alki_2008 March 20, 2020 (12:33 am)
  
  Wasn’t there also a lot of construction and barricades out today? I wonder if that had an effect on patio use there?

Calires March 19, 2020 (11:47 pm)

Does Charlie Olson still own Blue Moon? Their reviews are so bad, along with him being investigated for those racists messages, I’m guessing they were trying to take advantage of a no competition situation while they could get by with it.

Jenny March 20, 2020 (7:59 am)

Drove by pepperdock yesterday and was dismayed to see people crammed in there shoulder-to-shoulder, presumably getting ice cream. I can only imagine this will get worse on the weekend. Not safe for the workers or customers. I hope they figure out how to make people wait in line outside to allow for social distancing. Do it for our healthcare workers and the vulnerable in our community!

mrsB March 20, 2020 (8:17 pm)

Here’s an extreme but possibly the most realistic solution – enforce a temporary parking ban along Alki with temporary resident-only parking permits for neighboring streets.

Xana La Fuente March 21, 2020 (3:47 am)

I had no idea so many paranoid people lived in Alki. Stay off the beach if it bothers you. If all of you spent as much time writing letters to world leaders about why this started – open wet ” food markets ” where they sell bat soup, fried cats and dogs, cockrosches- focus on the root of the problem. An UNSANITARY market in the middle of a huge metropolis. That’s what people should be venting about.

Tides March 22, 2020 (8:53 am)

Here’s a non-covid related question: Did anyone else notice the dramatic lowering of the sand elevation at Alki? The buried stairs and handrails are now completely exposed. Been living out here since July, and I assumed that the overwhelming sand was a permanent result possibly of rising sea levels. But nope, look at that. And it’s a lot of sand, like 4 or 5 feet vertically.