West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Starting this morning, 31,000 “hams” – amateur radio operators – across the continent tuned in for the North American Radio Field Day. The 24-hour event is widely participated in across the continent; Seattle-area operators gathered at South Seattle College’s north field on Puget Ridge to set up shop.
The annual Field Day serves as “a way for all ham operators to have a weekend where they’re all trying to talk to each other and show off the different things that we do,” said Matthew Shaw, vice president of the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club. The club is devoted to all kinds of ham radio, offers classes for people interested in getting their radio operator license, and meets once a month at the Salvation Army.
Shaw explained that there are different uses for ham radio including sending data, technical and social communication, community service in times of emergency, and for contesting. Contesting serves as the competitive outlet for hams.
“Some people really love the competition aspect of it because it’s all about having a good system and being efficient,” Shaw explained.
When contesting, operators typically keep a log book for different criteria including how many people they have contacted, attempting to make contact in every U.S. state, or competing for contacts made the furthest away.
Operators (corrected) Ruth Gregory and Doug Kingston, president of Puget Sound Repeater Group were manning the contest tent and trying to make as many contacts as possible all over the United States and Canada. This is done through the use of shortwave radio which operates at a higher frequency.
Others are more interested in the emergency response aspect of ham radio, and its potential use in times of crisis. This is the case for Shaw, who showed off a rig containing a radio station in a box. The system can be set up anywhere off grid.
Hams were equally as passionate about radio as they were about continuing to get the community and the younger generation involved in the hobby. The parking lot adjacent to the field is set up to include a section for volunteer-led classes on prep, radio, and how to become a contester, to name a few. Another tent is called the “Get on the air station,” intended as a space for newly licensed or unlicensed people to talk on the radio with a coach.
“We really look forward to getting people interested in the hobby… not too many young folks.” Shaw said. He offered an explanation why: “It’s the idea of ‘I can contact someone, I have a phone.’ But realize the complexity of that system, how much it relies on to actually work,” He reasoned. “If you have a radio and a few basic things, you can actually maintain some basic communications.”
If you’re interested in visiting before this ends around 11 am Sunday, note that some hams plan to stay on site overnight and continue operating through the wee hours of the morning. The South Seattle College field and parking lot offer a much more spacious setup than most enthusiasts can have at home.
For more on what local hams are doing on Field Day, go here.
Here are three more coyote sightings reported to us in the past few days:
SATURDAY MORNING: Dwight emailed us this report:
At 9:53 this morning I saw a coyote walking down Brace Point Drive towards the Josslin building. He saw me and quickly changed direction and headed up California Drive. He looked healthy and happy, not starved and miserable .
THURSDAY EVENING: These next two came in almost simultaneously just after 8:30 pm Thursday via texts – this one, from 38th SW and SW Raymond:
This one, from 37th SW and SW Juneau:
You can browse our past sighting reports here.
“A small group” of transient orcas is headed this way, southbound from Blakely Rock off Bainbridge, Kersti Muul tells us. Let us know if you see them!
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
After boarding their landlubbing vessel Moby Duck, the Seafair Pirates sailed away down Alki Avenue after a lively hour on the beach this afternoon. Though the landing is a decades-old tradition, some elements were new, including the mayor who surrendered the key to the city – Katie Wilson turned it over (while suggesting that came at a price – “You have to solve all the. city’s problems now!”)
The Pirates arrived in two groups, starting just after 1:30 pm.
(PHOTOS FROM HERE ARE BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB)
ADDED 6:07 PM: A sizable crowd greeted the Pirates as they arrived in two groups aboard a small boat launched from the tug Island Chief:
Once ashore, it was face to face with fans of all ages, both delighted and frightened:
Some years, Seafair’s King Neptune attempts to fight off the invaders – this year, the meeting was all smiles:
(That’s former Seahawk Sidney Rice wearing the crown this year.) Others sought prized photo ops:
Wielding everything from swords to tridents, the Pirates made their way through the crowd to Moby Duck’s berth along Alki Avenue, from which they continued to offer souvenirs – some handed over, some tossed – to fans:
That’s when they went face to face with Mayor Wilson to get a souvenir of their own, the aforementioned key to the city:
Davy Jones and Captain Kidd were knighted by the Seafair royals, too, including Queen Alcyone (Bookda Gheisar):
A pirate song ensued (sorry, no video). Then, just after 2:30, one hour after they’d stormed the beach, the Pirates sailed off, bound for other shores:
The Pirates will be back in West Seattle three weeks from today for the West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am Saturday, July 18). And Seafair’s summer season has only just begun – see the full list of events, including the July 31-August 2 airshow and hydros, by going here.
The Barton St. P-Patch welcomes visitors this afternoon! Admire the garden and enjoy what’s being cooked in the wood-fired oven:
They’re making pizza right noe after a morning of bagels. Live music around 4! They’re accepting donations to support the garden, which is on the southwest corner of 34th SW and SW Barton.
Dancer Navya Ramesh was one of today’s first main-stage performers at the Arts in Nature Festival, happening right now at Camp Long (5200 35th SW). But performances are just part of what the festival’s offering all day and into the evening, rain or shine:
Inside Camp Long’s legendary cabins, you’ll find “immersive installations” like the one above in Cabin 8, the “wind phone” from Sonic Switchyard – you can use the “phone” to leave a message for someone you cannot speak to, inspired by a memorial practice from the Fukushima tsunami. Recorded messages are played over speakers in the cabin. Then there’s very short range “Camp Long Radio” in Cabin 9.
And numerous community organizations – from environmental to educational – have reps to chat with you in the meadow:
As we type this, the sun is emerging, so it’s a great day to get out and go to the park; the Arts in Nature Festival, presented by DNDA, is on until 8 pm. See the festival lineups here
The video and report are from Nicole in Highland Park:
Our home is having construction done in the backyard. Someone brazenly walked onto our property and stole a bike. Younger bald white male wearing a gray T-shirt, black jacket, and dark jeans. If you have any tips, please help.
We don’t have a police report # yet but will add when we do.
(Friday photo of Alki Beach by Bob Burns)
First weekend of summer (despite the not-summery weather), and the sun is expected to eventually appear! Here are our highlighted happenings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
SALE TO HELP NANCY: Starting at 9 am at 2310 Alki SW, estate sale to benefit Nancy and kids, forced to move after the recent death of her partner, as explained here.
CLOTHING SWAP: 9 am-1 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), bring adult or baby clothing to swap and take something home. Leftovers to nonprofits.
SOCCER JAMBOREE: 9 am-5 pm, Seattle’s summer of soccer continues with a daylong celebration of “The Beautiful Game.” 5×5 tournament and drop-in clinic, all free, at Delridge Playfield (Delridge Way SW & SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
ARTS IN NATURE FESTIVAL: 10 am-8:30 pm, DNDA brings back the Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), free! See our preview for the music, performance, and art lineups.
(added) HAM RADIO FIELD DAY: 10 am today to 11 am Sunday, ham-radio operators from around Seattle are gathered at the north parking lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), and you’re invited to stop in any time to learn about and observe what they do. Info and event schedule are on this website.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: New listing! 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am both weekend days at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
SEAFAIR PIRATES STORYTIME: 11 am storytime to get ready for the pirates’ landing nearby (see below), at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).
PIZZA AND BAGELS AT BARTON P-PATCH: 11 am bagels, 2 pm pizza, 4 pm music at the garden’s summer fundraiser, all welcome! (34th SW and SW Barton)
NORTH ADMIRAL HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Register, then meet at 45th SW and SW Seattle for the tour, 11 am.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: Second of three days for the pop-up art show upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Rain or shine – noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: First West Seattle wading pool to open is scheduled to start its season today IF the afternoon forecast is for sunshine and 70 degrees – this page explains how to check around midmorning. Hours would be noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SEAFAIR PIRATES’ LANDING: 1 pm-1:30 pm vicinity at Alki Beach, near the bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), the pirates will land on a quest for the key to the city – see our preview for details.
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VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: Meet behind the store, 2 pm. Must have helmet! (4511 California SW)
MIKE HENDERSON’S ART: You’ll know his (previously very public) work when you see it! On display at Admiral HUB (former church at 4320 SW Hill):
4-9 pm.
PRIDE NIGHT AT OUNCES: 5 pm, music, beer, community at Ounes (3809 Delridge Way SW) .
BASEBALL: Pride Night home game for the DubSea Fish Sticks at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 6:05 pm, vs. the Redmond Dudes. Check for tickets here!
CONCERT TRUCK: 7 pm at Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s free concert-from-a-truck!
LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Jim BasnightEasy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages
SEAPROG FEST AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, show and ticket info here. (7904 35th SW)
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: 7:30 pm curtain – third weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), check here for tickets.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Queening Out. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Cephas. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Close out your Saturday night with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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