October 2, 2022 - Specular Bridge

 

A Sunday morning stroll through the Washington Park Arboretum and under the Evergreen Floating Bridge provides some unique views.

 

The original 520 bridge opened in 1963.  The Evergreen Floating Bridge, generally called the 520 Bridge and never the Governor Albert Rosellini bridge, was rebuilt in 2016.  At 7710 feet it is the largest floating bridge in the world.  Just to the east of the columns in the top photo the road surface slopes down to 77 concrete pontoons that support the 6 lanes of traffic 20' above the surface of the 220' deep Lake Washington.  

While the bridge is open, construction will continue through 2030 enhancing this portion of State Route 520.  The fabric seen hanging down below the underside of the bridge and many of the temporary columns and access bridges will eventually be removed.

March 27, 2022 - Spring is Pink Redux

 

The University of Washington cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the Quad was filled with admirers before 9am on a Sunday!  A 5k fun run that ended nearby added to the crowd.

A statue of George Washington (framed by 'Broken Obelisk'), Red Square and Drumheller Fountain completed the brief visit.

March 27, 2022 - Sunday Morning on the Cut

 

A peaceful early morning read on a bench at West Montlake Park at the edge of a very still Portage Bay.

  

Nearby a boat manned by members of the Seattle University crew team, rows from their nearby boathouse thru the Montlake Cut towards Lake Washington and the starting line for this morning's races.

The Montlake Cut and Montlake Bridge at sunrise.

The Washington State University #1 Novice 8 has a commanding lead as it enters the Cut.

March 26, 2022 - Rugby Rookie

 

Taking in a rugby match for the first time can be quite the experience.  Not knowing the rules makes it a little challenging. Having former rugby players as your guides is certainly helpful!

The Seattle Seawolves, one of 13 teams Major League Rugby teams, faced off against the LA Giltinis in front of nearly 4,000 fans at Starfire Sports Complex.  

The home team lost 12-31. A late 'try', crossing the goal line with the ball (worth 5 points), made the score somewhat respectable.  The subsequent 'conversion goal', a drop kick worth 2 points, was unsuccessful. 

Let's see if any of these are right....

Above a 'hooker', supported by a pair of teammates, attempts to receive a ball from a 'thrower' during a lineout. (This is how the ball is returned to play after going out-of-bounds.) 

A 'hooker' attempts to throw the ball into a 'scrum'.  They'll then attempt to retrieve the ball and pass the ball to the players in the backline (not pictured).

Protection is minimal. Just a couple of players wear soft protective helps to protect their ears during a scrum. 

Passing must always be backwards.

Only a ball carrier may be tackled.  Once down they must immediately release the ball and roll away allowing play to continue.