Date:	Tue, 15 Feb 1994 15:19:03 -1000
From:	johnsen@eskimo.com (Brian Johnsen)
Message-Id: <CLAMBt.8xJ@eskimo.com>
Organization: Captain Pugets Roadside Taco Stand
Subject: Fort Warden Conference / Kiting Sites

Here's some places to fly the new kites you make at the
Fort Warden Kitemaker's Conference (March 4-6 '94)
 near Port Townsend, Washington State, USA
 Contact Bob Alford (206) 888-2812

================================
NOTE: to Kevin @ Hawaii.edu
The following could go into the /geography dir in the archives
================================

Northern Puget Sound
Western Washington State USA

    Most winds in the Seattle area are North or South.  It funnels 
    between the Cascades and the Olympics when there is any.

Discovery Park:
    Is located on Magnolia Bluff northwest of downtown Seattle.
    Access the park from the south gate on West Emmerson St.  There's a
    large field just below the large geodesic dome of the Coast Guard
    radar installation.  There is a tremendous view over Puget Sound to
    the Olympic Mountains from here. North wind is best here.
    
Gasworks Park:
    Is on the North shore of Lake Union.  On the West side of I-5 from
    the University of Washington on North Northlake Way.  There is not
    a lot of room here but is ok with short lines and a South wind.
    Float Planes take off irregularly on Lake Union so you probably
    should not go for height records here.  Goodwinds Kites is just
    north of the park at the extreme south end of Wallingford Ave. N.

Golden Gardens Park:
    Is on Puget Sound north of Shilshole Marina at the north end of
    Seaview Avenue N.W.  There is a fairly large field here or you can
    fly on the shore at low tide on a rocky beach.

Magnuson Park:
    This park is on Lake Washington at Sand Point east of The U. of W.
    access from Sand Point Way at N.E. 65th Street.  Follow the signs
    to "The Beaches" and park at the lot at the end of the road.
    Great Winds Kite Company has been sponsoring a drive to pull up
    scotch broom that has been encroaching on the flying hill.  Several
    work parties have made a lot of progress.

Lake Sammamish State Park:
    Is at the South end of Lake Sammamish at Issaquah.  Major portions
    of the park are closed to vehicles during the winter months but
    the lakeshore on the north and soccer fields on the south are
    good spots.

Marymoor Park:
    Is at the North end of Lake Sammamish Directly South of Redmond
    South of Highway 520.  Access is from the east and west sides.
    There are Several places here to fly but winds are often iffy.

McKnight Jr. High:
    Is in the Renton Highlands at the top of the hill to the east at the
    south end of Lake Washington on Edmonds Avenue N.E.  It's a large
    field but not good for north wind.

Grandview Park:
    Is Across the Green River valley from Kent at S. 228 St from
    Military Road S. (N.E. from the De Moines exit of I-5)
    The north end of the park is a high plateau but trees on the north
    and west sides cut off the wind from there.

Everett Marina:
    Has a large grassy overflow parking area that the local kiters have
    appropriated when it's not being used otherwise. The marina is on
    West Marine View Drive along the Everett waterfront.

Bellingham Marina:
    Last time I was there the area was just gravel and dirt.  That was
    alright as long as it was dry.  The marina is on the north end of
    town on Marine Drive.

Fort Flagler:
    Is on the Olympic Peninsula directly East of Port Townsend on the
    north end of Marrowstone Island.  From Chimacum or Irondale take
    the turnoff for Indian Island, and follow signs to the fort.
    On the East side of the park there is a large grassy area at the
    year round hostel that is good for north winds.  On the west side
    of the park is a picnic area and campground that is closed in the
    winter.  You can catch either north or south winds here.

Fort Casey:
    Is in the middle of Whidby Island at the landing for the ferry that
    goes to Port Townsend.  The flying area is about 1/2 mile from the
    ferry dock on the west side of the park.  You can walk on the ferry
    from PT and walk to the park.  North or south winds here.

Fort Warden:
    The annual Fort Warden Kite Workshop is held here in early March with
    notables from the kiting community.  There is a large parade ground
    here, but I can't recomend it because of the forrestation on all
    sides and the flat areas of the beaches are very weedy.  There are
    better places to fly very nearby.

Ediz Hook:
    Is the natural breakwater for Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula.
    There is a road along it so you can drive out and pick a spot.
    There's a lot of driftwood, so watch your lines.

-- 
Brian Johnsen     johnsen@eskimo.com


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