Saltwater Sounds: Finding Our Sea Legs

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.

This and That

Hello Canada!

After a few days of traveling north, we’ve finally made it. We had a fabulous visit to The Butchart Gardens and are now working our way north, stopping at different places along the way as we pass through the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.

Weather always affects our boating schedule. Our original plan was to hit Nanaimo on our way to Desolation Sound. Our friends have been up there for a couple of weeks, and they said the weather has been amazing.

But as luck would have it, the forecast shows rain for the week ahead.

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Port Madison

Our first stop was Port Madison which is located on the north end of Bainbridge Island. It is such a gorgeous place to anchor.

It was a bit busier than usual with sailboat races for kids ages 9-18. Many boats in the bay were there specifically for the races.

We just chilled for a day and a half and spent time cleaning the boat and putting away our clothes and provisions.

My favorite time of the day… watching the sun go down. It was just breathtaking.

The Ballard Locks

We haven’t had to get fuel for the boat since we bought it three years ago. Our tanks hold 1,000 gallons of fuel, so when we have to fill up, it’s important to be strategic about where we purchase.

The lowest diesel fuel price was found through the Ballard locks.

Here’s a look inside the small locks. We were the first boat in, and another one entered behind us.

Notice how high the cement walls are on both sides of us (picture above).

Above is the view after we were raised to the level of the fresh water. They are about to open the locks and let us go through.

We got through the locks pretty quickly, got our fuel, and then waited about 30 minutes to return to Puget Sound again.

Returning to the saltwater of Puget Sound, we had to go through the large locks this time. Here you can see a boat rafting onto us.

We were tied up to the wall of the locks but couldn’t take pictures because we had to keep adjusting the lines as the water dropped.

Here I am on camera getting ready to help get our sweet boat, Wildflower through the locks.

La Conner

We stayed on a public dock in downtown La Conner for the evening.

These spots do not come open very often, at least when we have been here. It was so convenient to be this close to town.

We only had time that evening once we got into town to walk the boys and have some Mexican food at Coa. We love the food and the margaritas there!

Clearing Customs and The Butchart Gardens

The next morning, we left La Conner and headed for Sidney, B.C. Canada, to clear customs. We made such good time getting there that we decided to go another two hours to The Butchart Gardens, so we’d be ready to enjoy the flowers as soon as they opened the next day.

Todd Inlet, located just behind the park, is such a beatiful anchoring spot. It’s about a 10-minute dinghy ride to the famous gardens.

I absolutely love that this venue allows dogs on a leash. Jax and Ollie got some much-needed exercise after being on the boat the day before.

I took so many pictures that I can’t possibly share them all this week. I’ll be writing a blog post specifically about The Butchart Gardens. I know you will love all the inspiration!

But here are a few pictures to make you happy until then.

I’ve visited the gardens in May, August, and September. Now, I want to visit when the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom in early spring.

I’ll be sharing pictures from the Butterfly Garden next week!

“In every gardener there is a child who believes in The Seed Fairy.” – Robert Brault

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

Here are a few cut flower garden views from last year since I’m not home to share what’s blooming right now.

The zinnias, strawflower, milkweed, and yarrow play off of each other so well.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

21 Easy Ways to Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall

Summer may be almost over, but the fall season decorating fun is just beginning. If you’re getting ready to transition your home decor from summer to fall, I’m sharing some easy ways and helpful tips for the upcoming season… CONTINUE READING.

15 Ways to Prepare Your Garden for the Fall Season Transition

Have you started thinking about what needs to be done in the garden as we approach fall and before the first frost of the season? Today, I’m sharing tips and ideas to help you start preparing your garden for fall… CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week: Dahlias

Growing dahlias in your garden is a rewarding experience for several reasons. Check them out!

Vibrant Colors and Variety

Dahlias come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, giving you endless possibilities for garden design. From bold reds to soft pastels, dahlias can complement any garden aesthetic.

Long Blooming Season

Dahlias typically bloom from mid-summer until the first frost, providing continuous color and beauty in your garden for several months.

Easy to Grow

Dahlias are relatively easy to grow, even for beginners. With proper care, they flourish in various climates and soil types, making them a versatile choice for gardeners.

Cut Flowers

Dahlias make excellent cut flowers, adding beauty to indoor arrangements. Growing your own flowers means enjoying fresh blooms in your home throughout the growing season.

Attract Pollinators

Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Variety of Sizes

From compact varieties perfect for container gardening to large, towering blooms, dahlias offer versatility in where and how they can be grown.

Tuber Propagation

Dahlia tubers can be dug up and stored over winter, then replanted in the spring, which lets you enjoy them year after year and share them with fellow gardeners.

Let me know if you have any questions about these cut flowers. My guide for beginners also explains more about dahlias.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

We’re trying this pesto chicken Caesar salad recipe on our boat trip

Here’s a dreamy manor on a Swedish Island.

Try this simple melatonin and lavender bath soak for some self-care.

This blueberry cherry cobbler looks amazing.

Check out this Aberdeen Grove restoration.

How about a DIY Wire pumpkin garland for fall?

Here’s a budget-friendly DIY fall pumpkin wreath idea for you.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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