University District residents told to stay away

Signs are posted on the walkways near the water.

University District residents were advised to stay out of the water this Memorial Day weekend, due to a mistake made by King county crew members when they mistakenly diverted 8 million gallons of raw sewage from its proper drain (Laurelhurst Trunk sewage line) and into a Seattle storm drain.

The problem was discovered on Friday, May 23rd, but not before 800,000 gallons of raw sewage a day, for 10 days had drained into Ravenna Creek, Lake Washington, Lake Union and possibly even Puget Sound which are all connected via The Montlake Cut and The Chittenden Locks.

The area most affected by this spill is a one mile stretch known as Ravenna Creek and is very popular for local kayakers and rowers.

Signs are posted on the walkways near the water and boaters are discouraged from coming into contact with the polluted water.

Silhouttes in the Alki Beach sun

The sun is currently making its way out of the clouds in downtown Seattle and won’t disappear until at least sometime on Monday. Everyone in the area will be outdoors as much as humanly possible for the next three days, soaking up vitamin D and trying to forget a winter that lasted into April. It’ll be back to rain next week, so enjoy it while it’s here.

Overwhelmed with the possibility of outdoor activities? Seattle Blog is here with some options to help you decide: Rent a canoe at the Waterfront Activities Center on the UW Campus. Paddle around the Arboretum. Overheated? Tip it into the water and swim around awhile.

Celebrate Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution Day, in Ballard. The parade starts at 3:00, but a variety of other activities will happen throughout the day.

Ride a ferry in Puget Sound. Enjoy the splendor that is Elliott Bay on a sunny day. It’s only 35 minutes to Bainbridge Island, and the quaint town of Winslow is a short walk from the ferry dock. While you’re down on the waterfront, eat some fish and share some french fries with seagulls at Ivar’s.

Watch the Mariners take on the national league San Diego Padres at Safeco Fields. Yes, the Mariners season so far has left something to be desired, but the Padres are just about as terrible, so it could be an interesting match up and might even lead to a win! Plus, outdoor baseball + sunshine + warmth = a winning combination.

Enjoy your own backyard. Take a walk or a bike ride around your neighborhood. Talk to neighbors who have been hibernating all winter. Admire the blooming rhododendrons and lilacs. Pack a picnic and eat it at local park. Soak in the sun and sigh with relief that summer is just around the corner.