The Port of Seattle was courteous enough to invite the Ballard News-Tribune out on the water of the Lake Washington Ship Canal for their annual Ship Canal 101 tour.

Over one hundred guests boarded the Argosy Lady Mary on a sunny afternoon September 10th. Among them were leading maritime business owners, so called "Captains of Industry," including Warren Aakervik from Ballard Oil. Aackervik and other Captains of Industry narrated the cruise and revealed the rich wealth of history and economic significance of the maritime industry.

Attendees listened intently to the rich history of the Lake Washington Ship Canal aboard Argosy's Lady Mary. Photo by Shane Harms.

The cruise floated as far as the Ballard Locks and just before the Fremont Bridge, and along the way long time businesses like Foss Maritime, Pacific Fishermen Shipyard, Western Towboat Company and Ballard Oil were pointed out. The tour guides informed attendees of Fishermen's Terminal celebrating its centennial this year and that the fishermen's memorial is the only one of its kind on the west coast. It was mentioned that Foss Maritime is also celebrating a mile stone this year with their 125th anniversary.

Attendees were served lunch, provided by the Port of Seattle, and walked away with a sun tan and a solid knowledge of the canal and its rich history.