Let's face it, we've been spoiled the past few days. With stunning sunny blue skies and temperatures in the 50s, Ballardites have been going crazy with happiness this spring. And who's to blame? With our great parks, wonderful architecture, splendid booze and all around excellent neighborhood, there's hardly a reason to stay in your house.

So, while the clouds have descended upon us for the time being, lets take a look back and remember what makes Ballard so great in the spring. And next time the sun rears its face, we can enjoy it even more:

1. Bicycling to Golden Gardens. (Photo by Jerry Gay)

2. Walking instead of driving. (Photo by Jerry Gay)

3. Kayaking into the great yonder. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan

4. Taking a stroll through the Carl S. English Botanical Garden at the Ballard Locks. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan)

5. Cherry blossoms are blossoming. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan)

6. The silhouettes of leafless trees against the blue sky. (Photo by Jerry Gay)

7. Sitting down to take a break at Bergen Place Park. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan)

8. Guzzling one of Reuben's Brews' award-winning brews. (Photo by Shane Harms)

9. Or guzzling one of Hilliard's brews. With all the breweries we have in Ballard, you really can't go wrong. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan)

10. Knowing the fact that, even if it rains, there are always places where we can take respite. Such as Miro Tea. (Photo by Zachariah Bryan)

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