Panama Canal and Ballard Locks

From Panama’s tropics to Seattle’s bay, Two locks stand proud, in their own unique way. One spans oceans, a global trade key, The other links lakes to the Pacific’s spree.

Panama’s grandeur, a feat of its time, Gatun and Miraflores, engineering sublime. A pathway for giants, through jungle and heat, Connecting two worlds where oceans meet.

Ballard’s charm lies in a smaller scale, Freshwater to salt, boats set their sail. Fish ladders climb as salmon persist, Nature and man in a delicate tryst.

Both locks rely on gravity’s might, Raising and lowering vessels in flight. Water flows forth from reservoirs vast, A testament to progress that continues to last.

French Polynesia

In French Polynesia, where the waters are pure, There are many places that are sure to allure. From Tahiti to Bora Bora, and Moorea too, There are sights and sounds that will leave you anew. UC Santa Barbara and Berkeley study the coral, While the University of Washington studies it moral. The marine life is abundant and unique,
And the waters are pure, making it a haven for the meek.

Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay, Mexico

Finally, Puerto Vallarta, A cultural and artistic town, With galleries and museums, And a nightlife that won’t let you down. But the real treasure of Banderas Bay, Is the beaches for snorkeling and play, With crystal clear waters and marine life, It’s a paradise that will take your breath away.

Lake Washington, Washington USA

A Macgregor 26X sailboat, launched in late October, Cruising the lake, a journey to remember. Freedom not available to the mansion bound. A chance to escape, to be unbound. The Macgregor 26X sailboat, a beauty to behold, A trailerable sailer, a story to be told. Introduced in 1995, a design so fine, Lets toast her builder With Washington beer and wine.

Saint Hellens, Oregon USA

At the taproom in town, they sampled the brews, Craft beers on tap, a variety to choose. But little did they know, as the night grew late, They would encounter creatures, a mysterious fate. Two Bigfoot appeared, a male and his mate, In the misty woods of Saint Helens town, A Macgregor 26x set sail, up and down. Late September, the air crisp and cool, The crew embarked on a journey, a boating duel.

Tacoma, Washington USA

Tacoma, oh Tacoma, a city of joy, Where happiness reigns, and sorrows deploy. A place where the people are filled with glee, And the beauty of life is easy to see. Lydia K. Valentine, the poet laureate, Says Tacoma is her town, and it’s great. The readers of the Tribune agree, Tacoma is the happiest city, you see.

Seattle, Washington USA 2023

Take a cruise of Seattle’s Elliot bay, Or ride a ferry to nearby bays. Watch the Ballard Locks in action, And enjoy the botanical garden attraction. Seattle, a city of endless possibilities, With so much to offer, it’s hard to leave with ease. From boat tours to coffee shops and beer gardens, Seattle is a city that never stops giving.