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The guest docks have been slammed this week. We have been docking boats and fielding reservations left and right. And yet, even as the summer rush is upon us we generally still have space available during the week. Boaters who are not tied to the weekend have their choice of moorings. We have had a lot of people asking about crab season opening, with audible disappointment when we tell them we are not the ones who set the season.

Talking with these people has made me realize once again what a gem La Conner is. Where else in the world can you launch a boat, keep it at the dock, go crabbing every day of the season, camp out in your RV and still walk into a cool town with tons going on every evening? Many places can be one of those things, but almost none can be all of them. Lots of visitors to the marina and RV park truly feel the place is special and love coming back every year.

On the docks, we have two research boats this week, one of which has been here for much of the spring. It does mini-trawls for fish counts and the other has a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and other instruments aboard.

I love supporting research here in the Channel and in our local bays. In my opinion, more knowledge is better and these teams are out to gather facts which we can use to improve salmon runs or the environment in general. Either way, it is important work.

I wrote last week that the Fourth of July is coming soon, but now it is coming very soon! The Marina is hosting the bulk of the holiday extravaganza. The noon parade will gather in the South Basin parking lot (same as last year) and proceed from there. After that, the food trucks will be opening up at 5 pm.. Music from the Enthusiasts, a popular Anacortes-based band will start the evening’s entertainment at about 5:30 p.m. and Chris Eger and his band will take it from there to the fireworks! It is amazing how much musical talent we have here in the Skagit Valley and since the Port is sponsoring the show you can see it for free. Happy Independence Day indeed!

The Town fireworks will cap off the evening. This is a fabulous show that should not be missed.

See you on the Channel!