A walk around Anacortes: back streets

After visiting Dakota Creek Shipyard (previous post) we walked around town, just looking. This weathered old piano sat on a street corner, silent, colorful. Couldn't resist checking it out. We passed it again an hour later, and there was a kid sitting there playing it -- and not badly at all for a young guy. Fun to see.

Wherever we go now, I tend to gravitate toward these "no dumping" warnings painted at water drainage grates along street curbs. Sometimes the little plaque on them will indicate the name of the town as well, which I consider a bonus. Alas, no mention of Anacortes on this one.

And then of course I was drawn to the wonky number "0" on a door. I kinda think it would be even cooler if all three numbers weren't there, just leaving the gluey remains and the attendant screw holes. I was content, however, with their apparent decision to not fix the wonkiness.

Perfection is highly overrated . . .

All photos copyright ©Carol Leigh 2019.

Watching where I'm walking

Have you noticed the small markers, usually placed alongside curbs, next to drains in the gutter? They warn us to not pollute nearby bodies of water -- lakes, harbors, oceans, etc. And they are surprisingly personalized, designed for just those particular locations.

This "NO DUMPING - DRAINS TO SOUND" marker tells us we're close to Puget Sound, and, in smaller print, that we're at the Port of Anacortes.

The message on the sewer cover, however, is simply rude! And what does ASS stand for? "Anacortes Sewer System," of course. This cover is apparently one of just a few remaining -- Anacortes won't be using this abbreviation in the future. A port employee passing by told us that it's probably the most-photographed subject at the Port of Anacortes!

And finally, the more colorful "ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN" marker shows you that yes, you're still in Anacortes, and that "Puget Sound Starts Here."

In a time when we're replacing words with cute little icons/pictures, it's refreshing to actually READ these informational exhortations. Even if Anacortes can sometimes be an ASS about it . . .

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