This past weekend, Seattle hit temperatures that sent everyone scurrying to the water, to buy fans, and to shed clothes. The front page headlines of The Seattle Times on Saturday read something like, “Temperatures Set to Spike,” with a graphic of the temperature for the next few days—89, 94, 90. My friend, Gina, from LA was in town, and she took a picture of the newspaper, finding it quite hilarious. I was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, while she wore jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. I was sweating just looking at her.

We had breakfast at Coulon Park where, at 9 a.m., families had already marked their territory, bringing out BBQ grills, blankets, and umbrellas. Cars were lined up to launch their boats into the lake. I was already sweating by 11 a.m., and working out in the yard probably didn’t help. Even though I grew up with 105+-degree summer temperatures and have always lived in a place that reached temps that high, I never have and probably never will enjoy hot weather.

Despite the discomfort, Matt and I set off for Georgetown’s Artopia event. Squinting and sweating from the sun, we were on the lookout for photo opportunities for a photography workshop that we’re taking through a community college. Our homework assignment was to bring a few shots to class. Here are a few from our excursion: