The VHF...

The VHF radio in the boat is our contact means to other boats and shore stations.  We were out for a short ride today, and it is always entertaining to put the marina frequency (CH 66) on the VHF.  It is said that when you pick a boat name, you should say it three times in a row... to see how it will sound on the radio.  It must be exasperating to have to spell the boat name EVERY TIME you use it on the radio ("Yeah, that French name seemed kinda cool at the time.")  And then there are those who simply don't know how to use the radio... like the guy today who kept calling the marina OVER and OVER, but never responded when they called him back.  After a bunch of that, he had to sheepishly admit that he had the volume turned way down.  You could hear the lack of patience in his voice until he figured out the problem.  Maybe another of those French names, like Dumas?

This is going to be the warmest weekend of the summer.  There are going to be a lot of people from the mainland who didn't get out in their boat nearly enough who are going to make an effort to do so this weekend... after all, the summer is getting short.  People seem incredulous when they are told by the harbormaster that they can put them on the waiting list for a slip: "You would be number 5 on the waiting list for a 40 foot slip."

"Ohhhhh.  What are the chances we'll get a slip for the night?"

They can't tell you that, but I can say as the afternoon wears on, the chances get slimmer.

I have no doubt that this is going to be a VERY busy weekend in Friday Harbor.