236 years old. Some people say, "America isn't what it used to be." That's probably true; this nation changes and evolves... today is going to be someone's "good ol' days." I have some opinions about what would make this country better, but I've never been political here and don't intend to start now.
So, if your idea of a better America isn't the direction you think we are heading, get out there and make a difference. Support something. Let your elected officials know that you vote and you're watching them.
The biggest issue I see these days is the entitlement that many folks seem to feel. If you want something, work for it. There is a world of difference between those who can't work, and those who avoid (or won't) work. The government can't give something without taking it from someone else.
I heard a lot of these terms growing up: American ingenuity, American made (with pride), American tradition, and my favorite: the American dream. I still believe in those things, as I think many do.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
It's not often that I don't look forward to a day on the boat...
It was raining this morning. Predicted to stop by 9:00, but it didn't. Not at 10:00 or 11:00, either. It was still raining when we walked to work at 11:45. Radar showed that the rain would be moving out... the reason it would be moving out was the nasty wind coming in behind it - the forecast was for winds WSW at 20, gusting to 29. Waves 4 feet or more. Small Craft Advisories.
All in all, not shaping up to be a fun day on the water. The wind was building as predicted when I took the boat to the fuel dock... you really feel it up on the flybridge. I told the first mate to lay out rain slickers for the guests as we prepped the boat. I listened for reports and heard wave heights of 4 to 5 feet and whales sighted at Kellet Bluff (outside of Roche Harbor), moving north. I planned to run north between Spieden and Stuart Islands, hoping to intercept the whales west of that area... and likewise hoping for some protection from the waves along the way.
As we headed north out of Friday Harbor, the clouds broke a bit, with occasional blue sky showing. The rain gear I was wearing helped with the chilly temp and building wind. I slowed down along the way so guests could see seals, harbor porpoise, and bald eagles. As I got closer to the open water beyond Spieden, I could see the white caps.
I saw a flash of black to my starboard... not an Orca, but a kayak pointing to the sky, then crashing down in the waves. Well, my day was certainly better than his. ;-) Then, into the open water, bracing myself for the waves, and an Orca breached a couple hundred yards off our side! Yep, this is a nice way to start our whale watching. There were a couple other whale watch boats further south, but we were first on this scene with about 8 animals moving north. We paralleled their path for about 45 minutes, as other boats joined "the parade." It was a great viewing, plenty of activity from the Killer Whales, and the guests were hooting and hollering in a good way as the boat rode the waves. I had let them know that we'd be in some chop before we left the dock, and did my best to pump them up for a good viewing. They had a great attitude and took it all in stride.
After running north, I invited another whale watch boat to take my place and moved aside... we all try to "play nice" and we had the whales to ourselves for quite a while. The naturalist came to the helm and asked where we'd go next... "I'm going to run around Turn Point, maybe see more whales up there, and get behind Stuart Island for some protection from the waves." I like it when a plan comes together - we saw a couple more whales, got bounced around even more (the current and waves looked like a washing machine) off the point, then sunshine and much smoother water as we made our way southeast. Through John's Pass, then east; the current was running about 6 knots by the Cactus Islands. We could feel the wind as we ran south in San Juan Channel, but we were in the lee of the island, so the waves weren't bad. And the sun was shining. :-)
Lots of boats on the water as we neared Friday Harbor. Amazing what a little sunshine will do.
The wind was swirling around in the marina (I look at all the flags and wind indicators as I come in - they were pointing a variety of directions), but we made an uneventful landing. The first guest to depart said, "Where is the tip jar? That was the best boat trip ever, and you guys deserve a tip!" I may hire her to come along on every trip. ;-) Since she asked, I let her know that she could put the tip in the first mate's hand.
I was able to take my jacket off while hosing off the boat. (Yeah, the spray made it all the way to the eisenglass on the flybridge, but I managed to stay dry.) I checked the temp... it made it all the way to 58º. It turned out to be a pretty fine day on the water. Oh, we rocked n' rolled some, but the whales were active, the guests were good with it, and there was that sunshine thing, too. ;-)
I got to walk home from work with my Honey. It was cool, but the sun felt good while we were out on the "lanai" for appetizers and a toast to the way the day turned out.
What's that saying? Oh, yeah... never judge a day by the weather.
All in all, not shaping up to be a fun day on the water. The wind was building as predicted when I took the boat to the fuel dock... you really feel it up on the flybridge. I told the first mate to lay out rain slickers for the guests as we prepped the boat. I listened for reports and heard wave heights of 4 to 5 feet and whales sighted at Kellet Bluff (outside of Roche Harbor), moving north. I planned to run north between Spieden and Stuart Islands, hoping to intercept the whales west of that area... and likewise hoping for some protection from the waves along the way.
As we headed north out of Friday Harbor, the clouds broke a bit, with occasional blue sky showing. The rain gear I was wearing helped with the chilly temp and building wind. I slowed down along the way so guests could see seals, harbor porpoise, and bald eagles. As I got closer to the open water beyond Spieden, I could see the white caps.
I saw a flash of black to my starboard... not an Orca, but a kayak pointing to the sky, then crashing down in the waves. Well, my day was certainly better than his. ;-) Then, into the open water, bracing myself for the waves, and an Orca breached a couple hundred yards off our side! Yep, this is a nice way to start our whale watching. There were a couple other whale watch boats further south, but we were first on this scene with about 8 animals moving north. We paralleled their path for about 45 minutes, as other boats joined "the parade." It was a great viewing, plenty of activity from the Killer Whales, and the guests were hooting and hollering in a good way as the boat rode the waves. I had let them know that we'd be in some chop before we left the dock, and did my best to pump them up for a good viewing. They had a great attitude and took it all in stride.
After running north, I invited another whale watch boat to take my place and moved aside... we all try to "play nice" and we had the whales to ourselves for quite a while. The naturalist came to the helm and asked where we'd go next... "I'm going to run around Turn Point, maybe see more whales up there, and get behind Stuart Island for some protection from the waves." I like it when a plan comes together - we saw a couple more whales, got bounced around even more (the current and waves looked like a washing machine) off the point, then sunshine and much smoother water as we made our way southeast. Through John's Pass, then east; the current was running about 6 knots by the Cactus Islands. We could feel the wind as we ran south in San Juan Channel, but we were in the lee of the island, so the waves weren't bad. And the sun was shining. :-)
Lots of boats on the water as we neared Friday Harbor. Amazing what a little sunshine will do.
The wind was swirling around in the marina (I look at all the flags and wind indicators as I come in - they were pointing a variety of directions), but we made an uneventful landing. The first guest to depart said, "Where is the tip jar? That was the best boat trip ever, and you guys deserve a tip!" I may hire her to come along on every trip. ;-) Since she asked, I let her know that she could put the tip in the first mate's hand.
I was able to take my jacket off while hosing off the boat. (Yeah, the spray made it all the way to the eisenglass on the flybridge, but I managed to stay dry.) I checked the temp... it made it all the way to 58º. It turned out to be a pretty fine day on the water. Oh, we rocked n' rolled some, but the whales were active, the guests were good with it, and there was that sunshine thing, too. ;-)
I got to walk home from work with my Honey. It was cool, but the sun felt good while we were out on the "lanai" for appetizers and a toast to the way the day turned out.
What's that saying? Oh, yeah... never judge a day by the weather.
The smart one...
We kid about this: Joan is the smart one, I am the pretty one. Well, I think we're kidding. It is a cold, rainy morning; Joan and I are getting ready for work. Even with the heat on, there is a chill in the air.
One of us has figured out how to avoid work and stay cozy warm...
Apparently, she is the smart (and pretty) one.
One of us has figured out how to avoid work and stay cozy warm...
Apparently, she is the smart (and pretty) one.
Monday, July 2, 2012
It's July-uary...
Yep, another weather post. It is July 2nd; the calendar says it is summer. The forecast for today was: clearing skies, high in the low 60s, winds 6 mph or less.
The reality: the warmest I saw was 53º, the wind was blowing around 15 mph on the west side of the island, and it rained. Pretty consistently, once we got out of Friday Harbor. I had put on a compression shirt under my company shirt for the warmth... I was thinking that might be a bad idea as I walked to work. It sprinkled for about 10 minutes while we were prepping the boat, after the first mate had cleaned all the windows. We had a full boat; I told her to have rain slickers ready for each guest... thinking that if I was ready for the rain, it wouldn't happen. Apparently, reverse psychology doesn't work on Mother Nature?
Going through Cattle Pass on the way to the west side of the island, we were treated to the strongest currents and eddies I've seen this season. Oh, and it was raining. We found whales around Eagle Point, but they were being stealthy. The guests came out from under cover to watch. I ran north to see if we could find some more active whales. In the rain. Found a few. I saw a big male and a female make a fast turn as they dived. I guessed where they'd head and was rewarded with really good views for the guests. In the rain.
I switched out the company ball cap for the company wool knit cap; swapped my leather gloves for some warmer waterproof gloves. I was wishing I had put on longjohns. The water flattened out as we ran across Spieden Channel... we were treated to 3 bald eagles flying over, and the rain let up. By the time we got back to Friday Harbor, the rain quit. Nice timing. Still, the guests were happy, and my work day was done.
Joan got off at the same time I did, and we talked on our walk back to the boat. We ran into some people that she had booked for today's trip, and they put 2 and 2 together to figure out that we are a couple. One lady asked, "Are you heading to your boat to go where you live?"
I said, "No, we are heading to our boat, where we live. At least for the summer." Of course, they thought that was the best thing ever (see the "Marina People" previous post).
Joan cooked two meals today, so I suggested we go out for supper. With a nano-second of consideration, we were off... supper in a nice restaurant with a view of the marina. A walk up the street for a grocery stop, then back to the boat... just in time for the rain to start again. A 90% chance of rain predicted for tonight - they have that one right. And chilly. More of the same predicted for tomorrow.
I'm not sure I have enough layers.
The reality: the warmest I saw was 53º, the wind was blowing around 15 mph on the west side of the island, and it rained. Pretty consistently, once we got out of Friday Harbor. I had put on a compression shirt under my company shirt for the warmth... I was thinking that might be a bad idea as I walked to work. It sprinkled for about 10 minutes while we were prepping the boat, after the first mate had cleaned all the windows. We had a full boat; I told her to have rain slickers ready for each guest... thinking that if I was ready for the rain, it wouldn't happen. Apparently, reverse psychology doesn't work on Mother Nature?
Going through Cattle Pass on the way to the west side of the island, we were treated to the strongest currents and eddies I've seen this season. Oh, and it was raining. We found whales around Eagle Point, but they were being stealthy. The guests came out from under cover to watch. I ran north to see if we could find some more active whales. In the rain. Found a few. I saw a big male and a female make a fast turn as they dived. I guessed where they'd head and was rewarded with really good views for the guests. In the rain.
I switched out the company ball cap for the company wool knit cap; swapped my leather gloves for some warmer waterproof gloves. I was wishing I had put on longjohns. The water flattened out as we ran across Spieden Channel... we were treated to 3 bald eagles flying over, and the rain let up. By the time we got back to Friday Harbor, the rain quit. Nice timing. Still, the guests were happy, and my work day was done.
Joan got off at the same time I did, and we talked on our walk back to the boat. We ran into some people that she had booked for today's trip, and they put 2 and 2 together to figure out that we are a couple. One lady asked, "Are you heading to your boat to go where you live?"
I said, "No, we are heading to our boat, where we live. At least for the summer." Of course, they thought that was the best thing ever (see the "Marina People" previous post).
Joan cooked two meals today, so I suggested we go out for supper. With a nano-second of consideration, we were off... supper in a nice restaurant with a view of the marina. A walk up the street for a grocery stop, then back to the boat... just in time for the rain to start again. A 90% chance of rain predicted for tonight - they have that one right. And chilly. More of the same predicted for tomorrow.
I'm not sure I have enough layers.
Marina people...
Most of us have seen the posts about "People of Wal-Mart" and Wal-Mart bingo. We have certainly met some interesting folks while living in the marina this summer. And these days, we are officially marina people.
At some later date, I'll write about the people, but this post is a look into life on a 25' boat. Frankly, it is a snug space. And, we are doing fine with that. Living onboard is so completely different from cruising. When cruising, you have to have everything you think you will need onboard and everything stowed for whatever the water conditions may toss at you. We spend time at anchor, using the Wallas stove/heater (diesel fired) for most meals and keeping the boat warm. There is the daily anticipation of what you will encounter at the next intended anchorage or marina. The onboard batteries give us refrigeration and lights, but we have to run the generator for the microwave or battery charging. When you get somewhere, you are on foot (unless you brought the bicycles, which we didn't... space is always a compromise). The only things out on the table or dash are charts and a cruising guide. Communications with the rest of the world via cell coverage or internet, is very location dependent. You pack food in the order you think you will use it. Water conservation, like battery capacity is always on your mind. Weather means you may or may not be moving in the morning... or get much sleep if you are taking turns with an anchor watch in a storm.
Living onboard means we have many of the creature comforts of home, in a smaller package. We are plugged into electricity, so we have satellite TV, good internet, and an endless supply for recharging the various gadgets. There is a water spigot right off the bow of the boat, so we can fill our tank every other day (which is our current pace). We don't have to skimp on showers or dish washing. We don't have to have everything we own onboard, because there is storage available nearby. The truck is also nearby should we feel the need for a land excursion or a trip to the mainland for easy shopping. The grocery store and restaurants are within easy walking distance. We can leave some things out... even when the ferry comes in, the wake isn't enough to knock the TV off the table.
Don't discount the bonus of having a grocery store nearby - we can shop daily if need be, so we don't have to have so much food packed and stored. Prices on this island are expensive... but at least you have access. We did stock up on staples, like paper products, vitamins, toiletries, etc. There is a pizza place and an ice cream shop even closer than the grocery store. :-)
We have work schedules to meet and an easy walk to "the office." Joan's office is an office, mine is the helm of a whale watch boat. The boat I am on most often has a flybridge (up above the guests) that is open on 3 sides - if the weather is less than friendly, I am out in it. The view from my "office" is pretty darn impressive and always changing. I feel pressure to give our guests the best possible view of the whales, but still meet all the federal and state laws and the potential citations if I don't. The whales are wild animals, don't follow a route, and are on a constant hunt for food... their path varies as their prey scatters. There is no "this is what usually happens."
Our bed is a v-berth, named because it is the shape of a "V". Our heads are at the wide part, and we occasionally play footsies at the pointy end. Little Izzy sleeps where she wants... sometimes with us, sometimes on her blanket on one of the dinette seats. At home and in the RV, she generally sleeps by our feet - that gets a bit crowded in a v-berth.
We have taken to calling the cockpit of our boat "the lanai"... it is like having a sun room out back. If the weather is nice, it is a great place to sit, have an adult beverage, talk about each others' day, and watch other marina people go by. Very relaxing. It is also additional storage, and the place where we hang coats or other wet gear. I have had a few comments from friends about the "Sanford & Son" look from the back of our boat, but it is a necessity with this size boat. When we are cruising, we generally have one coat each that does a lot of duties; here, we need different gear depending on what job we are doing on any given day. Layers are the answer most days.
Yes, our boat has a bathroom. It is about the size of a bathroom on an airline, and is also our shower. I see a "parade" each day of people going from their boats to the marina showers ($1 for 3 minutes), schlepping all their stuff along. We both greatly prefer our accommodations... but the whole compartment does have to be wiped down after our daily showers. And well worth it.
Our fridge is small, but has worked well for us for years. Having the nearby grocery store makes it even easier. The fridge runs on electricity or our onboard batteries. Our daily water needs are taken care of with our onboard tank and a pump. A 6 gallon water heater is more than enough for our needs.
We are in a "neighborhood" of mostly liveaboard folks on a dock that is off from the transient boaters. That makes it quieter. We are now into "the season" and activity in the marina has increased. Plenty of activity, since this is a "hub" of boat activity in the San Juan Islands. Sea planes fly in and out. Ferries are regularly coming and going. Town is mostly compacted into a 4 to 5 block area, and parking can be tight. The ferries bring people on foot and with cars. If folks are only coming to Friday Harbor for the day, there really is no need for a car. Our truck goes days without being moved.
Little Izzy does fine on the boat. She has the run of the place and was allowed on the dock beside our boat on her own... until another boater told us stories about the river otters who have snatched pets right off the dock. No idea if that is "non-urban legend" or fact.
We are over 1/3 of the way through our commitment here. We enjoy the work and the environment... and, yes, we are doing fine with the living accommodations on Wild Blue. I don't think we'd be happy with any fewer amenities, though.
Living on a boat sounds romantic. The reality is: it depends on the people and the situation. Several of the neighbors around us are single people... we both think this is better because it is something we do together. Pretty much like what we've done all our married life.
Hope you enjoyed a "view" of our time as marina people. ;-)
At some later date, I'll write about the people, but this post is a look into life on a 25' boat. Frankly, it is a snug space. And, we are doing fine with that. Living onboard is so completely different from cruising. When cruising, you have to have everything you think you will need onboard and everything stowed for whatever the water conditions may toss at you. We spend time at anchor, using the Wallas stove/heater (diesel fired) for most meals and keeping the boat warm. There is the daily anticipation of what you will encounter at the next intended anchorage or marina. The onboard batteries give us refrigeration and lights, but we have to run the generator for the microwave or battery charging. When you get somewhere, you are on foot (unless you brought the bicycles, which we didn't... space is always a compromise). The only things out on the table or dash are charts and a cruising guide. Communications with the rest of the world via cell coverage or internet, is very location dependent. You pack food in the order you think you will use it. Water conservation, like battery capacity is always on your mind. Weather means you may or may not be moving in the morning... or get much sleep if you are taking turns with an anchor watch in a storm.
Living onboard means we have many of the creature comforts of home, in a smaller package. We are plugged into electricity, so we have satellite TV, good internet, and an endless supply for recharging the various gadgets. There is a water spigot right off the bow of the boat, so we can fill our tank every other day (which is our current pace). We don't have to skimp on showers or dish washing. We don't have to have everything we own onboard, because there is storage available nearby. The truck is also nearby should we feel the need for a land excursion or a trip to the mainland for easy shopping. The grocery store and restaurants are within easy walking distance. We can leave some things out... even when the ferry comes in, the wake isn't enough to knock the TV off the table.
Don't discount the bonus of having a grocery store nearby - we can shop daily if need be, so we don't have to have so much food packed and stored. Prices on this island are expensive... but at least you have access. We did stock up on staples, like paper products, vitamins, toiletries, etc. There is a pizza place and an ice cream shop even closer than the grocery store. :-)
We have work schedules to meet and an easy walk to "the office." Joan's office is an office, mine is the helm of a whale watch boat. The boat I am on most often has a flybridge (up above the guests) that is open on 3 sides - if the weather is less than friendly, I am out in it. The view from my "office" is pretty darn impressive and always changing. I feel pressure to give our guests the best possible view of the whales, but still meet all the federal and state laws and the potential citations if I don't. The whales are wild animals, don't follow a route, and are on a constant hunt for food... their path varies as their prey scatters. There is no "this is what usually happens."
Our bed is a v-berth, named because it is the shape of a "V". Our heads are at the wide part, and we occasionally play footsies at the pointy end. Little Izzy sleeps where she wants... sometimes with us, sometimes on her blanket on one of the dinette seats. At home and in the RV, she generally sleeps by our feet - that gets a bit crowded in a v-berth.
We have taken to calling the cockpit of our boat "the lanai"... it is like having a sun room out back. If the weather is nice, it is a great place to sit, have an adult beverage, talk about each others' day, and watch other marina people go by. Very relaxing. It is also additional storage, and the place where we hang coats or other wet gear. I have had a few comments from friends about the "Sanford & Son" look from the back of our boat, but it is a necessity with this size boat. When we are cruising, we generally have one coat each that does a lot of duties; here, we need different gear depending on what job we are doing on any given day. Layers are the answer most days.
Yes, our boat has a bathroom. It is about the size of a bathroom on an airline, and is also our shower. I see a "parade" each day of people going from their boats to the marina showers ($1 for 3 minutes), schlepping all their stuff along. We both greatly prefer our accommodations... but the whole compartment does have to be wiped down after our daily showers. And well worth it.
Our fridge is small, but has worked well for us for years. Having the nearby grocery store makes it even easier. The fridge runs on electricity or our onboard batteries. Our daily water needs are taken care of with our onboard tank and a pump. A 6 gallon water heater is more than enough for our needs.
We are in a "neighborhood" of mostly liveaboard folks on a dock that is off from the transient boaters. That makes it quieter. We are now into "the season" and activity in the marina has increased. Plenty of activity, since this is a "hub" of boat activity in the San Juan Islands. Sea planes fly in and out. Ferries are regularly coming and going. Town is mostly compacted into a 4 to 5 block area, and parking can be tight. The ferries bring people on foot and with cars. If folks are only coming to Friday Harbor for the day, there really is no need for a car. Our truck goes days without being moved.
Little Izzy does fine on the boat. She has the run of the place and was allowed on the dock beside our boat on her own... until another boater told us stories about the river otters who have snatched pets right off the dock. No idea if that is "non-urban legend" or fact.
We are over 1/3 of the way through our commitment here. We enjoy the work and the environment... and, yes, we are doing fine with the living accommodations on Wild Blue. I don't think we'd be happy with any fewer amenities, though.
Living on a boat sounds romantic. The reality is: it depends on the people and the situation. Several of the neighbors around us are single people... we both think this is better because it is something we do together. Pretty much like what we've done all our married life.
Hope you enjoyed a "view" of our time as marina people. ;-)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Put on a happy face...
Remember the song: "Gray skies are gonna clear up..."?
They did. Contrary to what the weather weasels predicted, the day started sunny, stayed sunny throughout the day, and ended sunny...
Not a bad view in the marina, either. I went into work a little early to put fuel on the boat I was driving. It is a holiday weekend (Canada Day today), and both boats were full. We headed north with a report that the whales were on the west side of the island, heading north. Well, they must have really been moving, 'cause we wound up going north of Stuart Island and into Canadian waters to find them.
But, what a show once we got there! Our boat was one of the first on the scene, and we had a ringside seat while a big male Orca and a half dozen females chugged right along. The guests were delighted with the views we had today. I made it a point to put us on the "good light" side of the whales, and cameras were clicking away.
By the time we were ready to head back south, I felt like I had been riding a mechanical bull for 3 hours. The water was a bit sloppy... you really feel that up on that tall flybridge.
Joan and I got off work at the same time; nice to walk home with my Honey. We unhooked Wild Blue and took her around to the dump station... not much of a ride, but it still felt good. What a sweet boat. Back to the slip, and supper out on the lanai (the cockpit). I took Izzy for a short walk, got a photo of Popeye, the one-eyed seal who has made the marina her home...
Hard to tell, but I think that's a happy face on Popeye, too. No doubt she's getting plenty of attention with all the people in the marina.
While walking back to the boat, I came across this unusual vessel...
It looks like someone started with a lifeboat and added a conestoga wagon. Whatever gets you out on the water.
The marina is buzzing with traffic and activity; more movement on our dock than I've seen all season. Welcome to the season. Full boats again tomorrow (I generally don't look more than one day in advance). And a pretty good chance of more blue skies! :-)
They did. Contrary to what the weather weasels predicted, the day started sunny, stayed sunny throughout the day, and ended sunny...
Not a bad view in the marina, either. I went into work a little early to put fuel on the boat I was driving. It is a holiday weekend (Canada Day today), and both boats were full. We headed north with a report that the whales were on the west side of the island, heading north. Well, they must have really been moving, 'cause we wound up going north of Stuart Island and into Canadian waters to find them.
But, what a show once we got there! Our boat was one of the first on the scene, and we had a ringside seat while a big male Orca and a half dozen females chugged right along. The guests were delighted with the views we had today. I made it a point to put us on the "good light" side of the whales, and cameras were clicking away.
By the time we were ready to head back south, I felt like I had been riding a mechanical bull for 3 hours. The water was a bit sloppy... you really feel that up on that tall flybridge.
Joan and I got off work at the same time; nice to walk home with my Honey. We unhooked Wild Blue and took her around to the dump station... not much of a ride, but it still felt good. What a sweet boat. Back to the slip, and supper out on the lanai (the cockpit). I took Izzy for a short walk, got a photo of Popeye, the one-eyed seal who has made the marina her home...
Hard to tell, but I think that's a happy face on Popeye, too. No doubt she's getting plenty of attention with all the people in the marina.
While walking back to the boat, I came across this unusual vessel...
It looks like someone started with a lifeboat and added a conestoga wagon. Whatever gets you out on the water.
The marina is buzzing with traffic and activity; more movement on our dock than I've seen all season. Welcome to the season. Full boats again tomorrow (I generally don't look more than one day in advance). And a pretty good chance of more blue skies! :-)
A flair for decorating...
Oh, it may be the way I put together my ensemble each day... the way my name badge asymmetrically opposes the embroidery of the company logo on my shirt... or the fact that my socks often match. I got a call yesterday morning from my lovely wife (who was already at work): "Can you come in early?"
"Do you have a charter for me?"
"No, Colleen (the boss) wants the boat decorated for the holiday and a special charter (political fund-raiser) this evening." And then, the proud fact that my fine taste was being recognized was dashed when she said, "Everyone else is busy."
When I got there, I was given two large bins of new Red, White, & Blue decorations (most not made in the US), with the careful instructions: "Put up as much of this stuff as you can, but make it tasteful." (Ah, they were aware of my talents!)
I'm not sure she got the humor when I said, "I am a student of the Clark Griswold School of Decorating."
It is interesting how few tape adhesive products stick to the textured gelcoat interior walls. I hung big red, white, & blue bows from hand-rails. Tie-wrapped cloth red, white, & blue "skirts" on exterior rails. Put twisting wind-socks on the aft cover supports. And barely made a dent in the contents of the two bins. I couldn't get the red, white, & blue twinkle lights to stay in place without drilling holes... "Oh, no holes!" I summarily dismissed the many rolls of crepe paper (Do you really want the place to look like a prom from the 70s??").
Oh, I knew that I would be ridiculed by the other captains when they showed up. Yep, "What the hell is this? You think that stuff is going to stay on when we're running at 17 knots?"
The captain that was running the other boat laughed and said, "Well, at least it's not on this boat!"
"That one is next!" I said. Well, I wasn't given any instructions to put decorations on that boat, but I took it as "decorator's discretion," and hung a couple cloth table skirts and bows.
The decorations held while we ran north into Canadian waters to get a great view of the whales. We were back to the dock with just enough time to clean up the boat. My services weren't needed for the "special charter" that evening... imagine my disappointment when I saw the huge platters of food being carried onboard. I helped carry some of the platters, hoping to snag a tasty morsel when no one was looking... didn't happen.
The captain driving that charter said to me, "I think we're going to get out of here late."
I said, "Have you ever had a VIP charter that left on schedule?" We both shook our head.
I took my stuff off the boat, and headed home to our boat. Just over 6.5 hours today (including a good 90 minutes of decorating), and my butt was dragging. It makes me wonder how I did 13 hour days the last two summers. On the walk down the dock, I passed two young guys who are captains on other boats... they said, "Hey, Captain Jim. Good day out there today, huh? We have the night off, and we're going bowling - want to join us?"
I thanked them for the invite, but told them there was a Blonde and an adult beverage waiting for me at our boat. Somehow that seemed better than telling them how tired I was from all the decorating. ;-)
"Do you have a charter for me?"
"No, Colleen (the boss) wants the boat decorated for the holiday and a special charter (political fund-raiser) this evening." And then, the proud fact that my fine taste was being recognized was dashed when she said, "Everyone else is busy."
When I got there, I was given two large bins of new Red, White, & Blue decorations (most not made in the US), with the careful instructions: "Put up as much of this stuff as you can, but make it tasteful." (Ah, they were aware of my talents!)
I'm not sure she got the humor when I said, "I am a student of the Clark Griswold School of Decorating."
It is interesting how few tape adhesive products stick to the textured gelcoat interior walls. I hung big red, white, & blue bows from hand-rails. Tie-wrapped cloth red, white, & blue "skirts" on exterior rails. Put twisting wind-socks on the aft cover supports. And barely made a dent in the contents of the two bins. I couldn't get the red, white, & blue twinkle lights to stay in place without drilling holes... "Oh, no holes!" I summarily dismissed the many rolls of crepe paper (Do you really want the place to look like a prom from the 70s??").
Oh, I knew that I would be ridiculed by the other captains when they showed up. Yep, "What the hell is this? You think that stuff is going to stay on when we're running at 17 knots?"
The captain that was running the other boat laughed and said, "Well, at least it's not on this boat!"
"That one is next!" I said. Well, I wasn't given any instructions to put decorations on that boat, but I took it as "decorator's discretion," and hung a couple cloth table skirts and bows.
The decorations held while we ran north into Canadian waters to get a great view of the whales. We were back to the dock with just enough time to clean up the boat. My services weren't needed for the "special charter" that evening... imagine my disappointment when I saw the huge platters of food being carried onboard. I helped carry some of the platters, hoping to snag a tasty morsel when no one was looking... didn't happen.
The captain driving that charter said to me, "I think we're going to get out of here late."
I said, "Have you ever had a VIP charter that left on schedule?" We both shook our head.
I took my stuff off the boat, and headed home to our boat. Just over 6.5 hours today (including a good 90 minutes of decorating), and my butt was dragging. It makes me wonder how I did 13 hour days the last two summers. On the walk down the dock, I passed two young guys who are captains on other boats... they said, "Hey, Captain Jim. Good day out there today, huh? We have the night off, and we're going bowling - want to join us?"
I thanked them for the invite, but told them there was a Blonde and an adult beverage waiting for me at our boat. Somehow that seemed better than telling them how tired I was from all the decorating. ;-)
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