Desolation Sound Trip | Days 1 & 2

Back on the Boat Again

Our plan was to leave September 5th. At some point, we decided to change plans (imagine that!) and continue on from our weekend trip to Poulsbo. We enjoyed some time with the wee lads, celebrated Mac’s upcoming 3rd birthday (hard to believe!), wished my parents a happy 72nd wedding anniversary (crikey!) prepped the condo, and took off yesterday.

Funny Noise

The last thing any boater wants to hear is an unfamiliar noise. It happens…especially with a new boat, before you’re used to that boat’s normal operating sounds.

When we arrived at the boat, Nick opened the door and immediately said those words, “I hear a funny noise from the boat.” Uh oh. I set aside my load of various bags and bins, preparing to help sniff out this “funny noise.” Sure enough, I heard it and was immediately concerned. Never know what to expect, right?

Within a few seconds I heard Nick chuckle, then say, “Oh, I know what it is.” His shaver. It sometimes turns on when it’s been packed and jostled around – sensitive power button. It’s happened before. Easy fix!

Host…Without the Most…

We arrived at Blake Island after a smooth and easy cruise north through Colvos Pass.

So nice to have high tide and see over the breakwater!

As usual, we were soon greeted by the current host. Nice guy, said he was on the “ugly Nordic,” which prompted a short conversation about mutual admiration of what we call “cousin” boats. I told him we’d already dropped our payment and wouldn’t be using power. He asked me if I’d included the added length with our dinghy in my payment. Huh. I’ve never been asked that before. I told him we have a pass, he said “great” and went about his business.

A bit later, a small trawler with two couples pulled in. I was watching in case they needed assistance. I made a comment to Nick that they seemed unprepared. The host showed up to help, and this is where it gets interesting.

Host: You’re not ready to dock, you have no lines out. (Repeated).

Captain: I have a bow line.

Host: I don’t want a bow line, I want a midship line. Bow line does me no good.

Boaters continued prepping for docking. Host made comments about the fact that the boat was towing a kayak and a tube, and they were in the way. (Not ideal, but no big deal either.)

Host: Do you have a line without all this junk on it?

One of the women to the captain: Do you have a line without a snubber on it?

Captain, after getting tied up: Oh ya, I’ve been around boats all my life.

Again...huh. This was not the whole conversation, just the parts I overheard. Nick and I talked later about this interaction and agreed that, while helpful, the host crossed a line. Yes, the boaters were underprepared. Yes, it’s the host’s job to be of assistance while ensuring safety and as-smooth-as-possible operations at the marina. But really, what could the host have said to the captain to prompt that last comment about the captain’s experience with boats? “Ever been on a boat before?” “Know anything about boating?” Really not okay in my book. Definitely unnecessary. We couldn’t help but compare this host’s attitude and way of interfacing with guest boaters with that of other hosts. Dude aboard Amazing Grace III would never have said those things! He may have offered suggestions to help the captain understand how things could have gone differently, but he wouldn’t talk in such a rude, condescending manner.

Jerk.

Delicious!

My usual breakfast of Greek yogurt and granola was made all the yummier by Steve Z’s. low sugar apricot jam!

Looking Ahead

The weather is going to be about ten degrees cooler over the next few days. I’m ready for that. Even Nick said, “I’ll take it.” Off to Poulsbo this weekend to meet Lady KD. Plan is to stop in Port Townsend Sunday, and then across the strait to the SJI’s – exact destination TBD.