The Shallow End

The Weekend in Pictures

It floats! And sails!!

Our Future But Only Temporary Home (Tyee Marina in Tacoma)

The Neighbors (Exhibit A)

The Neighbors (Exhibit B)

Picnic on the Dock (prosciutto, smoked salmon, goat cheese, crackers, strawberries, grapes, figs, capers, and powdered donuts...a sensible dinner by all accounts)

Bokay To Go

Only in Seattle (One must wonder who is giving advice on what to whom)

We had a blast and all went well (after clearing security that is...twice...it is important to read the departure board and note the gate number before waiting in the wrong security line for half an hour...and do take note that the 1 Qt Ziploc bag is still in popular favor...in fact, even if you have nothing to put in it, it is wise to take with you a 1 Qt Ziploc bag just in case...I was told that my approximately 1 Qt clear pouch...the one that came with my carry-on suitcase post 9/11, designed to carry the usual liquid substances, was "confusing" and that in the future I should adhere to the Ziploc standard so as to avoid such confusion). On our return trip, the security line at Sea-Tac was easily a mile long (3 cruise ships had just come in, dumping all of their passengers at Sea-Tac), but it only took 25 minutes to get through...amazing!

This time, because we planned on visiting many places that are off the beaten path, and because we have had difficulties navigating Seattle in the past (I swear it's the bad signage, starting at the airport, but that's another post for another day), we decided to rent a GPS with our rental car. We arrived late at night and were told that we needed to exit the airport parking lot before turning it (the GPS, not the car) on. So we followed the signs to the freeway and had difficulty finding a safe place to pull over. Several miles later. I managed to pick the one exit that was not really an exit but an onramp to another freeway and before we knew it, we were nestled in a quiet little residential area somewhere northeast of Seattle. We plugged in the GPS and thus began our adventures with Mrs. Google, as MBH called her (he is not a computer user but he knows that Google knows all). Apparently, Mrs. Google is not set up to get you to the nearest freeways, avenues or thoroughfares, but is more inclined to the scenic, residential, and cul-de-sacs. And so we traveled. Clear across town by way of the narrow residential streets lined with parked cars on either side and miniature traffic circles. But we never got lost which is a credit to Mrs. Google, who spent most of her time "recalculating." I did, however, miss having a paper map to follow along. I love maps. I have volunteered for the position of navigator when the time comes to sail away...and I will have paper charts in addition to the GPS and other electronic gizmos. That time may be coming very soon...

We are now just 2 or 3 steps away from being real live boat owners...next step, engine inspection; then price re-negotiation if any big repairs are looming; and then, finally, we will...choke...sign a very large check. But the scariest part is what lies beyond that. I mean, I have no idea how to do even the very basic things like turn on the lights, or, um, use "the head." Let alone, how to empty it. After the sea trial, I am much more comfortable with the notion of sailing the vessel, but also much more concerned about getting it in and out of the slip without impaling the other boats with our anchor. That would be bad. Very bad.

Labels: Sailing, Travel

posted by Gwynne @ 10:29 PM