She's out!

Under deepening mist we bailed and scrubbed the Verite from dockside. There were 9 of us in all. There's something about being in the mist - it sorts out the straight hairs from the curly.

 

So, it is with some sadness we announce Verite is out of the water. It was such a lovely season.

I would have loved for one more row (in a light falling snow).

Instead now the stories will be of labor and cold, aching fingers and sore muscles.

That's the life for those who love a wooden boat. 

However, after you have scrubbed and sanded and oiled and painted

you just love her more.

It's a lot like owning a cat - fur everywhere, bad fishy breath, outlandish vet bills,

but you still love them anyway.

That's the way it is with Verite.

 

If, by chance, you like the thought of keeping a sea scout boat in good repair

 and on the water

and want to help support a good cause -

(it is the season of giving)

You may donate to the Tacoma Youth Marine Center.

The Tacoma Youth Marine Center is

located at 820 East D. St.

Tacoma, WA

It is tax deductible.

 

We also want to thank the staff at Commencement Bay Marine Services -

Tom, Vonnie, Leonard and Joe

We appreciate all your efforts to help us safely and sanely get'r done.

 

 

 

 

Rain, Snow and Great Hope

Last week we embraced the weather. Although it was overcast and grey we headed out. How karmic to see in big bold letters - Great Hope! Yes, a perfect motto. Each week we row out with great hope - with enthusiasm to see whatever there is to see and feel and hear and smell and do. Seldom if ever are we disappointed - even if it is rain. See how it makes the floor boards sparkle and shine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Where do we get that enthusiastic HOPE?

Perhaps it is the tea?

Now that it is winter we are drinking English Lifeboat Tea (the official Williamson Tea).

The package reads Thank you for helping save lives at sea by drinking this tea.

Little do they know - drinking tea and rowing perhaps is saving our lives as well.

Somehow it makes you strong!

 

In fact, this week - in 30 degree weather, snow on the ground, brilliant sunshine and on a HIGH - HIGH tide,  we did what we have never done before. We threw down car mats (ice on the deck) and threw in the Lifeboat tea! OMG! Was it wonderful or what?

The water was glass like, the logs drifting in from the bay (which had been washed down the river in last week's deluge) made for some great navigating, and the best part - was feeling really alive!

We had butt bites, pumpkin bread with cream cheese, fruit and cheese and the best goodies along with our tea!

Why? Well, everyone should know you have to have something to wash down with the tea.

 

A butt bite is a tiny breaded piece of halibut. Indescribably good! 

 On the way back someone shouted out - a whale! A porpoise! A seal! Then just to be funny I shouted out Walrus! "Whaaaat?" They said.  I said, you know - "global warming." Okay, maybe it's a Sea Lion? The group aboard decided it was a whale. That's our story and we're sticking to it. Maybe you can see it by the container ship?

 

It is with sadness I report that the boat is scheduled to come out of the water this week.

Maintenance begins.

The price for all those lovely days on the water.

 

Making New Traditions

I arrived early this past Monday to check the Verite over with my own eyes.

Looking at the various parts that need attention when she is pulled out of the water.

There's a bit of this and that and she has grown mossy and brown down under. Sigh.

 It is good to have a physical therapist as part of your personal healthcare team.

Trust me it is related.

 

 

The skies were blue and the water smooth. It was a beautiful day.

 

It was also a special day. The WOWers planned an outing to

Johnny's Seafood and Bistro on Thea Foss Waterway.

It isn't too far away.

The weather and water were just right.

Patrice coxed for the first time.

I don't know, we might not be able to get that stick out of her hand.

I think she LIKED it.

 

Johnny's was all ready for us too. 

Good food, good times, good company.

A new tradition in the making.

 

And then they got silly!

 

The row back was reflected beauty everywhere you looked.

It was a perfect temperature.

To think - still rowing this late in the season!

(it's late - at least for us!)

 

Sorry Jill, no pictures of you coxing us on the way home.

You will just have to cox again.

That is if you can wrestle the stick away from someone.

 

The mountain was out too!!!

 

Here's a little video: