February into March

The WOWers have kept busy through the winter season. We started a little project that we could do by the fire as the snow fell. When that finally passed we had a few "sew parties".  A special thanks to Jill for hostessing our first party. Of course there was tea and snacks!

This has been a big project - unlike anything we have done together before. 

And... just like always the WOWers pull it off. 

Watch for the big reveal on another day.

On February 16th the whole crew came together to "pull her out" (of the water). 

It is always a big deal. The gig has to be scrubbed down, the lift area cleaned and 

 then the gig transported on the trailer. 

Note the mussels - too little for a feast. 

Oh, well. 

She was moved over to the Petrich property. 

Vérité is now inside the Boat Builders shop and what a lovely haven it is too...

Today we sanded oars and then doused in sauce

 all the while we enjoyed the sunshine 

outside on the tarmac. 

Oh, what a day it was too, it was almost hot!

The moon, nearly full, could be seen leaping up from the horizon. 

The mountains were in all their glory decorated in snow. 

But the best part was being in, on or around Vérité  with friends. 

The pull out in review....

 

Not exactly how hanging fruit!

The celebration party at Alferds

Look at the sunshine!!!!

As we always say... it just doesn't get better than this!

January 2019

January 2019 will be remembered as "oh, that time we saw the bubbling drips (so many opinions about what they were too!) and the sea lions" (some said "What sea lions?").  Another time a little sea creature came close, it was either a baby harbor seal or perhaps sea otters? One time we were buzz-bombed by a drone. I bet the operator could tell we were eating homemade chocolate chip cookies it studied us so completely from stem to stern. How can you have any real fun if you are being watched?  It was like having a parent hover over us. The only person I know who needs that much supervision is the president!

Anyway, January was grand - be it cold, windy, foreboding with huge dark clouds or so sunny we teared up.  Sometimes that in the same day. At times there were only a few sturdy souls.  That's why this past week was such a surprise (it being the middle of winter still) we had 12 women in all! Several of the 12  were new folks trying Verite's oars on for size. After all 18 foot oars aren't a fit for every woman but just as soon as she figures out how to use the power of wood on water most are "in love" with Verite and the concept of tea time in/on or near Commencement Bay.

Just a few shots from the many....

Winter rains mean bailing - thank goodness for the electric pump

and a few 'just can't' wait souls. 

DRIP drop all in a line. Is it a leak from a gas line? 

Or farting harbor seals but how could they be so clever to fart in a row?

Duh, we are under the granary roof!

See the hump - of course you agree it is a sea lion, right?

Can you see the little dark spot on the left? Head pops up and marks the spot.

Foreboding, right? 

It has been some time since we last saw the mountain and a ship's hull in alignment. 

And we've never seen a transfer from shore to ship before this last Monday. That was impressive!

Apollon - getting ready to dock at the granary. 

Excuse me... my tea cup is coming to me....

Isn't that a gorgeous sight - a full cup of Life Boat Tea, a boat full of rowers 

and the evidence of treats near by?

Any you way you look at it from stern to bow or bow to stern - 

being aboard Verite is a wonderful place to be. 

Mudlarking on the Sound

Yes, mudlarking.  Have you seen the YouTube videos of stalwart mudlarking enthusiasts who walk the Themes at low tide seeking historical rewards?

In winter we WOWers sometimes do other things than row. This year it was to go mudlarking at low tide at Owens Beach.  Eight hardy souls were willing to give it a try - in the dark - since low tide and sunset converged at the same time. With raincoats,rain pants and boots, flashlights & plastic bags in hand we were ready. But first we must be fortified for our adventure!

A dear WOWer opened her home to us. She made soup and tea and provided a place for us to break bread and cheese, veggies and dips, a spread of all kinds which included chocolates - plenty too - homemade and the fancy sort. When we were nearly comatose from eating "just one more truffle" we headed down to the water.

Where are you?

We are so happy to live in such a beautiful place. We are extremely lucky to have Point Defiance Park as our oasis. The beach from Anthony's to beyond Owens Beach sparkled in the evening light. The Vashon ferry went to and fro several times brightening the evening sky. Surprisingly there were other folks taking in the beauty of the evening during the brief respite from the rain. The WOWers walked and talked and observed. It was noted there was no trash, nor unwanted items or mudlarking treasures either. The beach was clean, something we should all be very pleased to know. Not even any litter to pick up!

There were several bright orange sea stars which had washed ashore and happily a live chiton. You don't see one of those every day. Two sea lions were spotted in the glooming as they harrumphed around in the water not far from shore. In the dark they looked spooky with their snouts and all.

Reminders of the walk...

The word of the day is holdfast.

A holdfast is a rootlike structure used by some plants and algae to firmly affix themselves to substrates such as rock. Many people associate holdfasts with seaweed, although they can also be found on land; ivy, for example, produces holdfasts which help it climb rock and brick walls.

As we walked and talked the state of our Country bubbled up. We all agreed, with the new year approaching, perhaps we need to "holdfast". We foresee it is going to be a hard start to a fresh New Year. So find your rock, your foundation. Hold on tight for it is going to be challenging. May we all remember that we live on one planet, an island of sorts... so we should all try hard to be in  harmony with Nature at the very least and at the most considerate of all life.

December rows

I have been a bit delinquent in reporting on the WOWers rowing adventures in December. Our row on December 10 was a bit much! There were only 5 of us. Crazy bunch that we are went out with wind and wave and we were proud to say we made it to the bridge! Sorry there aren't any pictures to prove it!

Our row on December 17 we made it slightly farther. It was a very grey day, the wind stopped and so did the rain just as we arrived as it does so often does until it Mother Nature says 'time'. With lungs filled with fresh air we headed inside for tea and "cookies"rather than be swept out to sea. You would be surprised how many seek our company during tea time! Ginger snaps and chocolate chip I think it was...

We are so thankful for the electric pump - it was a boat full of water this day.