And Willie Said: May 2012

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Blake Island State Park, WA

We are 'pros' now, having been through the small locks with Willie's Tug all by ourselves. That's one in a row!

We went through the large locks alone on our boat last week. One in a row!

Stern Line

As before in the large locks, Herb works the bow line, as I handle the stern.

To the Bow

Locks

Viewing Bridge

A short ride across Puget Sound and to the south brings us to Blake Island State Park. The island is 475 acre marine camping park, accessible only by boat.

Find Willie's Tug.

At low tide we climb the ramp to see over the breakwater for a view of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle.

Restaurant in Tillicum Village

A short walk around the grounds reminds us that there are deer which we may see in the evening or early morning. Jake will be on leash!

A Park Ranger comes by at dusk to let us know that we may be visited by raccoons at night, and that we should have all food inside the cabin.

With the cabin and Jake secured, and the gentle roll of the surf, we sleep well.

Willie of Willie's Tug,

and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

May 28, 2012

Monday, May 28, 2012

Last Day of Fishermen's Mini Cruise

Our days together have flown by and it is the last evening of the Fishermen's Mini Cruise.

Tonight's dinner is provided by David and Maureen of Destiny, and features pulled pork and pulled chicken.

The food and sides are wonderful, and we save room for assorted flavors of 'cake in a cup.'

There's cheesecake to come, also.

Bob thanks David and Maureen for the dinner, and we thank Bob and Nita for organizing the mini cruise.

There is so much food that we invite passersby to share with us. Many join us and are surprised and delighted.

Fred and Diana

Jake entertains Craig and Kathy

Cliche-ly said, "A good time was had by all."

Willie of Willie's Tug,

and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

May 27, 2012

In the evening we gather for Happy Hour and spend time getting to know our neighbors, Jocelyn and Ray, and their daughter, Brenna. Fishermen's being a working marina, the commercial boats have priority. So in order to have all our boats on the same dock, we raft where space permits in the horseshoe, and Jocelyn and Ray raft Nudibranch next to Willie's Tug. The only fee to us is having to pet Jake each time they come across our cockpit. Brenna and Jake both benefit.

The last boat to come in is Island Ranger 29 with Rich and Shirley aboard. They get plenty of help tying up.

David wastes no time in making a Flemish coil in the spring line.

Flemish Coil

After the dinner of hot dogs and burgers supplied by Bob and Nita, we draw numbers for prizes donated by vendors that we patronize. Brenna is excited to pick what we hope is a lucky number.

Brenna Draws her Number

When Herb's number is called, he chooses a shiny blue gift bag.

Joanne likes the red one.

Ann is totally delighted with her gift certificate from King Canvas, which she can use to enhance her cockpit.

Herb's prize is a beautiful bottle of cranberry wine from Pasek Cellars in Mount Vernon WA. The label is a picture of red tulips and lemons -- my colors for Willie's Tug, and was the featured wine at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival held this Spring.

The bottle will look really nice with my red and yellow floral arrangement on the boat.

I promise you that this drawing was not rigged!!!