Physician Heal Thyself -- Wednesday, 6/26/2013 -- Day 47

Many do not know Jake's registered name, "Dr. Jake C. Harleton, MD."  (Redundancy intended.)  It's a long story.

Dr. Jake  tries to heal himself, as canines do, but we are not sure what is going on.  His Uncle Ray, whose medical credentials are somewhat better than Dr. Jake's, comments that Jake has a grass seed in his paw and recommends a trip to a doctor who has a certificate on the wall.

So I retrieve the brochure that has a handwritten note, "Free Exam," on the front, which we won at the Bark in the Park last week, and make an appointment with Banfield Pet Hospital in Burlington for this very afternoon.

Meanwhile, Herb and I decide we should have a local bank with an ATM for some 'walking around money,' necessary when merchants or vendors want cash only.  Imagine this:  No one, I repeat, No one in this town will cash a check for us -- either because it is their policy, or because we do not have an account in their bank.  Policy.  We understand.

So it makes sense to open an account.

We see the sign at Washington Federal about 1% interest, and it gets our attention.  Angela welcomes us and before we can get down to business, we discover that she knows where we live -- literally -- in our winter hometown.  Several minutes of animated conversation ensue and we end up Facebook friends.

Herb Showing Pictures to Angela

Somehow Angela manages to get our account open while we are visiting, and we hurry off to the Animal Hospital, located in PetSmart in Burlington.  As we wait to check in, Herb invites Jake to sit and we see a beautiful Husky/Lab waiting to invite Jake to play in puppy fashion.  Quite a tangle of leashes takes place before the Husky is whisked into the exam room.

The display of Thunder Shirts is conveniently placed where we wait, and I finally find one large enough for Jake.  We decide now is a good time to try it out, anticipating the white coat anxiety he will experience.

He knows what is coming and lays his head in Herb's lap, saying, "Daddy, save me from the Vet Lady."

Herb replies, "Jake, this hurts me more than it hurts you."

Jake changes his mood when he sees the veterinarian, Hayley Danson, DVM, who makes instant friends with him -- no Thunder Shirt needed here!

A quick stick and sting and he is all better.  He gives Dr. Danson the best Thank You he knows!

A treat at the counter and a new toy he picks from the PetSmart shelf, and we are on our way.

Does it have a squeaky?

Dr. Jake and Dr. Danson

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Getting Started -- Monday - Tuesday, 6/24 - 6/25, 2013 -- Days 45 - 46

It is Summer, officially, and sometimes weather-wise, as well.  

Ranger Tug owners look forward to the near-end of Summer event when we gather for the annual Rendezvous, held in recent years in Bremerton WA.  

Harmony Kellogg of Bellingham heads up the planning committee for this year's party, which will be in Anacortes at Cap Sante Marina.   On Tuesday she meets with Bruce Moore and Vicki Brown, who help to work out the agenda and To-do list.  Off to a good start!

Jeff Messmer of Ranger Tug Factory and Herb and Willie also attend the meeting in one of the tents to be reserved for the Rendezvous.  

We look forward to meeting the new boat owners and those with whom we have become friends in years past.

Thank you to all who make this happen!

Jeff, Herb, Harmony, Bruce and Vicki

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Monday - Tuesday, June 24-25, 2013

Front Row Center -- Sunday, 6/23, 2013 - Day 44

Ruth Backlund and Jo Jeffry perform a piano duet of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" in the afternoon at Anacortes Lutheran Church.  

Jo has played for many theatre productions in Skagit Valley and has taught music  in the public school system.  She is director for the La Conner Community Chorus.  Ruth is an organist/pianist for the Church.*

During the introduction of the piece, we learn that Gershwin hurriedly wrote it in three weeks, after he learned from a newspaper article that it would be performed in an upcoming concert.  

Herb and I have the best seats in the house, and I delight to watch the body English -- or shall I say Italian -- in the feet, hands and facial expressions of the pianists.

Today we are spellbound for the 15 minute performance.

*Taken from the Church Bulletin

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Sunday, June 23, 2013

Jake's New Toy -- Saturday, 6/22/2013 -- Day 43

Jake has not had a new toy in a while, and chooses to ignore his baseball bar bells which squeak, because he has not been successful in tearing the squeakie out.  

A toy is not fun unless he can do surgery on it.

So on our morning walk today we go to Safeway across the street for a new purchase.

Oh, yes, the walk.

Wanting another different direction, Herb heads out from Cap Sante along the water front by Anthony's Restaurant, the boat lift and goes as far as there is sidewalk.  Preferring not to back-track, he finds a trail -- did I say trail? -- and proceeds forward.

Shall I follow?  I am reminded of the time a few days ago when I said I would never again follow Herb Stark on a trail.

But this one is not challenging and is short.  

A quick visit to Safeway and Herb emerges with a fluffy toy, which Jake immediately takes in his mouth and proudly holds.

I would love to know what he thinks as he walks home -- is he wondering how long it will take to find the sqeaky?

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Saturday, June 22, 2013

Slow Boat on a Slow Day -- Friday, 6/21/2013 -- Day 42

Today is a good day to travel, so we depart Friday Harbor amidst chop and some rolling, due to winds on the beam and many boats about.  No problem, as I now stow items on Willie's Tug more securely.  Nothing falls.  

The skies are partly sunny -- so much different from yesterday -- and get better as the day progresses. 

We go south of Shaw, north by Lopez, then north of Blakely, where the Henry Island Ferry carrying propane tanks meets us in Upright Channel. 

Oh, NO!  I see the Victoria Clipper coming!  A most colorful vessel, but known to give tremendous wakes.  Not a bad one today.  Thank you.

We head toward Peavine Pass and see a Coast Guard helicopter appear to come from Rosario Strait.  Hope all is well.

On this leisurely day we decide lunch should be at Blakely Island General Store and Marina.  Herb enjoys his chicken and dumpling soup and half of my very large BBQ pulled pork sandwich.  Ben asks if his slow cooked BBQ is as good as the mesquite smoked we have in Texas.  I have to say it is.

A family plays a fun looking game of throwing a rope with a ball on either end, and hoping to lock it around a bar.  Amazingly, it can be done.  I am sure this game has a name.

 Find Willie's Tug....

Find Brenna's school bus, the Guemes Ferry - 

Alliance on a trip from Cap Sante Marina

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Friday, June 21, 2013

Weather -- Thursday, 6/20/2013 -- Day 41

Our dock friend, Skip, decides to stay another day when the weather turns cold and rainy with winds 25 to 30.  Not a good day to travel.  His comment is, "Never leave a good port on a bad day."

We stay as well, and watch it rain and rain.  The ferries don't worry about it, and stay on schedule.

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Grocery -- Wednesday, 6/19/2013 - Day 40

Jake begins his day with getting petted by Joan and friend at San Juan Safaris office.  

Then he is off to the grocery for provisions, as really bad weather is expected tomorrow, and we extend our stay until is passes.  Someone told a secret that the grocery store near the marina is adequate, but expensive, and there is another one up the hill without a sign out front that caters to locals at reduced prices and more variety.

So up the hill we go.  Jake rests outside in the shade while Herb and I make our purchases.

As we walk the docks we always look for Popeye at the Fish Market, but today is the first time we get to see her.  Tourists feed her shrimp and when she jumps to catch them, Jake jumps -- but backward!  He is not sure what that animal in the water is.

Popeye is a harbor seal with a damaged eye, and a pet of the marina.   There is a sculpture of her along the walking path, and a trip to Friday Harbor is not complete without getting to see her.

Popeye Eating Shrimp

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Exploring the East Side --Tuesday, 6/18/2013 -- Day 39

B Dock gets a new guest, Skip, who ties up behind us, and says he built his wooden boat.  We enjoy visiting with him and hearing his many stories.

Our walk today takes a different direction to explore the area, and we head south and east along the edge of the bay.  We pass many marinas that are private, but two miles later we come to Shipyard Cove Marina and Albert Jenson's Boatyard.  

My foot remembers Mr. Connover's old rusty truck, whose tailgate chose that moment to complete its rusting and fell on my foot.  I barely touch Mr. Jenson's truck today.

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Starfish -- Monday, 6/17/2013 -- Day 38

Anxious to visit Friday Harbor, one of our favorite ports, we cast off this afternoon for the relatively short cruise.    We are fortunate to get a spot on the inside of B Dock, just down from the Customs Office, and which has a vantage view of boats going and coming into the harbor.

A young man fishing catches a starfish on our dock and brings him up for us to examine.  He tells us a fish can grow up to 24 legs, but this one has only 18.

He says each one of these tentacles is a hungry mouth, and some passersby want to give him a piece of meat to see the action.  We do not wait for the show.

Some teenage girls get brave enough to touch the starfish, and have their Mom take a photo for proof.

Jim and Joan of Wild Blue are having a day off from work, so we wake them from a nap to invite them to Happy Hour at our boat.  Jim is Captain of a whale watch boat, and Joan books guests' tours.   It is fun to catch up on what is happening, and then dinner tops off the evening.

Seafood Medley

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Monday, June 17, 2013

Anacortes Lutheran Church -- Sunday, 6/16/2013 - Day 37

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Sunday, June 16, 2013

Bark in the Park -- Friday - Saturday, 6/14-6/15, 2013 -- Days 35-36

A darling little girl dances to the music at Anacortes' Saturday Farmers' Market, while we enjoy lunch.

On our list for getting ready for the next trip is a black boat fender which we know to find at a favorite hardware store that has the resident cat on guard against enemy dogs.

Kitty is Sleeping

DeNeane finds just the fender we need, and she and Herb recall their meeting last year, when she gave extremely good customer service to us.  The store would be closed when we were back in town and needed a fender for an upcoming trip,so she offered to take it home with her to give to him at our convenience.

Herb thanked her with a gift of chocolate from Victoria BC!

If you can't find it here....

Ray tells us of the Bark in the Park activity at Storvik Park today, so we take our barker to visit.

Many vendor booths are advertising their services, and I spin the wheel to win a free veterinarian visit at Banfield Pet Hospital in Burlington.  Jake appreciates this.

At one arena, owners can train their pets to retrieve, at another there are obstacles for exercising. 

 My favorite event of the day is the Kissing Contest.  Judges are selected from the vendors attending, and many contestants enter.

I'm sure the judges have a tough time selecting the winner.

We move on to visit with Brenna, who is working at the Japanese Student Exchange Program booth.  She is studying Japanese to visit that country, and to have a student live with them for a time.  There are treats available, and Jake tries to help himself.

Brenna

Of course, Jake is our winner, even though the camera misses the real kiss.

Willie of Willie's Tug,
     and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
     Friday - Saturday, June 14 - 15, 2013