Willie's Tug Passes the Test -- Saturday, June 10, 2017

Scanning first to the starboard, and then to the port side, Herb and I watch for vessel traffic as we leave Poulsbo to cross Puget Sound for our destination at Shilshole Bay Marina.  We had been reluctant to leave that fun town, but know there are more places we want to go.  "Herb, I see a small boat off in the distance; it is red, and I think it may be the Coast Guard."

Sure enough, it is the Coast Guard, who cruises up to our port side, asking if we have been boarded recently. 

Since it had been a while, they ask permission to come aboard for an inspection.  

Absolutely!

We are told to idle the engine, while their boat drops off two officers who climb into Willie's Tug's cockpit.  Questions are asked, and one officer writes notes on his checklist.

The two boats drift slightly apart.

All finished with the work, we enjoy conversation, sharing stories of when we have been boarded in the past.   But now, for the life of me, I can't remember how we got onto the subject of tattoos.  Imagine my surprise when one of the officials rolls up his sleeve to show me his tattoo!

We could have talked for hours, I suppose, but their boat comes to fetch them.  We get a thumbs up, passing inspection, and a copy of the report for our log.

The Coast Guard boat backs away, and all wave as they speed past us.

Our excitement for the day continues with the sighting of the Mayan Queen that we had seen in Lake Union a few days ago.  Channel 14 Traffic broadcasts that she is has left Shilshole Bay Marina, and a cruise ship, American Spirit, will leave soon.

Watching American Spirit carefully, we ease between her and the breakwater to cruise to our assigned slip.

What a day! 

Find Willie's Tug at Shilshole Bay Marina....

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Saturday, June 10, 2017