Seagulls Vs Willie's Car -- Sunday, July 16, 2017

After a very restful evening aboard Willie’s Tug side tied to the dock at LaConner, we cast off our lines at 9A with only a short distance to get to Cap Sante at Anacortes.  I think of previous years when we would always see an eagle perched atop one or more of the pilings along Swinomish Channel.  But not today.  Maybe they are fishing somewhere or building a nest in the top of a tree nearby.

I guess the most interesting thing we will see today is the railroad bridge across the channel, and it is open today for boat traffic, as no trains are coming right now.  The smokestack from the refinery on the coast of Fidalgo Island is seen in the background, showing how close we are to Anacortes. The Casino and Lodge owned by the Swinomish tribe comes into view as we pass under the bridge.

In this very narrow stretch of the channel leading to Padillo Bay many small skiffs and not so small fishing boats, all going lickety-split and throwing big wakes, pass us. We laugh about their speed, as if they need to get to the fishing hole before all the fish are caught.

Another funny thought is years ago when we had a summer slip at Cap Sante, and went other places for a few days coming back on Sunday, the traffic going in and out was so heavy that we vowed, “Never on Sunday.”   Reminds us of a song first recorded by Melina Mercouri in the film by the same name, and later recorded by many other artists.

Threading through the crab trap buoys and anchored tankers here is not too difficult, and we are soon cruising up to the reciprocal slips on “O” Dock in Cap Sante Marina.  Lines are tied at 10:38A – short cruise today, and we are ‘home’ once again.

Herb registers Willie's Tug on the Anacortes Yacht Club's log book, and I take our pay envelope to their clubhouse mailbox.  On the way back, I go through the parking lot to check on our two cars, and am horrified at the sight of the evidence that tells me a passing seagull has made a visit. Looks like it could have been a flock of seagulls.   I text the photo to Herb.  He says he will take it to the carwash right away.  I tell him to bring a bucket of water, as he probably could not see through the dusty, dirty windshield to safely drive that far.  He texts back that he will bring a bucket and sponge.  It is strange indeed, that the BMW has lotsa spots, but our tan Jeep parked next to it has none. Do seagulls have an aversion to white cars?

Find Willie's dirty car....

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Sunday, July 16, 2017