This gathering ranked up there with my favorites...what a blast.
This was the first trip with First Mate Koko. Weimaraner #2 is definitely a boat dog. Loves to cruise, and she enjoyed all of your company as much as I did. While this wasn't earth-shattering news to me (I was 99% sure she would like it), I did learn one new thing about her - based on the timing of her tossing her toy out the window into the drink, she doesn't seem to care for the Dixie Chicks... :smilep
Also, Brock is on to something with his slow and steady cruising. I know I've ribbed him along with the rest of you, but he's converted me. No more will I be up front charging at 16-20 knots. I like the slow pace - after driving close to 900 miles each way for these gigs, I want to relax and enjoy the scenery. Brock, good buddy - you've shown me the wisdom and pleasure of cruising at 11-12 knots. I'll hang out back with you any time, ol' pal.
Another first - Brock led me through the locks for the first time. We made the long trek from the south end of Lake Washington, and had a beautiful cruise both coming and going.
On the way out, my initiation to the locks couldn't have been easier; we arrived to a green light and pulled immediately in to the large lock, where I side-tied to a very helpful fisherman. Tons of room, no waiting or jockeying for position. We were through in about 15 minutes.
On the way back, things were a little dicier, but it was a great education. We arrived with a few boats ahead of us, and red lights. Brock informed me of the nuances of holding your position, as certain lesser behaved boaters have been known to take cuts, leaving you with a nice wait when you miss your spot. I did my best to keep Da Nag strategically wedged sideways in line, which helped keep all but one sneaky guy from getting by us. When the green light came on, it was for the small lock - this time, it was no cake walk. I was instructed to tie up next to a trimaran, and once the fenders were out on both sides, there were inches to spare. Basically, I planted the boat next to the wall behind the trimaran, grabbed the wall, and "walked" the boat up.
My advice on the locks for other newbies - get comfortable manuevering very slowly in tight places. Have fenders out on both sides - the big orbs I use are great in the locks. Have your lines out and ready - one on each stern cleat, and two down each side from the bow cleat. Most importantly - just be calm, and listen to the lock employees barking orders up on top. They've seen it all, and will tell you exactly what to do. And don't be shy about asking questions, or telling the folks around you it's your first time - they'll probably be glad to help.
After that little adventure, we continued back to the south end of Lake Washington, where I was in for yet another surprise - a swim! Dang, if Brock didn't have another trick up his sleeve - he led us into a relatively shallow cove, where we took a dip surrounded by a bunch of others enjoying an incredibly warm and sunny day.
Looking forward to seeing you all again at Sequim! And with the ever elusive Dana in tow...