The Journey to Breathless: Patty Wagon

February 7, 2013 I join Captain Chris Couch for a day in the life. we are to move a recently purchased 50' Mikelson Sportfish named 'Patty Wagon' to Huntington Beach, California. My cup runith over... More good weather (so far) and an actual job! My role is that of first mate in training. I want to be the best I can be as this is a big responsibility to deliver this handsome craft to the proud new owner. Inside I find an interior done in white suede and soft leather complemented by animal print pillows, rugs, wall and other accessories. After meeting John, the recently departed owner, I find out he deemed this boat his "hide a way man cave". At 80 something, he's adorable. We met him on dock S at the Port of Edmond Marina when he buzzed in to give Chris some additional paperwork and bid her a farewell. He described her as the last big boat project of many he's undertaken and was very sad to see her go. It appears he spared no expense and made her the best she could be. After a quick bite and tea John left us to finish our provisional shopping at the prerequisite Safeway. People come and go so quickly in this life. I must learn what I can, enjoy the moment and let go. This is hard for me to do. I want to adopt everyone and call them friends forever. I'm learning but it is hard.

The water opened this morning into Puget Sound and we were off to the first leg of our journey - Neah Bay, home of the proud and beautiful Makah Indian Nation people. I had read about and was curious what was home of my friend, Bob Martin.

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Watchdog-quits-EPA-Silenced-he-says-1085783.php

Bob is the former EPA ombudsman at region 10 in Seattle, was born and raised here. What created this strong advocate for citizens and the environment? I see you here, my friend. Now I can't believe I sit here tonight writing this blog from the very left top corner tip of the state I was born seeing for the first time the majestic bald eagle balancing in trees along the city street. This a working harbor where the citizens fashion their livings from the sea. No glamour, tourists or 5 star resorts here and better for it. Wood fired pizza at the Green Flamingo made a wonderful dinner us. It looks wild and content here. I will want to make this trip again.

In our journey we past many small villages and lighthouses, picturesque like calendar photos. I see industry cranking along from the smoke stacks of mills. I see the buildings of resource extraction based industry and large barges being pushed and towed into ports. The economy is placing scars as it does everywhere.
We are here with a new moon phase giving us the wider ranges of tides, experiencing a low tide here at Makah Marina. Chris explains the tides like a balloon bulging at both ends being pulled by the forces of the moon and the sun during the full and new moon. Full moon being sun and moon are furthest apart pulling on both ends of the balloon. New moon being moon and sun on one side causing the pull to be greatest on one side. Like an egg, the liquid planet moves to these bulges causing the extreme high and low tides during these phases. So smart this man is. He gets the basics we all should have gathered in school called life. Makes me feel like I have so much more I can learn! He explains it so well... And with pictures!
The water was kind to us today although Mother Nature threw us some logs to dodge around for what seemed like miles. Chris tells me the northeast is experiencing a hellish winter storm the next couple days with much snow. I hope my bear stays warm and safe in his den for a little while longer. 25 degrees tonight, grrrrr.