WEEKEND AT THE DOCK

On our dock we have an interesting group of people -- and there's many I still don't know.  While their job titles don't begin to describe the diversity, it's at least a place to start.

We have 2 pilots, an architect, at least one engineer, an Olympic gold medalist, a magazine editor, a CEO of a cruise company, 2 salesmen who's products I don't understand, a union negotiator, a nanny, a former stage actor, commercial diver, fire fighter, teacher, fisheries consultant, a norwegian shipwright and a fellow who certifies ski instructors to teach adapted skiing. Boat owners all and all but one is a live aboard.  The single non-liveaboard on that list has a houseboat in Lake Union.

That was one of many topics discussed last night when Jodi made some excellent shrimp pasta and friends stopped over for dinner.

As they left, the 'Celebrity Solstice', a large 1,000 foot cruise ship was lit up like a casino slowing heading her way north on her first trip of the season to Alaska.

The cruise season has begun here in Seattle.  As I type, the 'Westerdam' and 'Golden Princess' are berthed in Smith Cove and the 'Norwegian Jewel' is headed South, just entering Admiralty Inlet.  She'll be passing by us in little over an hour.

Speaking of Norway, today is Norwegian Constitution day or more commonly referred to as Norwegian Independence day. In Norway it's simply called 'syttende mai' (May seventeenth).  Sort of a Cinco de Mayo, but 12 days later and with Aquavit.  

We were invited to watch the parade (yes, there's a parade.  Norwegian Independence day is a big deal in Ballard) from a shop right on the parade route.

Also on the docket for the weekend is a hike, and possibly a party on Sunday.  As we understand it, Sunday's party is an annual event timed to one of the lower tides of the year.  There's a beach on the outside of the breakwater, hidden from view from land.  It completely disappears at high tide, but is a large beach at low tide.  The liveaboards bring 2 kegs out onto the beach and it's a race against time to finish the beer before the tide comes in and submerges the beach.

I hope to also fix a minor stuffing box leak.  The stuffing box is a device through which the shaft passes between the propellor on the outside of the hull and the engine on the inside.  It allows the spinning shaft to pass through without leaking.  Only mine leaks a little.  I need to tighten it, but there's a bit of corrosion.  I'm hoping the penetrating oil I've been applying all week works.  

I've been given a 'stuffing box 101' tutorial by the guys at the  boatyard, but their words of caution included the advise of 'do it while we're open' -- meaning while the lift is running.  Because if you break it while tightening, and that can happen, you'll start to sink.  Oh boy.

I'll post later on the events of the weekend!