Boat

Dragon Boats

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I can’t say I expected this to end up on here. I knew what dragon boats were. But, with my accepting my fear of the things in the water, this really wasn’t even a thought.

The opportunity came up! I kept going back and forth – “It’s a new experience” , “It’s in the ocean”, “How scared are you REALLY of the ocean”

…… imagines boat tipping over and hands reaching up to pull me under …..

“Yes! I’m scared of the ocean! but…. are you going to let that get in the way of you trying something new? “……. pause for dramatic effect…… “NO!” — “Hi! Can I sign up for the Dragon Boats?”

A ship we seen when we were out on the water! FRIGGEN COOL!
A ship we seen when we were out on the water! FRIGGEN COOL!

Yeah… We went on a short ride before we even got on the boat! There was a bit of a wait before loading up. When we came back to check the time, there were some people that hadn’t shown up so I was bumped up and was able to ‘strap in’ for my new experience.

I’m going to pause here for a brief moment to provide a HUGE “THANK YOU” to a certain archivist that told me about the free boat rides. They also were the drummer on said ride, keeping us rowing on pace.

Walking down the pier towards the boat and water, I kept staring at the water, waiting to see something that was going to make me change my mind. Nope! Nothing stopped me! I still got in. Awkwardly as I do.

Almost used the seat to step down into the boat and was promptly corrected. (Good thing, Girl has packed on some unwelcome weight and I don’t need to be breaking boats!)

Things I learned on my dragon boating experience

  • Weight is a huge factor in being able to balance the boat properly. Moving people around to ensure that weight on the left and right side of the boat is as equal as possible.
  • Dragon boats can be wobbly MF’ers
  • Paddling behind a kid makes keeping rhythm challenging (but he was super cute and could tell he was trying)
  • Paddling to the beat of a drum is therapeutic and relaxing
  • Getting OUT of a dragon boat is much easier than getting in
  • The person at the way back of the boat steers
  • It’s beautiful when everyone is in sync
  • I REAAAAAAALLY need to get some of this weight back off!

I really enjoyed the experience. I would absolutely do it again. There was a short moment of wobbly boat as we were turning around that gave me moment of pause… okay more than pause… but we didn’t tip over and I know I’d be fine if we did, I would just be working to get away from the creatures of the deep dark ☺

Ride on a Ferry

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 I had a boss quite a while ago that was fascinated with ferries. Honestly I may have been just big boat vessel things. But I specifically remember ferries. 

I rode one of those with the paddle wheels a few years ago, but after moving to Washington, there are a lot more opportunities to try new things. And the Giant ferries (compared to the one I rode a while back) is different. 

I’m not sure what I really expected. But it was still a new experience to be on a ship as big as the ferries that cross Puget Sound. 

Every time I say ‘Puget Sound’ I giggle a little. I remember a series of books I read when I was a kid. It was based over this way and Puget Sound was mentioned quite a bit. (At least, that I recall) I remember thinking how amazing it would be to see the places they mentioned, the ocean, the costs, the forests. I also remember thinking I would never live to see them because that was just not the life I had. I couldn’t imagine ever affording to see anything ‘cool’.  And here I am. Living in Washington and getting to see all kinds of new things. Its amazing. and I’m so glad I remember that feeling, the book and the entire slew of emotions it brought. It makes me more appreciative. 

Well – That was a bit of a tangent! So – Not sure what I expected of the Ship, but what I got was – solid footed, super windy at the front, really fricken loud horn and it had a lot of seating, wasn’t crowded and it had a little food store.  

Docking was interesting. It felt like we were going to crash into the dock. We didn’t of course, however I did learn that it can happen. Not too long ago there was an ferry that crashed into the dock in Puget Sound and cut off power to (i think) an Island.  

Loading and unloading the ferry was fine. Not really much of an adventure. Much like boarding and un-boarding a plane. you kind of just get herded along the way. Just follow the flow of people lol.  Coming up to the dock there was floating concrete pads the managed to have stickers all over it. Not sure why, but I found that interesting. 

It was interesting to learn that the ticket that allowed us to board the ship also was the ticket that allowed us to return. I don’t know if it was a fluke or not, I still have no clue how they work but I’m sure we will be riding them again soon.  

Overall – the ride was relaxing, chilly, but relaxing and it was nice. Amaia and Don were there with me and they had spotted some sea life. a couple of jelly fish. One was an ‘egg yolk’ jelly fish. Which ended up being funny because Amaia was guessing. And apparently that is there name as well. 

Ride on a Paddle Boat

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 One of my bosses has a huge obsession over river boats.

It was neat to see the childlike grins he would get in the pictures he shared with us. Like a kid in a candy store. He was always super proud of his boat/ship adventures. I am not sure I will understand the obsession with the ships. I’m assuming its a kin to my obsession with animals. 

Needless to say, I always had a fascination with those paddle boats. I blame Willy Wonka. The Boat scene in the movie was great.  

NO! I did not think riding a paddle boat would bring hallucinogenlike experiences. 

I have no idea what was in that candy!  I can say it probably would have made for an interesting ‘trip’ on the paddle boat. 

I have friends (Ebony and Joe Joe) to tank for the paddle boat experience. It was part of there wedding. The Girls went off and road a paddle boat around the lake systems. It was beautiful, albeit a bit hot and muggy. But the breeze on the lake was fantastic. Watching the Paddles move was fun. 

I’m not sure what I expected. More noise, splashing, something. But it was a bit anti climactic from a new experience perspective. But I had friends there. Ebony seemed happy and enjoying herself. And that made every moment worth it. 

She may not realize it – but I am quite fond of that woman. She’s different. Unique. And I absolutely love her. I’m just a crappy friend that’s not good at staying in touch. But I was absolutely honored to be able to stand up in her wedding and help with anything that I was able to. 

The place we went to was Clear Water Harbor in Waupaca Wi.  It was a nice little place in the middle of no where LOL.  But it was fun!

And I can’t disagree with this picture from their Facebook page!  Though, I might skip the old fashion – bring on the fish fry!