The San Juan Islands just northwest of Seattle have been described as "Vermont surrounded by big blue water." yep. we're in love. The boat is Beautiful, and the people too. Still can't believe we get to do this, in spite of beginning to comprehend the enormity of the challenges ahead. Randy's work in the engine room will be demanding (of time as well as skill), and we also begin to comprehend the challenges of relationship in such close, intimate quarters with little or no privacy.
On arriving, we stepped off the ferry and met Bill and Shannon Bailey, the owners and Randy's boss(es). We all felt like we had already been friends for a very long time. They embraced us and welcomed us in to their life and their community, which is lively and busy and full of family and friends. We ate and worked and laughed and worshiped with them.
We were assigned a cabin on the M/V Catalyst, as were the season's chef and her husband who were also in town for the Crew Training, and Randy was immediately put to work. Besides getting thoroughly acquainted with the engine room, he was seen scraping the deck, sanding portholes and painting bulwarks. He loved it.
Captain Bill is giving the crew the basic "Engine-Starting 101" class. All crew will know how to start the engine (quite a procedure!) and steer the boat, in case of emergency.
This will be Randy's domain for many, many hours each day. He promised me he WILL be wearing ear protection! This is an antique machine, and requires much loving, gentle, constant attention. He will also be the Engineer in Charge of the Crew's Laundry (the line w/ clothespins is out of camera shot, but the engine room is the warmest, driest room on the vessel!).
Well, me? I try to help out where I can of course. Here I am in the main salon of the Catalyst, talking with Shannon, who will be the Naturalist/Guide for our kayaking excursions and onshore nature forays. The Library behind me is chock full of books on Alaskan wildlife, history, culture, geography & geology. I can't wait to get started reading :)) but won't want to miss one single thing happening outside either!
