I'm Still Here

 

I'm still Here after 7 years?!

At 71 years young...I want to vomit at that saying. Even Joan Rivers said that to say your young is like saying I'm 350 pounds light. If I start to say 'young' after my age in earnest, just shoot me.

As with all people my age, I've lost too many family and friends and now democracy. I lived on a sailboat for just such emergencies, but I sold that recently due to obtaining another boat. It is an incredible boat, here's a link to a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEy5OZJ66gs. The 'problem' with the boat is that it was on the hard last November when our area was hit by a cyclone Bomb. It knocked the boat off the stands causing it to roll over and pierce the decks of 2 boats next to it. The mast came apart in several pieces, the boat was totaled and headed for the scrapper.

The boat was owned by a Facebook Friend who shared pictures of the disaster. I went up to Port Townsend look at the boat and said it is still too beautiful to let it go to the scrappers. Meanwhile, while we discussing the fate of Reign Maker, another 30' sailboat was being crunched into several small pieces and loaded onto a truck for disposal. Fate is right! The owner of that boat was putting on the finishing touches of a complete rebuild including a new engine when he became sick and had to leave the boat. During his absence the boat took on water and sank, the salt water destroying everything he'd rebuild.

My new boat I call Big Helmet due to it's now short mast, is still on the hard awaiting me to get off my duff and get it into running shape. I'll just cruise around the Sound under power for awhile. Hopefully, I'll have some adventures to write about in the near future, "The Mis-Adventures of Big Helmet on the Salish Sea." Has a ring to it, maybe 4 bells.

Update

I've noticed it's been a while since I wrote anything (and longer in writing anything of importance).

Last time I think I mentioned learning to drive a school bus here on Vashon and then later with Metro. Both jobs were fun as I really enjoyed the people who ride the bus. 99.9% are great people and have great senses of humor (they get most of my jokes). Like hearing my Metro riders collectively breathe a heavy sigh as I clear a tight spot without causing physical damage or death. I'd often say out loud, "Oh Magoo, you've done it again!" Not many got that joke and those who did were scared all over again.

The kids on the school bus are very good, too. Most actually say Good Morning, or Hi when they get on and thank you when they leave (not Thank God! as the do on Metro, lol).

Now however, I am the manager for the school buses on Vashon for First Student who contracts with the School District. While my official title is the limp Location Manager, I prefer Base Commander. It is an okay job, most of it great in dealing with the kids, District and especially the drivers who are the main reason I quit Metro to work much more than full time to become manager. The drivers are a wonderful fun bunch of people and I really do try to bend over backwards to create an excellent work space.

The downside, as with any corporate job, is the mind-numbing amount of useless paperwork. While constantly looking at the bottom line (after safety however) they don't realize all their corporate edicts cost money. Begging and pleading by those of us in the trenches to streamline reporting requirements and cut the waste continues to go unanswered. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir if you work for a large corporation. It is crazy.

But other than that, I feel like I'm coasting along and not in a good way. Surviving barely, looking at trying to figure out all the government requirements when turning 65 this January. Already 65, where does the time go? I know I should feel lucky having lost so many friends already due to a variety of circumstances.

Don't look at this as depressive, I'm just observing and wondering what my next big adventure may be!

A Yank No Longer in Oz

Of course this is old news. The end of 2010 was the end of my adventure down under. I do wish I could've stayed, but couldn't find a job and whether AAM would pass my working visa to another firm, which cost them quite a bit, was another matter.  So I came back home and eventually went back to work for then, Aerometric.  That lasted off and on for a bit but I was among the first round of 10% corporate layoffs demanded by our new Venture Capitalist overlords.

I told them at our exit meeting that if they did lay me off, the company would close! I was joking and sure enough, 8 months later the Seattle office did close.  Not my fault since Aerometric disappeared into a 3 way merger to form Impotent Spatial or something like that. Heads continued to roll after this new creation and I don't know how they're doing but I do know they have had trouble responding to their clients. That's probably to be expected in a large merger like that. The good news is that Miller Creek Mapping came into being, started by Jim Schulz and employs 5 other Aerometric employees. I hear they're doing great which is excellent news.  There is a huge benefit in that industry by being local, small and maneuverable. Clients need to know who they can talk to and that Miller Creek Mapping knows what is needed.

Meanwhile, this Yank (as mentioned in my profile) actually did start driving a school bus for First Student which contracts with the Vashon School District.  It was mostly as something to do since their wage structure is literally 15 years behind the times.  Since contracts are in negotiation this year, I can assure you there will be strikes if this Scottish-owned mega corporation doesn't pull its head out. All the jokes about Scots being overly thrifty are true. Remember Safeway used to have their house brand of Scot's Buy?

In addition to being a school bus driver, I also started working at the Island's Liquor Store.  Some people see this as a conflict but most realize the two jobs go hand in hand.  I stopped working there in February so I could train as a Metro Transit Operator. I also temporarily stopped driving a school bus as I made more money during the month long training than actually driving a school bus!  I've just finished week #10 on my route, taking people home from downtown Seattle to Woodinville.  It's only 2.5 hours but I hope for better things.

Next week, I'll train for 4 days to learn how to operate an electric bus.  You know the ones, they have 2 poles that connect to overhead wires.  This is a slightly longer afternoon route from Queen Anne through downtown to 34th Avenue in the CD.  It should be interesting.

I have driven on Vashon for about 2 weeks, covering different drivers who had time off.  With a couple of the long time Island drivers retiring, it might be possible that I could end up with and Island route in the future!  We'll see.

I should probably look for a real job though.  I just don't feel confident that being out of it for a while, that I could effectively catch up with the latest software in use for project management, sales and marketing, and the technical programs used in engineering or whatever I would be able to go after.  I really admire Jim Schulz to taking business courses and Pat Kelly for taking GIS courses that helped form Miller Creek Mapping.

Well this is long enough and would be surprised if anyone has read this far.  I'll keep you posted on any other goings-on, especially if it's exciting.  An example would be getting the old sailboat seaworthy and go on an adventure!

Political Ad for my Aussie Friends

G'Day.

If you're familiar with Aussie slang , then you'll understand why this is funny.  If not, then look it up on Wikipedia, it is fun to read about Aussie speak and how it evolved.

Forewarning!  The second weekend of August is the 'Gathering of Brethren of the Salish Sea' in Everett.  http://www.seafaring.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23920&start=45
120 boats are registered so far and one of them is the Seafeather.  I'll be on board again with Capt. John and his Admiral Diane.  Alas, my boat, while having a fresh new bottom, is not ready for the adventure.  I'll have pictures of that ordeal, the hauling and painting of the as-of-yet unnamed boat, posted soon.

I'll reduce soon to attend the gathering.  Cover one eye and limit my vocabulary to 3 letters, Aye, Arrrr, and sometimes Yarrr!

The Big Sail 2011 – Part 2

Previously I mentioned the sailing part of the adventure and the goal of reaching the Lats & Atts NW Cruiser’s Party in Friday Harbor.  This post is about the rest of the story, enjoying San Juan Island.   Holly had driven up with Diane who’d later join us in the sail back home.  But on Sunday, when all the pirates where shaking off Saturday night’s music and grog, we decided to explore the Island since we had wheels, something rare on a sailing adventure.

San Juan Island is only about 12 x 6 miles, similar to Vashon in size, but very different in land use.  The summer climate makes for drier conditions and it seems farming, especially hay, is a big crop.  San Juan seems to be more of a true working, rural area as opposed to Vashon which is more of a suburb of the big cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Bremerton.  As we drove across the Island to Roach Harbor, we came across a winery with a camel as a neighbor and very scenic views.  After a picnic at the winery, we continued to Roach Harbor and toured the sculpture garden there.  It was interesting and there really were some that I liked.  Usually, what is considered art to some always begs the question in my alleged mind, “but, is it art?”

Roach Harbor has changed considerably in the 25+ years since I’ve been there.  New, so-called modernistic condos now climb the hill behind the once quaint harbor.  To give you an idea of how they look, go to any new Public Housing development as they appear to be designed by the same architect. But really, the Public Housing projects have even more design elements such as porches with gingerbread and railing and offset front walls as opposed to the single front of these (I’m sure) very expensive condos at the Harbor.   This in addition to the newly paved roads with lots for sale (and no houses) that now ring the harbor, really set us on edge.

Also, what once was a quaint little moorage is now 5x larger along with the boats that call this home.  Huge, multi-million dollar yachts litter the dock spaces including New Zealand’s America’s Cup entry from a few years ago, complete with her support boats.  I just had to take a picture of this 1950’s speed boat, which you usually see one wherever you find a fleet of yachts.  I included a picture of a 1952 locally built 'Skagit' that looks like a boater's version of a restored '56 Chevy.

We left Roach Harbor somewhat gobsmacked and stopped at a Lavender Farm on the way back to the boat.  At least that was refreshing instead of the in-your-face unbridled development of Roach Harbor.

Another evening of fine Island wine and great food prepared us for our separate journeys back home, John, Diane and me on the Seafeather and Holly in the van with Honey, the (now) Sea Dog.  A great weekend for Holly, and great week for me.

A Sailing Trip Upon the Salish Sea

This was the 10th Gathering of the Brethen of the Salish Sea, aka the Latitudes and Attitudes Northwest Cruiser's Party. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to go on an extended sail, maybe around the world or even dare to dream what it would be like to live aboard a boat, especially a sail boat, then get a copy of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine and let the dreaming begin.

The first picture shows a new convert to sailing, my Granddog Honey who is now a certified sea dog. The second picture is of a real Sea Dog, Bob Bitchin the editor and publisher of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine. He originally started a couple of motorcycle magazines, sold them and with that money, spent 5 years sailing around the world...twice, I believe. When he returned, the letters he'd sent to friends had grown from a few to over 300. He thought there just might be a magazine on the subject and sent out invitations to the 300 recipients of his newsletter, to be charter members of a new magazine, just send money. Over 600 responded and the rest is history! Bob and his wife Jody are simply awesome people who've dared to live the dream.

The next photo is of Capt. Woody and some lucky, beautiful wench. Woody, stumbled across Bob and Jody at the beginning of their magazine and they helped him get his boat ready for his own sail around the world. Woody had a great series of articles, although not regularly sent in, but gave a great glimpse of what a first time circumnavigator goes though.

But enough of the background on this incredible party. Over 120 boats registered this year! I've been three times before and every year the party is held at a different location (probably to give the marina time to recover). All different types of people are on boats but for that weekend, become pirates, reducing their vocabulary to very simple sounds like, "aye," "arrrr," and "RUM!" Unfortunately the bottle of Goosling's Black Bermuda rum didn't make the entire trip to the party. The top got knocked off and it evaporated like magic.

While Bob and his crew help round up boating related businesses to offer prizes and support, this party is really organized by local boaters. I don't know how they do it, but it always a great time. Most attendees also contribute in their own ways, such as bringing a projector, hoisting the mail sail at night and showing movies to kids and adults. Quite a few musicians show up from around the Puget Sound and offer to play for beer or a moorage.

The rest of the pictures are typical of the beautiful scenery encountered up to the San Juan Islands. Typical of August, there was plenty of fog but out of the 8 days on the water, 3 were very hot and sunny. While my boat (Lil' Smokey) hadn't recovered yet from the little fire, I went with John on his beautiful 36' wooden sail boat, the Seafeather. His wife Diane joined us up at Friday Harbor and sailed back with us. They're pictured in the last one against one of the wonderful sunsets we enjoyed during the trip.

If you've ever thought about a sailing trip, do it! You can join Latitude & Attitudes Share the Sail program where they meet at different great sailing places around the world for a week of instruction and experience sailing, usually in a group of 6 to 8 boats. Maybe someday I'll join them, like through the Greek islands or Australia's Whitsunday Island or New Zealand or.... Until then, I'll just putz around the Sound on my 30' Coronado. You can join me as she should be ready to go by next spring!

Update USA

G'Day my many friends.

I just thought an update might be in order since my last posting included lots of snow and there could be a fear of my being stuck in snow covered wilds of Sunriver. Not the case however I had been lost in among the unemployed hoards once I arrived back home. Not anymore, a couple months ago I went to work back at my old place of employment.

With my first paystub, I was able to refinance a 10 year at 3/5%, pulling enough money out to cover my 6 months of being unemployed so I'm back to square one money-wise. Thanks to my son Nick, I have transportation. His generosity in allowing me to borrow his car for a while only proves that we've raised him right. It's taken about $1,000 in repairs and maintenance to bring it back up to par so I can give it back to him this fall in perfect working order. Crafty little bugger, isn't he? I believe he'll still let us make the payments and cover insurance, too. At least he's working towards getting into teaching so our payments will most likely continue.

I'm looking forward to getting my boat out of the water, doing much needed bottom painting, maintenance and getting her ship shape for the Latitudes & Attitudes PNW Cruiser's Party. Here's a link to some of last year's fun: http://www.seafaring.com/photo-gallery/thumbnails.php?album=38 if you're interested. Also as an added addition, I may have a couple of Aussies join in the fun as well. Jo and her friend Cassie may fly up for the sail up to Friday Harbor! That'll be great to see them again. I do miss the old Fairy Meadow gang. I know it'll be Jo's first trip to the US but I'm not sure about Cassie. Hopefully, I'll be able to show them a good time while on this side of the pond.

I've been growing out my hair and added a goatee in preparation of appearing more pirate-like once underway and at the party. I'm sure most people look at me and wonder if my Harley is near by.

More updates to follow.

Memoirs of a former Ex-Pat

As you may know, I'm back in the US of A. Reluctantly in so many ways as I wish I had done more exploration of that great country/continent while I was there. Who knows, while they say the US economy is improving, unemployment is twice that of Oz (and working here just isn't as much fun as it is abroad = very limited time off). But, getting home felt good. Seeing the in law half of the family was a great way to spend the holidays and doing that in Sunriver is the icing on the cake. Or in this case, the snow on the winter wonderland. I recommend getting a condo for family get togethers there if you can.

Now the job search begins. Hopefully I'll be able to find something worthwhile very soon. David, who I worked with at Aero Metric found a job in Iowa after a 2 year search! Congratulations to him. A workshop I attended put on by the State of Washington on how to apply for jobs with the State (although most of the presentation was universally applicable) indicated that at this time, an 8 to 9 month job search is typical. I may just apply for work back in Oz as they are scrambling to fill positions in many fields, especially in mining. A truck driver there can make about $80,000 per year!

I do miss Oz already and maybe will go back. It does depend upon how this country and the economy shakes out in the next few months. So, if you know of a good job opening in engineering sales and marketing or project management, let me know.

I was joking about the 'memoirs' portion as I don't know if I can really say "a yank IN Oz" while I'm back home. I will add more posts as I've been somewhat lazy, I mean, busy in my last days in Oz so neglected further posts.

I am deeply appreciative of all the friends I've made while in Oz. Mark and Kath showed me so much kindness and introduced me to so many different areas around Wollongong and really got me into the local 'scene.' And Jo, I can't say enough good things about this incredible kind and giving woman. I think if anyone tries to picture an Aussie woman, Jo would certainly fill that vision. Tough and tender, a loving mother and can be a mother, but overall a wonderful human being. Thank you, Jo.

I will return to Oz someday. Soon, I hope. Until then, I'll add more pictures and stories to fill this space.

Crikey!

Balinese Dance Video 1

Tanah Lot

Another seaside attraction in the form of an ancient temple. Tanah Lot (not Camelot) is very old and very beautiful along the sea. Great views of the temple mixed with people taking surfing lessons. This was the first stop of our two day scooter ride across Bali and what a relief it was to get the hell out of Kuta Beach.

The picture of the Balinese family is our tour guide Wayans and his wife and kids. Since our final destination was close to his family village, he decided to bring his family at our suggestion, and since everyone in the group decided to ride scooters, he didn't have anyone in his car. It seemed to have worked out for everyone.

In Kuta, it is the worst of the city life with people grabbing you to sell you their cheap stuff. At first it's annoying but after several days, you wish you'd have been able to pack a Dirty Harry. The scooter tour into the country seemed like a great escape and it was. Tanah Lot does give a glimpse of how almost all tourist attractions are set up. In order to get to the temple, you have to buy a pass then walk the gauntlet of tiny little stalls selling everything related or not to the attraction. Fortunately, cold beer is always one of those items available, allowing the unwary tourist enough time to survive and spend at the next attraction.

A couple pictures above show women oiling and staining some woodwork that is very common and very beautiful throughout Bali. I recognized the smell of the oil several booths away and wasn't disappointed in what I'd found. It's too bad that what they sell is too big and too heavy to bring back home. In fact, all wood items are banned in Australia so they'd have ended up in the Customs nightly bonfire for sure. Besides, on orders, I need to reserve room in my luggage for Tim Tams and Turkish Delights when I come back to the Fatherland on 23 Dec. See you then!

An added note of sadness, I may have sold my Hoon Wagon today. I'll find out if I'm no longer the proud owner of an Australian icon, the Holden Commodore.

My Balinese Dream Boat

No not a woman (well, maybe the 'other' woman) but a real Balinese boat. You can see my 'project' boat in the last couple of pictures!

The first couple of pictures are of one of these Balinese boats in action on the Java Sea on the north side of the Island and where we all spent the night after the grueling scooter trip (then we had to return!). It is one used to support tourist dives and from the looks of it, the compressor and the boat itself should've been scrapped decades ago, but then again...this isn't America. Would you trust your breathing to that hunk of rust?

Hey Richard, just a little project to keep you occupied. Come on over to Lovina, Bali and get your paint scraper and primer handy.

The next few pictures are of what the finished boat should look like when I'm done. Yep, beautiful isn't she? Floating peacefully on a mountain lake in the middle of Bali. If you look closely, you can see the white roofs of a large temple, which is about as close as I was able to get to it. This was one of the few stops during our scooter sojourn across Bali that I'll write about later.

A Day at the Zoo

This may sound corny, going to the Zoo while in Bali, but actually it was a lot of fun. The same tour guide from the previous day said he was taking a few people to the Wildlife Safari and had room for one more. I thought why not and joined the group.

Not only do they have opportunities to feed camels, elephants, etc. but you can ride an elephant, too! I did that but no picture available. There is also a tram that goes through different habitats such as Asia and Africa, water part (forgot my swimsuit, dammit!) and a few other rides for the kids. I wished I'd remembered my swimsuit (or cozzie short for swimming costume in Australian) but at least Bin Tang was served cold and often. I did survive.

I'd recommend going on this even thought it's expensive. It will last you all day. Before the zoo, the driver took us to a Balinese Dance performance. Again, we got a soap opera like explanation of what was going on and it was interesting. I took some pictures and videos that I'll see if I can download to this blog next. The sounds and action are very interesting and certainly different.

More adventures later.

The First Big Tour

Naturally these pictures are not in order but I'll try to give you an idea of my first tour in Bali. I grabbed a map (I guess I have a thing for maps) from a small touring company on the way to the beach. It's owned by a very nice guy and on the map are several different tours and activities available. One of the activities is a Balinese cooking class that was tempting although he did mention it was run by his sister and there were several cooking classes so I did some shopping and never did make time to take a class. Typical, I know.

Anyway, this tour is of an ancient (age unknown) seaside temple. It was amazing and all the intricate carvings in stone had been worn smooth by the weather, it didn't take much imagination to see how it must have looked when first built and that it is so old, no one seems to be able to set a date when it was constructed. It is so sacred that men must wear a sarong to cover their knees and everyone must wear a sash. In the picture above, I'm the one in the sarong.

There was also an elaborate fire dance that went well into the night. I'm glad it wasn't the full version that we were told takes several days and the short version was plenty. The plot is from an ancient Hindu sacred text and reads like a soap opera with a villain trying to steal the beautiful princess and everyone taking on various disguises or forms. The music consisted of the 40 men chanting, no instruments are used.

As it went into the night, several piles of straw were lit and a monkey character kicked these burning piles sometimes hitting the chanting men or the audience. It was exciting and naturally I had a front row seat that didn't seem all that attractive during that particular dance. No wonder the priest shown is the last photo blessed the event in the beginning.

After the dance, we headed to a strip of restaurants that have the tables on the beach. It was great and I apologize for not having a decent picture of the set up, but it was dark and lighting was kept to a minimum so everyone could enjoy the stars. I did get a picture of one of the roving bands who serenaded unsuspecting eaters much like a Mexican mariachi band. In fact, I may sound like a broken record in comparing Bali to Mexico but it is strangely similar. I've told family that sometimes I felt like I was in an old Star Trek episode involving a parallel universe! I'll show later a picture of a couple young kids and an older woman in front of colorful material and you'd swear I took the photo in Mexico or Guatemala.