it takes all kinds

I often joke that I could write a min-series based on the characters that float in and out of our marina. The goings on here are always colorful and never dull. Drama aside, we just love the diversity of people who congregate here all for the love of boats. There is the former (very) high ranking government official who most people only know on a first name/ dog name basis (not realizing his fame). I often watch him sitting in his cockpit with his pipe and a book and can only imagine how much he savors his salty anonymity and the slow pace of life afloat versus the Washington rat race he once ran. Then there's the mafioso fella and his fast talking wife on the big power boat who keep exotic animals as pets and ride across the marina lawn on their motorcycles. There was the mom who drifted in on a derelict pirate ship with twin 5 year old boys, and drifted out just as mysteriously. There was the young lady who was here illegally from England with her dog, living on whatever charter boat was empty at the time. A smile, a drink, and a tall tale await around every corner.
More than anything, there are the happy incidents of community that happen without effort. Nightly "Yappy Hour", when all the dog owners let their pups romp while sharing wine and appitizers. A gentleman helps Zach fill his saggy soccer balls from his man van.

A new liveaboard brings her swift out under the pavillion to wrap some new yarn for a shawl she's making.

The fellas all work together to solve some outboard engine trouble.

And this one cracked me up... the local refrigeration repair expert works on his latest gig out on the picnic table while drinking a beer, smoking a cig, and using a blow torch... all at the same time. "Come here peewee," he croons to Zach. "Ya wanna see how metal can melt?"

Never a dull moment.