Maritime Party Crashers

Recently, I was out on the sound traveling southbound to lovely Anderson Island by boat. Rick (hubby) was at the helm and we loved our relaxing cruise in the warm September sunshine. It was a particularly special day, as it was my 41st birthday and the sun and water all aligned to make it Puget Sound perfection.


As we were getting close to the Chambers Bay golf course after a bumpy ride under the Narrows Bridge (think washing machine), Rick mentioned to me that transient orcas were spotted in this part of the sound recently (if you want to learn about transient orcas click HERE and you will blow your mind, trust me--it's fascinating). Anyway, not but a minute later, there they blow, about six of them. I screamed. Rick screamed. We frantically grabbed the camera. Our private boat party was busted by party crashers of the most awesome kind. We welcomed them in and they put on a show with breaches, tail flips, and the like. My voice was hoarse from screaming. They were right there and the amazement never ceased--we were the only boat around, the only people around really (no one was watching from the shoreline). Too cool. But of course we kept a respectful distance (100 yards or further, this is the LAW).

Sadly, we needed to move on from our new guests. But the ride back (over to Gig Harbor's Tides Tavern for a b-day dinner and drinks) was a WILD ride. The water was intense and our boat handled it beautifully. This rider was freaking out a little though (water was spraying over the bow and it felt like an amusement park ride). I screamed what voice I had left and laughed like a maniac to the point of nearly peeing my pants. My husband, a longtime boater/fisherman, shouted over and over again: "I love this! I love this! I am ALIVE!"

Yes, dear, we are alive thank goodness.

But he had a good point. Soaking wet, no towels or change of clothes, and my hair twisted into snarls like a rat king, I was having the time of my life really and my love affair for the Puget Sound intensified further (if you can believe that). 41 and having fun.

Best part of the day? It wasn't the orcas or the water or the sun. It was seeing all of that with Rick.