Metal Monsters

February 17, 2013 – At least that’s what they look like to me. Towering industrial giraffes, peering out over the waters towards North Vancouver.

We were out for our student cruise today. I wasn’t going to attend, it would have been only the second time in almost 15 years. Maybe that’s why I dragged my but out there in the end. And I think I have a cold coming on for my trouble. Oh well, it was worth it to get out on the water. Riding is great, but there’s nothing to compare to boating. There is a freedom on the water that no one on rubber can ever understand if they haven’t ever spent a considerable time out on the ocean. It gives you a different perspective on the things around you, you see the world from a different angle, and sometimes is a confusing one because you are looking from the outside back in. Nothing looks the same, and it’s awesome.

Today’s cruise was particularly entertaining as I was out on Frank’s boat and we looked towards downtown to see a ribbed zodiac and an aluminum boat streaking towards us. As they came closer we could see they were Vancouver Police and as they began to toss out their fenders, we knew they were headed to us. They came alongside and asked if everything was all right. I suppose a powerboat floating just off the terminals, and occasionally reorienting and nosing in closer, may have been a tad suspicious.

We indicated that we were teaching safe boating and one of the officers started asking questions. Then he wanted to see our question sheets that the students have to work through, then he wanted to see our charting. The more he read the easier his attitude became, and when I was speaking to the officer in the rib I was told the other officer was their training officer. We chatted for a few more minutes, and were told they thought what we were doing was great as they are for education before enforcement. Eventually we untied from each other and each carried on our ways. But it did result in a few texts from shore as to what was going on.

Never a dull moment out on the water.

The rest of the cruise was uneventful, as much as it can be.

I love this place.

113 in 2013: #57 – Three or more of the same thing