Commodore’s Column

2021 March PTYC Commodore Column–“In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb”

We’ve all heard the saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but is there any truth to this saying?  According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “weather folklore sayings are as
colorful as our imagination.”   Early ancestral beliefs were that of balance in weather and in life, and with March being such a weather-changeable month, with warm spring-like temperatures or late-season snowstorms, it is easy to understand how this saying can hold some truth!

This year the March equinox happens on Saturday, March 20th, thus the first day of spring!  What does spring mean to you?  Is it the hope of bright sunshine for a few days in a row?  Waking up to the tweetings and songs of birds outside your window?  Smiling at the daffodils and tulips pushing up from the ground, or the happy moment you first notice pink blossoms in the trees?  Maybe it’s just opening up a window for fresh air, spring cleaning, or taking a walk without your down parka!

Being the avid boaters that we are, we might think of spring as the beginning of boating season.  Some of us felt a little shortchanged with last year’s boating season while abiding to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.  We now know that being outside (masked and socially distanced, of course) is lower risk for the spread of COVID and that it is important being outdoors for healthy bodies and minds in helping us cope with this pandemic — So, let the boating season begin!

As your Commodore, I’d love to see you all out on the water on Saturday, May 1st, for our informal  “sail-by” along the Port Townsend waterfront (see page 16.)  It’s time to get down to your marina and  start thinking about spiffing up your boat.  We will have a minister perform a blessing of our fleet broadcasted from Rain Shadow.  Consider it a day to cruise and wave to your fellow boaters with your just-cleaned and polished boat!  And keep that shine to your boat for the short shakedown cruise to Kingston and Port Ludlow Marinas (May 14-17), captained by Jim & Susie Gorski. I believe there are a few more spots available.

Get your vaccinations and continue staying safe!  Each day is bringing us closer to being back in the clubhouse and our fun-filled events.

Commodore Debbie

2021 February Commodore Column: “Bright Spots”

Small rays of light, sparkles, bright spots. What are the things that can keep us going through the dark days of winter and the pandemic? When I look at the cover of the 2020 PTYC Roster, I am reminded of all the bright spot boat trips of the past, and that there will be more to come. In 2020, there were 3 new family members and we kept nearly the same board and officers to carry us through the pandemic. As eager as we all are to gather beyond Zoom, we still need to wait and see what events will be possible in 2021. With all this in mind, the Board decided to reuse the 2020 Roster. A bright spot for us, since the roster can be a bear of a project! We will provide some updated inserts to accompany your new 2021 membership cards when they are mailed out, and Ilona will work her magic on a printable 2021 membership directory to access on our website.

Another literal bright spot is that I am just starting to notice our daylight hours are getting longer again. With this very windy, wet, but mild winter, my garden seems confused. Little patches of brightness are scattered around, even at the end of January. The pink primroses are in full bloom and the yellow roses actually never stopped blooming. Here on our Marrowstone Island bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet, we watched pleasure boats pass by, mixed in with the usual container ships, tugs and barges over a sunny MLK weekend. In just a few short months, we’ll be ready to be out there too … but first, a haul-out for bottom painting. A shiny, bright boat bottom every few years is a must for keeping Rain Shadow in tip top shape. Continue reading →

2021 January PTYC Commodore Column: “Miracles & Moving”

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
Mary Davis

It seems like a miracle that 2020 is finally coming to an end, but here we are!

Miraculously, scientists have worked at lightning speed to create the vaccines that are being distributed as I write this. I can finally see the light at the end of the long, long tunnel and a start back to normalcy. It won’t happen overnight, and I am continuing to do my part by limiting social contact, wearing my mask, washing my hands, and getting in line for a vaccine as soon as it is available to the general public. I am moving forward into 2021 with an attitude of cautious optimism and a goal to get out and move!

When Covid-19 began, we were heading into spring, a more conducive time to being outdoors. Now, as winter begins, we find ourselves typically more homebound and doing more inside activities. I am guilty of staying indoors during the darker winter months in any given year. My 2021 New Year’s resolution is to get out, get moving and explore nature this winter.  I think we all have to — for our mental health!

The Olympic Peninsula offers so many beautiful beaches and trails to enjoy.  We are lucky to live in the PNW where we have a moderate climate year round. Washington Trails Association’s website offers a plethora of Olympic National Park trails, whether you’re looking for a day walk or a vigorous, heart-pounding hike. Continue reading →