The trip that wasn't on my bucket list
A tale of a trip I never knew was on my bucket list, and other unplanned adventures.
As much as I love the ocean, I normally appreciate its wonders from the beach. I have been on boats, mostly lake-sized, and the occasional sailboat in the Gulf. It’s not that I don’t like boats, but the opportunity, funds, and incentive never occurred at the same moment in time. Until a couple of years ago.
I love writing, and I must admit, I love numbers. My day job for a very long time has been taking care of other people’s numbers. A couple years ago, one of my clients was invited to a day trip on a deep-sea fishing charter boat as a reward for a job well done. The invitation was for the staff and each person’s plus one. Any licenses required would be included. (If you know about these things, you know we still paid the tips and brought our own lunches).
For some reason, my client thought I should be a participant, so a day was picked post tax season allowing me to join. Everything was set, right?
Um, not quite. Part of getting ready for such trips includes making sure you have proper attire, cash for tips, and lunch. Oh, and a plan to be on the dock before the crack of dawn. I did make sure I had appropriate gear, but then it appeared that no one had planned the rest of it. Getting a check cashed was easy, and I arranged to stay over in town so I could order and pick up the lunches we would need. I also stocked up on saltines, 7-Up, and apples (good for queasy tummies) and seasick meds. Somehow, I managed to load up, check out, and get to the dock at the appointed time. At which point I pressed other people into moving my treasures to the boat.
This was May and the weather was still on the chilly side with lots of rain and wind. I wasn’t all that sure this was going to be the trip I had signed up for. I can tell you that the owner piloted the boat, and I do believe that our exit from the bay was as smooth as he could make it. Fully committed at this point (you do NOT turn the boat around unless someone is dying) I figured I’d just hang on for dear life and hope for the best.
I was in luck. Once we broke free of the bay, we found a sunny, nearly flat ocean surface. I’m told by those who know that it is rare that the waves are not much higher than you would find on a lake. As long as the boat was moving, I was fine. Anchored, not so much. I did try out the fishing part for a bit, but I had more fun handing out my goodies, making sure everyone got the lunch they wanted, and taking pictures.
Our seagulls are well trained and know to follow the charter boats on their way back to shore because chum is on the menu. By the time we docked, the crew had the fish skinned, cleaned, and sorted into bags.
I probably would not try this adventure again (unless I’m on a really, really big boat), but I’m glad I did decide to go this one time. Our boat maxed out our person limit, so I made it home with 30 pounds of fish which I immediately divvied up among friends while keeping a few pounds for myself.
If you ever visit the Pacific Northwest, you should check out the coastal town of Westport, WA with its active fishing community, awesome restaurants, and local-folk atmosphere. Plus, they have really fund festivals. (check out https://www.westportgrayland-chamber.org/)
Victoria Adams
https://victoriasreadingalcove.com
Adams lives and works in the resplendent Pacific Northwest. She spends her time with her characters and a feline named Sir Linus. She has published two nonfiction titles and contributed to anthologies of fiction and poetry. Her exploration of the world and ideas, in general, can be found at victoriasreadingalcove.com.
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