There is a world beyond the boatyard. There is life beyond boat work.
We’re treating ourselves to a Ninkasi IPA at the SeaHag (the SHAG for short) right now, which is the only place open past 7pm in Ilwaco, WA. It’s a funky bar that recently hosted a foam party. Imagine that if you will, in a fishing town, with a bevy of drunk fishermen. Jeff is getting his ear bent by a fella who is pretty intense about killing tuna (Jeff’s such a good sport) and I figured I’d share some photos from the day.
We woke up early today to get ready to “splash” (so they say). We were both rocked by anticipation, my gut started to rumble when I heard the marine lift operator fire up the engines.
Sunrise. There was sun! In Ilwaco!
She was in the air, suspended by the lift on giant slings. Jeff was touching up the bottom paint…”Is this a crack here by the keel?”
Touching up the paint.
Turns out it was. I wish there had been someone to capture the extreme look of disappointment on our faces. Our boatyard neighbor/friend/fiberglass extraordinaire must have noticed because with a reassuring tone he commented: “It’s no problem, we can get you patched up and out of here by tomorrow, trust me.” I do trust Robert. And then he added “But last night was your goodbye dinner, and I’m not taking you out to say goodbye again.” He laughed and nudged me. Robert had graciously treated us to a dinner at the Imperial Schooner, a good little (albeit expensive) eatery on the boardwalk the night before. We had already said goodbye to everyone in Ilwaco. We had already told the world that we were leaving. Next time I’m actually going to knock on wood, I’m not just going to write it in a blog (knocking on wood, for real this time).
The repair. Robert in the background.
Sure enough, Robert had us patched up in an hour and a half and we had the whole day to let the wound heal (after wiping away the oozy epoxy drips with some acetone).
Watching epoxy dry is just about as exciting as watching paint dry so we decided to take our awkwardly cute folding bikes to Cape Disappointment, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for the past month but couldn’t ever really justify the time. Today is the first day that we were able to explore our surroundings outside of the three block radius around the boatyard. There were plenty of little boat projects to do, but we were in need of a break. It was wonderful. We are leaving a magical place. I’m sure we’ll find other magical places, but my heart will always be in the Pacific Northwest.
Looking left from Beard’s Hollow overlook. A much needed break on the windy, uphill road. 
Dead Man’s cove. There was a sign that read “no access” but despite Jeff’s better judgment I decided that we never saw that sign. 
A shelter at Dead Man’s cove. 
Jeff looking longingly at the sea. Don’t worry babe, we’ll make it! 
Cape Disappointment lighthouse. Boy was this place aptly named. 
Got my ass in the sand. FINALLY! And yes, this is a country music reference.