A week of tall ships

This past week was filled with tall ships and wind-filled sails!

On Monday, I had the joy of attending the 20th anniversary celebration for the Lady Washington. The drive to Aberdeen was beautiful and reminded me why this is the "Evergreen State". The celerbation began as soon as I walked down the ramp to the dock and visited with Captain J.B., someone I've sailed with numerous times. Standing on the deck of the Lady, listening to the sea shanties and seeing familiar faces was a delightful way to spend an early evening. I made sure to visit the Lady's companion ship, Hawaiian Chieftain, who was rafted to her and say hi to the crew.

It was a pleasure to meet Captain Jake who helped build the Lady Washington, visit with Washington's former Secretary of State, Ralph Munro, outside of Heritage Caucus and get a hug from Captain "Evil" Ryan (so named as there are two Captain Ryan's and they flipped a coin for who would be "good" and who would be "evil"). The celebration continued with a wonderful dinner, lots of laughs and sweet memories before driving home with a smile.

My week of tall ships had of course only just begun. The rest of the week was filled with preparing for the Center for Wooden Boats Festival at Lake Union, and organizing the volunteers for Sound Experience aboard the historic schooner Adventuress. I am grateful to all the volunteers who were able to come and lend a hand at the booth and on the boat, and appreciate all their smiles and energy as they answered many questions and helped make new friends for the organization. There were over 1,100 people crossing the deck of Adventuress on Saturday, and a number of people signed up to be members and to help support the organization.

The "Fire & Ice" fundraiser was sold out as 60 people sat on the deck, eating donated ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery and watching the fireworks over Lake Union. All proceeds go to the summer program sail for foster kids, a project in partnership with Treehouse. Everyone seemed to have a great time, the fireworks were amazing and the ice cream was the best.

On Sunday the boat and booth were again open to welcome visitors but closed early to prepare to set sail for another fundraiser. This event was to raise scholarship funds for kids who otherwise would not be able to experience life aboard, learn team work and how to care for our environment. The 4-hour sail was unique as Adventuress sailed with the schooners Zodiac and Lavengro. I'm sure the sight of 3 tall ships sailing together was impressive - especially for those people driving on the 520 bridge! The sail was amazing with great food, music and fantastic wind all making the time go by too quickly.

Too soon the weekend was over and it was time to return home after a wonderful 3-days of volunteering and living aboard Adventuress. There is still more to come of my volunteer work with Puget Sound's environmental tall ship, and many more ways to help Adventuress to educate, inspire and empower youth of all ages.