Work-Boat races and Pirates

Saturday was the third annual Anacortes Work-boat Races and Pirate Faire. This was held at the historic port of Anacortes Pier 1. This event celebrated the town’s working waterfront and men & women who make their living on the water. There was a kick off dinner, as well as chowder contests, bands, and vendors. Pirates, large and small, roamed the dock area and manned the cannon that announced (loudly) each beginning and ending of the races. Captains were all dressed as pirates as well as most crew members. There were four races matching like vessels including tug boats, whale-watching boats, rescue vessels, freight transporters, etc. Even John Wayne’s 1932 yacht the Nor’Wester participated. (Later, in 1963, John Wayne purchased the Wild Goose, a 137’ converted mine sweeper). Each race winner had to "parade" near the pier and be plummeted with water balloons. Lots of wet pirates and fans!

The historic tug Comanche a WWII boat from Pearl Harbor was open for tours. I would have hated to have called that “home” for any period of time.

And check out these blackberries! Wild berry bushes grow everywhere along trails, walkways, in yards….and are there just for the picking. Now what could be better than free?

Early morning fog today