Very early and dark on Tuesday morning we headed for Anacortes to make the 0930 ferry to Lopez Island where my trailer spent many of her years.
Fog in Anacortes soon gave way to nice warm and sunny skies as we made the forty minute trip to Lopez.
Even though we’ve sailed in the San Juan Islands for years, I’d not been on Lopez since around 1980 when I was touring on my bicycle. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. Island Girl’s former home actually has shoreline on both the front and back of the property. We backed in behind Harold and Kathy’s motorhome, just a few feet from the water and surrounded by Douglas Fir and the distinctive Madrona tree, common in these islands.
Edith has her 94th birthday next month. I know she was excited to see her old trailer again, but I don’t think she could have been more excited than I was. Meeting her is really special to me. I know the trailer is just a collection of aluminum bits and pieces, but it was an important part of the lives of those who have used her before me. She’s taken great trips, served as a home (just as she’s doing now for Pam and me), and even for Harold and Kathy’s honeymoon.
Edith is a cat person, like me. My Brissy is not the first cat to travel in the trailer. She is adjusting well to the move from her sailboat, but it has been a huge change for a cat who has spent her life on a boat. She had a fun two days too, walking on her leash, just like Edith told me she had done with her Siamese cats.
But Brissy was more than ready for a nap while waiting for the ferry for the return trip home this afternoon.
Those of us that love these old trailers really do so because of people. We love the old aluminum and the way it shines, but we feel a connection to the guys that put them together at the factory. And, we feel a connection to the people who have owned and used the trailers in the past. It is about aluminum, but it’s mostly about people. I feel so honored to have been able to make that special connection this week.
-steve
What a great story! Did you ask her about the World's Fair? Maybe she knows my trailer people. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're cat people too... but we've never been able to get one to walk with a harness/leash. Seeing Brissy in her harness might renew some efforts (by the kids) though.
Thanks, Lynetta. Didn't think to ask about the World's Fair, but I will check with Harold.
ReplyDeleteI'll try for a Brissy on a leash picture, just got back from a walk. She was just a tiny thing when she started with the harness and was always clipped on when in the boat cockpit while at sea, so it's pretty normal to her. No idea if she'd walk with me on it, but she's doing really well at it. She'll be the talk of the trailer park soon, just like she was in the marina.
-steve
Steve, your last statement gives me goosebumps, the good kind. Yes, it is about the people. When all is said and done, it is the relationships we build that give life real meaning.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for you that the connection with Edith, Harold, and Kathy was possible. What a thrill that must have been for all.
Steve,
ReplyDeleteSue and I want you to know what a pleasure it was to meet you, Pam, Bissy and of course your beautiful Island Girl. We have enjoyed watching the progress on Island Girl here on your blog, and were delighted to see it all in person.
All the best, Spike & Sue