All along the Sandy Point canal, various ships are tied up to docks showcasing even lovelier homes. There are some older boats, well-loved boats, and a few that weathered the wet Pacific winter.
Directly across from my vantage point sits a "rentable dock". The owner charges a steep $500 a month to rent a spot. So, I know it isn't for the lowly fisherman but for someone who can truly afford it.
So, I was surprised to see an abandoned-looking boat sitting there - a lovely boat gone to mold.
"Hey, what's up with the Earth Angel?" I asked."
"Oh, it's kind of sad. We aren't quite sure what happened but we did witness the before and after. Here is the story:
"It was a lovely summer day when the boat came through the canal and tied up at the dock. A man of Asian descent drove it in. He spent some time getting the boat ready before the cars came.
Three cars arrived, filled with children, parents, and grandparents. They came bearing coolers, baskets, blankets, and grocery bags. Everyone was talking, laughing, and eager for their ride in the new boat. The owner greeted them all with bows and handshakes, welcoming them on board. The sun was shining. The weather was warm. It was a perfect day on the Puget Sound.
Three hours later the boat returned. It came in a little fast. The neighbors watched, worried at the speed. The Canal is narrow and full of other boats and obstacles. The Earth Angel hit the deck hard and before the driver could jump out and secure it, the occupants began piling out.
No one said a word. Not one of them was smiling. The children were being held and the elderly helped quickly and directly up the dock to the cars. Coolers, baskets, blankets, and grocery bags were left behind, abandoned in their haste to escape.
The owner left too. He didn't even lock the boat down or close the windows. He's never returned.
Last year, curiousity got the better of our friend, Greg. He drove over there and hopped aboard to check out the boat. Plates with food still sit on the table, molding to dust. Placemats, silverware, and cups all left as they had been. He wanted to open a cooler, but feared both the smell and discovery of a dead body.
It's been three years now and it still sits there...abandoned."
"What about the dock owner?" I asked, "Why doesn't he do something."
"Why should he?" Was the reply. "The owner is still paying the $500 a month dock fee."
Leaving us to wonder....what happened out there on that 3 hour cruise?