The behemoth ships that transport cars are a favorite. They are a pretty light blue, large and ride high in the water. Their names are fun too: Iris Leader, Poseidon Leader, Swift Ace. They come down the channel accompanied by two tugs, tiny but powerful boats. At the entrance to the channel, they often perform the popular pivot, a maneuver requiring skill and dexterity on the part of the tugboats, to allow the ship to enter backwards so that it may depart forwards. Presumably, ships don’t like to operate in reverse. The cam watchers can later see the shipworkers driving in for their shift, and later these same workers driving the cars off the boat and into the parking lot. The lot is a great place to see what Subarus will be available in the coming year. If you visit the nest, you will drive by the trucks and trains that take these cars elsewhere.
Then there are the smaller boats. The fishing boats go out early and return late in the day. Some are fancy and new and others are weather beaten. Occasionally one sees a tour boat, the Osprey being the camwatchers’ favorite. And then the sailboats, of all sizes. Once a large trimaran passed by, then Midi read later about the owner of the trimaran who got into trouble in San Francisco.
Song of the Tugboat Tugger was a little tugboat With a pretty light blue coat. Tugged and towed the livelong day Up and down the Richmond Bay One day she grew tired and said, “Oh, my poor aching head. Why must I work every day, While the sailboats lazily play? People cheer when the cruise ship Glides into its narrow slip, They ignore that I was the one Led it there during their fun They don’t even know my name, The cruise ship has all the fame. And the tanker, even barge Are respected ‘cuz they’re large.” Later, Tugger had finished her day When she saw a sailboat on the Bay. As she slowly chugged past She saw it on a sandbar, stuck fast. “I must go help them”, she said, “Even though it’s time for bed, For that is what tugboats do Help whenever help is due.” Tugger went to offer a line But the people said, “You are so kind Can’t we ride with you instead? That sailboat now fills us with dread.” “Of course,” Tugger then replied, As her heart near burst with pride. So the people boarded the tug As each one gave the boat a hug. And they partied all the way back, As Tugger gamely took up the slack, There was food, drink, music too, Provided by the tug’s great crew When they reached land, they all shouted “Yay, Hooray for Tugger who saved the day.” “They knew my name,” Tugger said with pride, She was so glad she had given them a ride. And no longer angry, no longer sad, The next day she worked quite glad, Now the people knew her name, And she was a boat of some fame. MIdi | Row Lia Row Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is rounding Brooks Island She will soon be back today, day, day, Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is going through Golden Gate, She'll not be home til late, late, late. Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is touring the Farallones, Three days she will be gone, gone, gone. Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing to Hawaii. We hope her journey will be great As she heads out through the Golden Gate. to be continued.... -MIdi Lia is seeking sponsors to help her build a new boat so she can make a record-making sail from Japan to San Francisco. To subscribe to her newsletter, read her fascinating blog, and/or donate, go to www.rowliarow.com |