Entertainment at the Dock

March 24, 2015

One of the joys of dock life is the variety of people you meet: the deep sea diver, the truck driver, the policeman, the tec-nerd, the musician, the young, the restless, the adventurer, the seamstress, the hairdresser, the educator, the bodybuilder, the sailor who has turned his boat into a "condo" that never leaves the dock, the visitors who sail in from all over the world for a brief stop at the marina.  It is the proverbial "salad bowl" of people and I love listening to them, getting to know them a little, and I continue to marvel at how quickly one becomes connected in some way with people who in different circumstances I would probably never have the chance to meet. 

 

The morning begins with a nautical version of a "coffee klatsch". Here I call it the "Circle of Wisdom".   It is a group of guys (I am usually the lone female) sitting around trying to avoid sun in the eyes, enjoying the never ending pot of coffee, solving the world's problems. The amount of wisdom dispensed varies from day to day and can range from "guy talk"  (amusing and entertaining, but not overly useful) to some serious discussions of sailing, boats, boat repair, interesting trips to make, past sailing adventures and a few misadventures. The collective expertise and knowledge is impressive. Jim and I are notably silent as we absorb as much as possible.

The Circle of Wisdom

During the day it is impossible to make a nonstop trip down the dock.  There is always someone to talk to or some interesting work being done on a boat that is worth paying attention to.  This is such a fun change for us!  Where we come from, living at least a half mile from the nearest neighbor, no one stops by for a chat, a cup of coffee, or a cup of sugar or anything else without advanced planning!  

Sometimes we have impromptu entertainment on the dock.  One night it was Bill playing the oldies, but goodies on his electric piano. No music needed, just playing and improvising in his own special style.  

Bill, sharing his talents at the dock

Occasionally in the evenings there is another circle - I'm not sure what to call this one.  It takes place on our dock. Sometimes it is a happy hour and sometimes it segues into a potluck.  Everyone on the dock is invited and the decibel level rises as the number of attendees increases.  Fortunately no one seems to be a night owl and we all head home at a relatively civil hour.

"C" Dock

There are only a few dock neighbors who are here permanently - most, including us will be moving on but it would be my guess that altho the personalities may change, the general synergy and spirit of community will remain.

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