Winter Day on the South Sound

Today we got "Friend Ship" out of the shop.  Each year she goes in for a once over from Tacoma Marine and this year was no exception.  Usually they have some small project to work on and it keeps me out of trouble when we are on the water having a good time.
After picking her up we stopped for a few things then headed straight for our favorite boat launch.
Before long we were looking eye to eye with a big sea lion posing for us.  Now the big issue was how to make my new phone take pictures.
Next stop was eagle Island.  Usually we stop for lunch on the sandy point but it just looked a little cold today so we pressed ahead.
On the chart I saw a shipwreck by Longbranch so we decided to investigate.  That seems to be one our favorite pastimes.  Today we never did see the shipwreck but had a great tour of Filucy Bay.  There was everything from old livaboards to beautiful waterfront homes.
By this time "Friend Ship" was getting a little cold (no pun intended) so Linda headed her towards home.

Just another beautiful day on the South Sound.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.

International Ship Breaking Dangerous Buisiness

While reading my shipping online magazine this morning I was struck by the dangers of ship breaking. A ship breaker is an organization that buys ships then cuts them up and resells the parts for scrap. Here are some pictures from Andrew Bells website of the ship breakers. http://www.andrewbell.net.au/shipBreaking.html
What caught my attention was that according to Maritime Updates http://www.maritimeupdates.com/ships-shipping/ship-breakers-inhale-death.html
in the ship breaking industry there were 14 deaths this year, 15 deaths in 2008 and 18 in 2006 and 2007.
This business gives a whole new meaning to Labor and Industry. I'm not sure what we can do for those people working in ship breaking but it sure makes my thankful for the standards being set in our own country.
Here in the South Puget Sound we not only live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world but also one of the safer areas.
Hope to see you on the sound soon and enjoy life today while helping others for their tomorrow.