Shifting Gears: Fresh Eyes on Fishing
February 3, 2026
A Friendly Neighbor Sparks a Fondness for Fishing and More Days on the Water Ever since we began boating on the Salish Sea, we have encountered crowds of boats in certain seasons and locations chasing salmon. We love salmon,…
Shifting Gears: We’re Still Learning
November 18, 2025
Happily, we pulled our C-Dory 22 Cruiser Sea Lab out of our Fair Harbor slip and onto her trailer for a good cleanup and a few repairs before our three weeks of late summer cruising. I really wanted the windlass to work…
Shifting Gears: Pulling the Emergency Brake
September 16, 2025
The trusty C-Dory was a rescue boat on…
Shifting Gears: Getting Out of Neutral
July 22, 2025
I always have some excuse for not doing projects, maintenance, or repairs on the boat. It might be too cold or wet. There might be more pressing issues with home or family. Or, it may be someone called with a more…
Shifting Gears: Clutch Before Shifting
April 8, 2025
Sitting in a canoe with cold fingers and feet, watching a beautiful dark blue hulled ketch slowly motor by—its occupants comfortable and dry under their dodger—filled me with envy. This was especially true knowing that we…
Shifting Gears: Local Knowledge
March 12, 2024
Ever since we’ve had boats that stay in the water, we have kept them moored in Tacoma. Often, we look for a quick weekend getaway or overnight trip close to home, and our favorite spot over the years has been the county park…
Shifting Gears: Winterizing A Powerboat Brings Fond Sailing Memories
December 12, 2023
Winter crossing of Commencement Bay in…

Whatever marvels to the north drew these…
Shifting gears embodies the idea…
The author: Dennis Bottemiller
A Perfect…