It was a beautiful summer day for the Gig Harbor annual Blessing of the Fleet. I went to 8.30 mass for the Pentecost service. Deacon Dale gave the sermon and even after all the years  I have never quite understood what the Holy Spirit’s place is in the Trinity. I have a much clearer perception now. And what better occasion than for “Fleetwood” to be blessed? The old “Fleetwood” was blessed by Deacon John in 2004, just prior to the 9 year voyage, and all I wish for is another 10 years on the new “Fleetwood”.

The parade started after the 11 a.m. mass from the St. Nicholas church, with the Knights of Columbus in full dress followed by parishioners The priest father Bailey and Deacon John and his successor Deacon Dale got into a runabout with the traditional decoration of an icon of the Virgin Mary. This tradition goes back hundreds of years and was started by the Croatian founders of Gig Harbor. Ten purse seiners were rafted up in the bay and I was in a raft of 14 boats, mostly sailboats from Gig Harbor Yacht club members. The boats shared great hors d’oevres and desserts. The fishing boats will now be leaving for the Alaska salmon fishing grounds.

I am now starting to settle in to my new home here in the Arabella Landing marina. Unfortunately there is no wi-fi to the boat. But in the lounge of the marina I get a good connection. The supermarket that was very close to the marina is gone and I have to either push my folding  bike up the steep hill or take a pendle bus to the shopping center above the town.