TIME:   1830 
DATE:  MAY 23, 2009

LOCATION:  PIER 39 Marina, San Francisco, CA


I got to the boat this afternoon at about 3 p.m. after an uneventful plane ride from Seattle followed by an exciting cab ride from the airport.  Pier 39, like the entire Embarcardero, is completely packed - I guess in part because of the holiday.  I say in part because at least half of the people here are from a foreign country and I don't imagine they celebrate our Memorial Day.  Anyway, I took a photo today of people standing in line to go for a ride on the "Rocket Boat" - a big planing boat that seats about 50 passengers at a time.  There are several hundred people in line and they are apparently prepared to wait for hours to get a seat.  Recession - What Recession?

The boat was fine when I got here.  I pretty much knew it would be because I have a little device called a "Boat Nanny" on board that constantly monitors temperature, voltages, bilge pumps, and unusual noises.  Anything goes amiss, and it immediatley sends me a text message.  It also sends one every day at noon with a complete status report.  So far, they've always been good.  (On my previous boat, I've had the power go out which spoils everything in the refrigerator and generally makes a smelly mess.  Now, if this happens, I can call and have it taken care of before it becomes a real issue).

I spent most of the day cleaning up and getting ready for the arrival of our crew tomorrow.  I also installed Photoshop on the computer in the office at the boat so I can get a little more prompt at posting photos.  Now the pressure's on me.

More to come tomorrow . . . .