Social Distancing Aspect of Cruising During the Pandemic

Social Distancing on Kismet This Summer –

This summer’s cruise feels unique. Because of the pandemic, we are not forcing schedules to meet up with many people. There are no rendezvous to attend – all canceled this year. The social aspect of cruising has been a little different, leaving us feeling a little out of our element. The upside is we have been so relaxed with the simple day-to-day existence of floating on our little island of a boat, Kismet. We’ve been cooking, eating, playing games, and walking more than ever before. It is a good life without the daily, ongoing pressures of news reports of dire sickness, death, and unreal politics. We weren’t sure when we left home if this was the absolute right thing to do. I can say confidently now, we made the right decision.

Although we are keeping our distance,
we still mingle when at the dock, or visit by dinghy.

We always wear masks inside for grocery shopping or keep our distance outside, with masks when moving around near others. Jim and I have had Happy Hour in our cockpit while next to another couple on their tug’s back deck. We met in a park to sit under the shade of a tree to visit another couple. Everyone brings their own chairs to get the required distance. We hike in the woods with our masks, but only put them on when we encounter other hikers. The trails are narrow, and some people are talking, laughing, or out of breath from hiking, or kids are running past us. We have not gone into a restaurant since March. But do get take out occasionally and bring it back to the boat if we can.

Other friends, Bruce and Vicki, on their 41-ft Ranger Tug, Soundtrack. What a pleasure to be able to visit with friends without those uncomfortable masks, worry, or concern for our health or theirs.

We’ve paid visits to other Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats and had many visits to our boat, from Tugnuts and Tugettes, this summer. It has been the highlight of these idyllic, warm days in the Pacific Northwest. Jim and I enjoyed the local boaters and “Tuggers” welcoming us to these waters, many bringing gifts like shrimp, crab, homemade jam, a sprig of rosemary, and even puzzles and dockage, we are a caring, productive and creative community.

Jim and I have been impressed with how many Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boat cruise these waters since our last trip here.  I can safely say, there has hardly been a day gone by without seeing one of these boats out on the big water, at the park docks, in marinas, and at anchor. They are everywhere!

As I said, we have been very careful about the social distancing aspect of our summer trip. So, if we didn’t invite you on Kismet, or we didn’t accept an invitation to board your boat, or we did not offer to raft up at the dock, it was for that reason alone. We care about others, and we look after our own health. We hope everyone understands. To everyone who stopped by to say hi and welcome us to the PNW, left notes or gifts… THANK YOU!