Dry dock and the "Tree Guy"...

Folks that aren't from around "these parts" may not be familiar with the unique inhabitants that share our glorious trees here on the Island. Many of us have discovered these special folks upon rising in the morning. You head out the door, and yikes, there's a new "Tree Guy". Although at first they may startle the unwary resident, their eyes tell it all. They are really very warm and reassuring. I have yet to hear them actually speak, but they always seem on the verge of wanting to share with you something deep and profound about the nature of life. Heaven knows, they have ample time to think about such things! And as reclusive as they are, they become rather good friends as you get to know them. 

These "tree folk" lead what I would describe as a "contemplative" lifestyle and seem content to simply "be" for the most part. Hmm, a good example I would suggest, to those of us who might occasionally benefit from the wisdom of "Don't just do something, sit there". I would add that they are also very good listeners and appear genuinely interested in our various activities.

After what has been a very full last few weeks in the parish, this morning some long-awaited time was available to place my sea kayak in "dry dock", under the watchful eyes of the "Tree Guy". Observant readers will see, by the little yellow bungee, that I have yet to repair the rudder block, the small yoke-like device where the rudder rests securely when it is not deployed. The reason for this delayed action is that is that the part required must come all the way to Vancouver Island from Winona, Minnesota. All right, so the real reason the repair has not been done is that I procrastinated ordering the part until just recently. The "Tree Guy" knows all about that as I have frequently shared this personality flaw of mine with him. My sea kayak patiently waits for her deck hardware to be complete and in functional order again.

Anyway, the boat is now cleaned out of bits and pieces of sea debris, the fibreglass surface washed, rigging checked, and rudder lines inspected. All I need now is the rudder block and everything will be back together again. The seas have now also had a chance to calm after the incredible wind storms that rocked the Island last week. I'll bet the "Tree Guy" was gritting his teeth. The trees were moving and swaying like we've never seen before.

Well, better get the boat back together and in the garage. Hopefully, the ordered part will arrive very soon and the rudder will find a secure resting place again until following seas or annoying cross winds demand its deployment. It would be interesting to take the "Tree Guy" paddling sometime but I have a feeling that he's put roots down and is quite happy to stay put in our forest. Oh well, we can hang out with him anytime and he always seems glad to listen to our stories of paddling and running along the trails.

Hey "Tree Guy", have you ever considered paddling? Or would that be going out on a bit of a limb? Come on, buddy, gotta branch out a little! OK, OK, just "needling" you. :-)

Duncan.