As I "rest" in between 2 weeks of hell that is called Celestial Navigation, I managed to squeeze away from studying for the day and spend some time with my folks who were up from CA, visiting WA. I met up with them in Everett and took them down to our docks and showed them around the boats a little. Afterwards, we hopped on the Edmonds ferry to Kingston and drove up to Nordland Island near Port Townsend to see a high school friend of my parents and her husband Gene, who is a retired ship captain in the Merchant Marines.
They live on a rural island on the Western side of the main shipping channel, directly across from Whidbey Island, directly abeam the "SC" (Sierra Charlie) buoy. Gene was a captain for MSC (Military Sealift Command) for over 20 years and has been all over the world. He has also sailed on the University of WA's Thomas G. Thomson as a Chief Mate. It was inspiring to hear about his career, and to see how a retired captain lives. They had the most amazing property with unbeatable views, surrounded by old growth trees, long forested driveway and situated right on the water. I couldn't have dreamed up a better place to live if I tried. We chatted for a bit, talked about boats and then headed into town for a bite to eat. Afterwards we parted ways and headed back to Everett, and then home to Seattle. A great day all in all.
Tomorrow it's nose back in the books. I'm really not feeling good about exams next week and really have no clue as to how I will come close to passing this class, but I'm over it. If I don't make it, then I'll just have to retake it a later date. I took today off from studying because A. I needed it and B. it's not too often your parents come north and are in town. Celestial Nav is a hard subject, I'm not as sharp as I used to be, and it's not worth stressing over. Moving on while still giving my all.
Off to bed rest and a long day of studying.
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