Spent the morning down by the Port Townsend marina, walking the docks with a cup of coffee. Sky was still gray, but thin in places — like the sun was working on getting through. Air smelled like salt, diesel, and wet wood. If you’ve ever lived near the water, you know that mix by heart.
If you’re new here, this story begins with;
I stopped near a small repair shop tucked behind the fuel dock. No sign worth repeating, but the place looked honest — tools where they should be, parts waiting to be used instead of displayed. The woman from the bar last night was working on a stubborn prop bolt, shoulders set like she’d already been fighting with it awhile.
I leaned on the 5-iron and asked if she wanted a hand.
She said, “No.”
Five seconds later: “Hand me that hammer.”
Worked immediately.
She smiled at that — a real smile, not the kind people use when they’re trying to make a good impression. She told me her name was Mara. Her dad started the shop years back, but he’s been laid up with a bad back. She’s keeping the place afloat for now. You could tell she’s carrying more weight than she lets on.
Last nights notes here;
While she talked, a dark SUV rolled slow past the marina entrance. Two men inside. Same two from the tavern last night. Suits still too clean for a town that works with its hands. Mara tracked the truck with her eyes until it turned out of sight.
I didn’t ask.
She didn’t explain.
She mentioned something about lease renewals. Waterfront development. People “pushing for changes.” The kind of changes that sound good on paper until somebody loses what matters. I asked if she was worried.
She said, “Ask me again in a month,” and changed the subject.
Before I left, she nodded at the 5-iron leaning against the dock and said,
“You actually play, or is that just for show?”
I told her, “Depends on who’s watching.”
She laughed. Easy sound. Uncomplicated.
Spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the seawall watching the boats move in and out. Tide was coming in — changing the feel of the shoreline. Sand went from firm to slick. Sand rating: 6/10 — too wet for a clean strike, but good for thinking.
I’m staying here a while.
Feels like things are shifting under the surface.
– BG
Travel light. Swing hard.
Learn more about the Port Townsend Marina;
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