The docks are super busy this week with crab boats. There is a commercial opener going on and the activity is frenetic on the commercial pier. The buyers have six people on hand and a forklift to keep up with deliveries. We only have a few of these days per year, but they are so busy they really leave an impression.

The marina used to have a lot more commercial fishing vessels than it does now, but time has changed the industry and our moorage customer base has changed as well. We have two purse seiners who call the marina home, but only the two. We still have over 35 other fishing boats, most of which are out crabbing this week, but which also go out for halibut, salmon, geoducks, shrimp, prawns, urchins – whatever fish are available. Even though the boats have changed, these fishermen remain a link to the history of La Conner, and they are part of the fisheries management system that will hopefully see them working out of this marina forever.

Safety Reminder: We had an incident this week with a tenant’s electricity. All was fine until the boater put a load on the connection by running the microwave and a hair dryer at the same time. It turns out that he had a loose connection that wasn’t readily apparent. The plug looked all right from the outside, but the increased load produced enough of an internal arc that the plug and receptacle both had, shall we say, a melting moment together. He reacted quickly and turned off everything immediately, preventing any further damage. One new cord and a rebuilt receptable, and all is now well thankfully. The moral of the story is to check your electrical connections often and make sure they are solid. Also, replace your boat’s electrical cord every few years. It’s a small investment in safety that can keep you alive.

Finally, I have received some really nice compliments about the marina staff this week, and I have to say … keep them coming! Thanks to everyone who had something nice to say about our fantastic summer crew. I think they’re fabulous, too.

See you on the Channel!