Back to Work

My volunteer writing and editing for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra ramped up today for the new season, with the first concert coming up fast, on September 5. I've done an initial schedule for the "changeable content" of each concert program, and met with the executive director and the external relations director this afternoon to go over the schedule and other details.

Wanting a larger scene than my recent blips have afforded, I headed for the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven after the meeting, and enjoyed both the sunshine--particularly welcome after a rainy morning--and seeing one of the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries tied up at the dock.

The MV Columbia has been out of service for more than nine months, having its annual overhaul and being fitted out with new main engines, replacing the original ones installed almost 40 years ago. The engine replacements were done in Portland, and the Columbia is now at the Alaska Marine Highway's southern terminus in Bellingham, ready to head north on June 13. (If you enjoy technical engine details, you'll love this.)

Having the Alaska ferry, as it's locally known, right on our doorstep is another reason to consider a holiday here--but do be sure to book your berth well in advance, as the summer sailings often sell out! (If you want to pitch a tent on the deck, that's another story...)