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Boat is Swamped

Visitors Swarm OARNW Exhibit at Festival

Maybe “swarmed” is a better description of the condition of the James Robert Hanssen while it became an attraction at the 2011 CWB Wooden Boat Festival at South Lake Union Park in Seattle.

Festival visitors representing both local and distant counties and countries “bee-lined” right to the stern of the OAR Northwest ocean rowing vessel, when they read our new and simple little sign: “Look In Here” (with arrow pointing down into the round stern hatch).  They climbed the provided two-step stool and generally the next word out of their mouths to be muttered was…”wow.”

Often, one could count multiple utterances of this same word from the same visitor, “wow…..woW….Wow… WOW,” each with a slightly different emphasis.  We were happily surprised that people seemed to enjoy the peep-show into our expedition team’s living quarters.  Some were rewarded with viewings of Jordan’s playthings, and one comment came forward after the viewer learned of the number of people living aboard, “it must become a sporty smelling-type of living quarters.”

The new video monitor and speakers seemed to help people, when they could see it due to high glare issues, come a little closer to understanding or accepting, rather, the expedition’s trials, successes and challenges.   The 4-6 minute clips helped Elise, Jordan, Otto and Rick all juggle the multiple discussions that began with the many people visiting our exhibit area.

Additionally, the display table with ubber-high tech table red cloth made of Goretex not only enhances JRH’s waterline colors, but it also is timely for the summer fashion season of ocean rowboats.  Just look how it captures the sun’s rays and gently reflects them onto the entire festival scene.

The rough voices and sunburned under-eyelids of each OARNW representative, demonstrate the ultimate price of hanging out all weekend on a 10×10 foot square piece of earth.   These post-exhibit conditions were common up and down the festival strip.  The fireworks just added to the blinding enjoyment of the whole weekend.

OAR Northwest wishes to thank all of you who visited our booth…by the HoneyJohns (that website is available should you wonder). Also, a big shout-out to CWB staff who worked tirelessly.  We began a number of awe-some conversations with people willing to support our programs immediately…how can you help?

Donate: simple, fast and you’ll see immediate results.

Follow: easy and free.

Give: One boat will help build 10 rowboats.