Scratched off a bucket list item

Gofirstclass

Gofirstclass

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2010
11,695
Tri Cities, WA
Boat Info
Boatless in WA
Engines
No motor
OK, we all have a bucket list. You know--those things we've always wanted to do before we kick off the proverbial bucket. I guess I'm no different except for one thing--my bucket list items tend toward the large end.

Many years ago my then-wife (now ex-wife) and I took a few day cruise out of San Diego, down to Ensenada, out to an island somewhere off the coast then back to San Diego. When you cruise you are assigned to a dinner table for all your meals, and they try to put a member of the ship's staff at your table to enlighten everyone.

We were lucky to have the Staff Captain assigned to our table. He's the second in command of the ship and we enjoyed having him and his wife at our table. During the course of conversation one evening I asked him if I could get a personal tour of the bridge, separate from the "cattle call" tour where they rush people through by the hundreds. He agreed and our tour was the next morning.

So we did our tour and while there I half-jokingly asked him if I could take the helm. He smiled then reached over, shut off the autopilot and turned it over to me. So, for about a half hour I got to play with the steering system (there was no wheel), made a few turns then he took it back and reactivated the autopilot.

Here's a shot from many years ago with me at the controls of the Norwegian cruise ship we were on.
20200728_082936 (2).jpg


That was another thing I could check off my bucket list. I've been fortunate to be able to check off several things:
--fly a 4 engine plane (C-130) when I was in the USAF
--get a ride in a jet (F-4 Phantom)
--drive a mile-long train
--get some "ocean time" in a boat I was skippering (2 times)

I still have a few more to go but I've been fortunate in getting in as many as I have.
What's on your bucket list?
 
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Yeah, it was. Emphasis on WAS. I was a redhead when I was little--looked just like Howdy Doody. As I got into middle school and high school it got darker. Then I woke up one morning and it was grey.

Go figure.
 
Great story, I recall you mentioning this in another thread.

I don't think I have a bucket list, not sure what that means about me, never really gave it much though.
 
mrsrobinson said:
Great story, I recall you mentioning this in another thread.

I don't think I have a bucket list, not sure what that means about me, never really gave it much though.
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same here sir. if I want to do it I do.
 
I’ve never had a bucket list either but have been very fortunate being a firemen in the early 70’s with such great people. Yea there were always a few butt heads but very self rewarding job other than the money.

Having the opportunity to do the Great Loop was a want to but never every thought it would happen. Loosing my oldest sister at 56, my dad at 54 and some great people working in management with me I decided now or never. Told the wife we we’re leaving in three weeks to go do The Great Loop and you can imagine some of her comments.

Been blessed in so many ways I’d tell anyone to make your wish come true if it’s reasonable and attainable. One of my best friends I’ve boated with since in my teens hasn’t been able to stand up by himself on seven years so jus go do it as tomorrow your whole world can change!
 
30 years ago, I admired a Sea Ray 290 DA at a boat show. I really liked the lines and still do. With several boats in between we bought one 2 years ago. It's in great shape and is better than I imagined! On my list for 28 years. Is it coincidence that I first saw my current wife 30 years ago?
I admired her lines, too.
 
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