So, as many of you know, I've written a new Leona book. Basically it's about water and boating safety. I'm still looking for an endorsement for this installment. Then we go away on Sirius up the coast. In looking at the sailing guides and online, everyone says that the best place to anchor in Cape May is by the coast guard station. So we decided that's where we'll drop our hook.
We got there late morning and quickly discovered that it's not only a Coast Guard Station, but a training facility. As the days went by, we woke to Reveille and the national anthem (do you need to get out of bed when you hear it?) and when the sun goes down we listened to Taps. Not quite what I was expecting, but quite alright.
Then I had this idea to go ashore and give them a copy of my book. I would give it as a gift, and if they liked it, perhaps they would offer their endorsement... Dave Glessing was happy to accompany me while Jeff worked on the boat. It was a very short dinghy ride. There was no one on the dock, so we tied up the dinghy and went ashore.
Dave said we shouldn't be there, but I retorted that we'll just give them my book and be on our way. The place was empty, so I looked for an office building to drop off my book. Ahead of us looked like some sort of administrative office, so we went in. Again Dave said we shouldn't be there. I was so full of my good intentions, I didn't listen. We traversed the first floor hollering hello. No answer. Finally we exited at the far end of the building. I was beginning to think I wouldn't find anyone, when a security car was driving toward us. Both Dave and I waved him over. At last I would give him my book.
The security guard was not happy. He asked what we were doing here. I started to tell him about my book, but he cut me off. He stated that this was a military institution and we could both be arrested. I said I didn't know that. He said they have guns here. Wouldn't that tell you something? Police have guns, but you can walk into any police station. Sometimes I can be very naive. Then he asked for our IDs. We didn't have any. All we had was my book. We told him as much and he became even more unpleasant. We gladly gave our names and addresses and told him our sailboat name. He asked again why we were here. I started to tell him again and again he cut me off. I was trying to be cooperative and answer his question and I was getting angry that my reason for being there wasn't enough for him.
Finally he said he would escort us back to our dinghy. I asked if I could give him my book and he could give it to the person in charge. He said he didn't want it. So, we walked behind his car as he drove to the dock. When we got there he got out. A few coast guard personnel were getting ready to get in their boat and do something. The security guard said our dinghy was clearly blocking the way out. It wasn't. He said had this been an emergency, we would have been responsible for any delay. They had a clear path out to open water.
As we were led by the coast guard boat, I asked if I could give my book to them? The security guard snapped no, so we hurried to undo our lines and be off.
***
Days later, just past Hell Gate on the entrance to Long Island Sound, we attempted to put our main sail up by the Throgs Neck Bridge. We were having some difficulty and had to take it down and start over. A passing sailboat radioed us on Channel 16 if we needed help. We told them no but thanks for asking. Then the Coast Guard appeared ready and eager to be of assistance. We told them we had things well in hand and then I asked them to come closer to our boat. I said I had something for them. I ran below and got a signed book, the one I tried to leave at the Coast Guard facility in Cape May. I handed it over to them and they were very appreciative. I said I tried to give the Coast Guard the book in Cape May, but that that didn't go over so well. They looked puzzled.
So all in all, I got my book into Coast Guard hands and didn't get arrested!