Pirate ship attracts La Conner's treasure

In the three years I spent traveling the globe on a 21-speed bicycle as a world expedition cyclist, the only thing that kept the front wheel of that bike turning was not knowing what was around the next corner.

But the privilege of meeting new people and experiencing new cultures has always been my passion, along with a love of small boats.

My “critical systems” for long-distance biking included the following — a pair of saddlebags, front and rear, a sleeping bag behind the seat, a water jug, a tent, a small stove, radio, camera, a few spare parts and at least one playful touch — a Frisbee tucked into the sleeping bag.

Now, the “critical systems” necessary to sustain life are somewhat limited while traveling on a bicycle. I recall how I once slept on a pool table and at least one night in a telephone booth — doable for a man in his 20s, but not so desirable for an older traveler.

Now, decades of experience later, I have retired from the Rat Race and once again plan on traveling the world aboard my homebuilt 18-foot heavy displacement, shoal draft, junk-rigged sailboat Short Stack.

The difference this time really revolves around the “critical systems.” There will be no more sleeping in a telephone booth, as Short Stack is equipped with two sleeping berths, a gimbaled two-burner stove, a fresh water sink for washing and cleaning up, a 30-gallon capacity water tank and room for a water maker, a chart and navigation station, and an auxiliary diesel engine providing a 600-mile range.

At the 16th Annual Classic Car & Boat Show held earlier this month, I presented Short Stack to the public in La Conner.

Short Stack took the “People’s Choice” award for boats on trailers. But the real prize for me was the opportunity to meet some great people.

I met two very lovely people, who walked over to the show at the marina from the nearby La Conner Retirement Inn and introduced themselves as Eldon and Kitty Pippen.

They proudly informed me that they were 96 — although Mr. Pippen thought that he might be 97.

While Mr. Pippen comple-mented me on the artistry of Short Stack, the real treat for me came when he and his wife invited me to their residence to view Mr. Pippen’s ship.

I returned the next day to take some pictures of his lifelong passion — woodworking and building model boats, which he has been doing since he was 8 years old. He was quick to point out that his first three creations didn’t really look much like boats.

Although my main interest was in Eldon’s model boats, my wife and I also truly appreciated Kitty Pippen’s masterful quilting. Her skill is renowned in the fabric art world, and after all, her town is home to the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum.

Truly, two very talented artists — perhaps even national treasures — were revealed within the La Conner community.

Thank you, La Conner. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet the Pippens and many other passers-by at the boat show. People shared their e-mail address with me so they can follow the adventures of my journey aboard Short Stack.

As my 70th birthday approaches, I am in the final stages of preparation for a culminating journey of a lifetime on the high seas.