Henry Hagg Lake - Saturday 06/04

I made it out on the water by 8am.  Aux Coast Guard wanted to verify I was all safe before I went out, so "Ms. Slow Q's" grilled me for nearly a half hour while I was trying to get things in order to hop in the kayak.   Got my fancy triangle sticker.  Whoohoo! 

Not to sound like an anti-government extremist (especially when I suckle off of the teat of the taxpayer as a government employee myself), but what statutory authority does the coast guard auxiliary have?  Is Henry Hagg lake considered a navigable waterway in interstate commerce?  Do they have the authority to stop and detain?  I work with the regular CG alot, and the CG Aux are a friendly bunch (from my experience) but I never really thought about til now.  All I know is they get free gas. 

PS: I am not in any way disrespecting them, I am just curious.

Hats off to them, they do a great service helping folks stay safe and avoid mistakes but, when they ask me for an inspection (2-3 times a year on average) I politely smile and say "No thank you". I know my boats, yak and otherwise are outfitted correctly and figure their time would be better spent giving the once over to someone new to boating.

Hats off to them, they do a great service helping folks stay safe and avoid mistakes but, when they ask me for an inspection (2-3 times a year on average) I politely smile and say "No thank you". I know my boats, yak and otherwise are outfitted correctly and figure their time would be better spent giving the once over to someone new to boating.

Thanks. I was just wondering if you had to stop if you were in a hurry.  I am glad they are willing to provide the service.

Hats off to them, they do a great service helping folks stay safe and avoid mistakes but, when they ask me for an inspection (2-3 times a year on average) I politely smile and say "No thank you". I know my boats, yak and otherwise are outfitted correctly and figure their time would be better spent giving the once over to someone new to boating.

Thanks. I was just wondering if you had to stop if you were in a hurry.  I am glad they are willing to provide the service.

Far as I know, it is completely voluntary to go through the safety check and no repercussions in the event you decide to pass it up. 
By going through the checklist, I also received a new PFD whistle.  This one will go on the wife's PFD.

At our tournament at Neah Bay a few years back we had the Coast Guard auxiliary come out and do voluntary checks.  I think everyone participated and either passed or received good guidance on how to do so.  We can try to arrange for something similar at an event this summer.  Now ... if Brian would only decide when the event is.  Hah!!!  The onus in on Brian to decide.   

-Allen

Alan. i think its probably more on the lines of Mrs Steves to then Mr. on when the the stork will be there and when the fishing will be. .... LOL