Scary

We were headed back to Everet’s from the dam after dark. I had been looking for the green buoy that is in the middle of the river when I noticed a set of green and red lights high on the bluff. I could not figure out why they would let someone put lights like navigation lights in that position. Then it dawned on me they could really be navigation lights. I turned on my 2 million candlepower light and 50 yards ahead bearing down on me was a tug boat running alone. He had no other lights on and was completely dark except for the navigation lights. I flashed my light up into the pilot house and the captain was in the back of the cabin with his back to the river fooling with some paper work.

He obviously did not know where the light came from because he immediately turned on his spotlight and lit up first Everet’s, then the river up stream, them me. He blinded me totally, but I was out of the way by that time and we passed without incident. I can’t believe how high the pilot house was above the river. I also can’t believe he did not know I was in the area. I had been actively searching for the buoy with my spotlight. I never saw him turn on a spotlight and that is a sharp turn for the tugs around that green buoy.

I can understand him running without lights as I like to do that too as it helps my night vision, but sure was scary there for a few minutes.

All turned out well, but I think the captain and I both came close to needing fresh underwear.

That is certainly out of context for the captain of that tug, if it’s the one I’m thinking of.

As a side note, a client of mine was ragging on me one night because I didn’t shoot across the river in front of a tug. I thought it was very obvious why I waited. He was in a bit of a hurry to get to shore.

Just about the time he was going to raise his voice to me, he realized all he was seeing was the tug and not the 6 barges the tug was pushing. Once he saw them and how close we were I could actually hear him get goose bumps for thinking we should have scooted in front of him.

As you pointed out Jerry, never assume the big guy sees you.

Glad it turned out well!

Yep, it is a scary thing when the shoreline is suddenly very close to you and moving faster than you think it should. I was just talking about this to a friend I’m going out with tonight. I was noting the semi full moon last eve and how it settles me down a notch when driving the river at night, without it and I’m always a little touchy regardless of the multiple spots, radio, and gps. Glad it worked out well for you!

i guess i’m the weird one then, cause i love running the river at night.

He certainly wasn’t paying attention. At the least his radar should have picked you up.
One time during the dark of night I watched the pilot turn off every light but the front navigation lights. Even the lights inside that the deckhands use. The full moon allowed me to watch a guy throw a few black plastic bags into the water. All of them sank of course.
1/8 of a mile farther and all the lights came back on. I have to wonder how often this actually happens.

Perch, I like to run the river at night too. There is something beautiful and mysterious about it. I have never had anything like this happen before as I’m ultra careful which is probably why I’m not turtle food right now.

Love the river.