Recently while walking the Charleston docks we saw ample evidence of these tough economic times. Many of you may be aware that of all states, Oregon has suffered mightily through this recession with one of the most stubbornly high unemployment rates of all states. Whereas just a couple of years ago when we first placed the park model at Midway, this harbor was chuck full of boats, there are now gaping holes of empty slips. Those commercial and pleasure boats left tied to the dock seem to be quickly withering into sad disrepair. The ocean environment is a tough one; unforgiving in its march forward if one doesn’t keep up with maintenance and repairs.
Ask yourself if you’d like to be going to sea on some of these boats; the last of which actually has a hole in her side.
Of course, there are still those who live aboard and probably go nowhere; like this beagle’s owner and the more colorful inhabitants of the purple Delta Dawn which looks as though she hasn’t seen a wash down in years.
Some commercial boats still ply the waters, coming and going; other boaters have given up entirely and just want out.
