Welcome aboard, Doug and Betty L, 😀
Perhaps I can make a few comments about things now after almost a year in the group!
SIGNUP AND TRAVEL
When you sign up, know that Tugnuts will be happy to see you!
If you have not boated to the area, let the group leader know that, and perhaps you will want post on this forum to see if there are others traveling at the same time and you can travel with another boat. Ask the leader or on Tugnuts if you have other questions about getting there.
ARRIVAL
If you radio the leader, USUALLY ON 68, as you get close to the dock, there will be folks standing there to help you land and grab your lines. Try to remember to turn on both thrusters before arriving at the dock, which I have forgotten at times!
After you turn off the engine and systems and are on the dock, the next step is to be sure you are tied up how you want to be, then to go to the office, usually on shore, and register your boat there, paying for however many nights you plan to stay. Credit cards are normal currency.
I have found it very tricky to take time to rinse off the boat and wipe it down because as soon as arriving we start talking, then I pay, then walk the dog, and forget about cleaning the boat. It is a very good idea to wash down the boat asap, if you can manage, and if you have your own hose that is helpful, because not all docks leave them laying around! Most folks seem to use the soft bright cloths that I see in Costco, and by rinsing the boat and stainless, then drying at least the stainless and windows, which I did not do often enough, your boat will stay cleaner, and you can see out better!
FOOD and DRINK
Come with chairs for both of you (and guests if you bring any) to bring to the dock, and if you have room, a table to put food on. We gather for Happy Hour with snacks we share, and folks provide their own liquid refreshments generally. In addition to chairs, have one or more bowls/platters and serving utensils if needed for your food to bring to the gathering.
We often have potlucks on the dock, so we bring our own place settings, and brimmed hats are often useful in the late afternoon to keep the sun out of our eyes. Often we go back to our boats for jackets as the air cools. :!:
ACTIVITIES
Usually there are planned activities available to enjoy, such as nearby areas to boat to, interesting local events/color/pubs/chandleries, and Ganges has a nearby park full of vendors with homemade items and food on the weekend.
TUGNUTS
This is a chatty group, and someone always has something new to share, such as last May when Vicki of Moondance showed us a new vase that had multiple partitions to place fresh flowers in, and she had it pasted somehow on one of her windows, which was cheerful and welcoming. Folks are always interested in things that are useful, colorful, whimsical, and take up very little space, naturally.
Discussions may range from cleaning products to a new drink, a recipe or a myriad of other ideas. As we get to know each other better, we may want to catch up on jobs, grandchildren, or whatever.
In summary, we all love boating and our boats :!:
