If you've read my primary blog, Rivrdog, you know that I belong to a yacht club. In fact, I am Port Captain of said club, responsible for the facilities of the club, all floating structures.
Tonight, the club hosted it's annual Lighted Ships Viewing Party, where we all gather in mid-afternoon, party a bit, then have an early supper, then watch the Christmas Ships parade pass by on the river right outside our clubhouse.
I was aboard my yacht entertaining a couple thinking about joining the club when the shore power aboard failed. A quick look up the row of boat slips told me that the entire club had lost power.
I ran up the dock to the clubhouse and found no one panicking, so I advised calm and took two stalwarts back to my boat to fetch equipment.
Inside of 5 minutes, my Honda EU2000 generator was running, powering two drop lights and the cash register at the bar, and the 5 hand lanterns I brought were placed so that the entire clubhouse had light. Within another 5 minutes, we had broken out 40 oil lamps, one for each table and several to place along the dock to the shore ramp.
Safety, security and the continuation of the fine party of 120 guests. Plenty of Oohs and Aahs as the lighted yachts went by, too. An orderly withdrawal and a battery-lighted cleanup followed.
Preparation makes for the Pursuit of Pleasure, too.