I loved Sally S and the neighborhood beyond words.
It was indeed a unique experience.
Michael and Kelley kindly welcomed me on the boat, showed me around, and also introduced me to the neighbors. They were within reach in case of questions, by email, text messages and also in person, if needed. The boat was comfortable, cozy, clean and beautifully renovated. The kitchen was lovely and functional, there was coffee and other important things so that one did not need to get everything from the store. You just felt that Michael and Kelley had done and thought of everything to make their guests feel comfortable.
I loved the early mornings, making breakfast while looking at the passing rowers and birds from the kitchen window, having coffee on the deck, and doing my morning stand up paddle board tour around the bay, thanks to Kelley for lending her board!
I had to spend the days in town, at the convention center, but it was always great to be back on Sally at night to calm down and enjoy the unique atmosphere. I did not watch TV at all, I could not get tired of just watching the scenery. I also slept soundly despite my jet lag.
I brought my colleagues for drinks on the deck one night, and then we walked to the nearby seafood restaurant Chinook for dinner. My friends were thrilled, too, and one of them, a dedicated sailor, stayed over night in the spacious bedroom under the deck and just loved it. They all would have much rather stayed on Sally than in their boring downtown hotels.
I did not have a car, but it was fairly easy to commute by taxi and Uber. There was a bus, too, but I assume it would have taken much longer to downtown.
The neighborhood felt safe, and the neighbors were really nice and helpful, and I felt I was warmly welcomed. We hugged for goodbye. I truly hope I will be back some day soon.