Tales from the Deck(hand)

I'm about 4 months into my job as a deckhand for the Chicago Water Taxi and I have to say, it has been a learning experience. I am sore after every shift. I have bruises on my legs, arms and even my toes (as a rule...try not to drop a ramp on your foot). I am tired, a lot. But all in all I am quite happy. I have met interesting people, I am getting tanned and in shape, and I'm even making some friends.

I seem to get assigned to shifts on my own. Gives me a positive feeling that they think I can handle all the tourists and commuters and money and closing out the shift and tying up the boat by myself. The captains do help me out and for that I'm thankful. Everyone is really nice and most of the captains were deckhands once themselves so they know what we are going through. The boss says people enjoy working with me and that I'm doing a great job and he hopes I'm having fun. Some days are more fun than others. The weather has gotten warmer so we can wear shorts, which is nice, but some of those hot, humid days are tough. I did a double shift last Saturday on a boat with no generator, which meant the head (bathroom) wasn't working, we couldn't use the POS system, and after the sun went down it was a bit dark. It was also hot and the poor captain couldn't even cool down because there was no fan in the pilot house.

I've seen fireworks off of Navy Pier and seen some spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the water.

I've seen John Wayne's boat "Pilgrim" floating up and down the river.

I've waved at hundreds of people and would venture to guess that my picture is taken at least 50 times per day.

I've watched bridges open for sailboats and learned that the tugboats pushing the barges down the river have a very strong wake.

I've been a part of the "Blessing of the Fleet" Ceremony.

I've made friends with some commuters and some other people who like to just ride the boat on weekends. I've had some people angry with me when I tell them their child can't stand on the seats or that our boat isn't going to a certain location at a certain time. I've also learned not to take any of this personally. (The standing issue is safety, the location issue is scheduling...if you can't read a schedule, then I'm sorry).

I've done fire drills, security drills, safety drills, first aid drills, pumping out drills, and man overboard  drills.

I've had dreams about work.

At least once a day I hear someone say "I've lived in Chicago all my life and I never knew this existed."

I've been interviewed.

I've watched the captains get filmed for shows or commercials.

I've made the day of a little boy who wanted a ride for his birthday and we let him ride for free.

I've seen them filming for Chicago Fire, the new Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson movie "Rampage," and even saw a "red carpet barge" for the new Transformers movie.

I've watched the fireworks barge make it's way out to Navy Pier every Wednesday night.

I've been cold, I've been hot, I've been soaked by rain and swept snow off of decks.

I've watched the Chicago Cubs Kris Bryant hit balls into the river.

I've watched a helicopter lift heavy construction pieces onto a building.

I've gain confidence in jumping a gap to get onto a dock, or climbing over a railing onto the roof of a boat.

I've learned that no matter what time of night or morning, there is always someone else on the bus or the el.

I've been offered tips, beer, and one little girl even shared her french fries with me.

I've had more comments made about my safety vest than any other piece of clothing I've ever worn.

I've fist bumped hundreds of people.

I've said "Good Morning, Good Evening, Happy Friday and Watch Your Step" more times than I can count.

It's been a great 4 months. I can't wait to see what the next months bring.