My cousin Miles McCoy was raised in Seattle, where his family were avid sailors. As a young man, he crewed on racing boats to the Hawaiian Islands. He eventually sailed all over the world, sometimes on the sail boat his dad bought when Miles was fourteen, often sailing swank sailboats for others. If you would like to hear a great story about the New York Yacht Club, then Miles is your man. Boats have been his life.
He has lived on Orcas island for over 50 years. Forty-nine years ago he married Louellen and brought her to his small homemade abode on the water. Together they carved out a life on the island. Enlarging their home by hand, raising two children, growing their own food, cutting and splitting the wood needed for warmth, and generally living close to the earth.
Living on an Island year around requires a good dose of self reliance. While he earned money by sailing boats for others, he found he needed a more reliable way to put groceries on the table, so he took an upholstery class, built his own shop out back and bought a heavy-duty sewing machine made in 1929. He became an expert upholstery maker specializing in canvas cushions for boats. Louellen also worked in this business. Documenting her many other endeavors is beyond the scope of this blog; she could and should write a book. For starters, she played the piano for the island choral society for 29 years and continues to practice and perform with a trio. She had been interested in horses from an early age, so she acquired a horse and a buggy, took classes, trained, and competed in all sorts of events. Last year she was asked to mount an exhibition of her photographs and sold a good number. You get the picture.
Both volunteered their time for various boards and events on the island. Among other things, Miles was a volunteer fireman for many years.
Next year Miles will turn 80, having outlived most of his friends on the island. He still enjoys splitting and stacking all of his wood and building three fires daily and excels at telling tales about places and people. We especially delighted in his pungent characterizations of character. Louellen keeps busy with her music and supporting many island activities. Their large vegetable garden provides lots of the groceries they need. They buy raw milk, fresh eggs, and island-raised lamb and beef, make their own bread, set traps for crabs and shrimp... Water comes from a well, black water goes into a septic tank.
Their home is built on large pilings. Inside, it is both elegant and cozy, and everything, starting with the book cases made from driftwood that was floating by, has a story. Their view of the water is 180 degrees, but they have a 360 degree take on life. Miles believes fervently that the cause of the Gulf Oil spill is "Us," including himself, because he continues to drive the VW beetle he bought more than 50 years ago.
Linda and I explored the trails in Moran State Park on the island, went sailing with Miles, and Louellen served two marvelous dinners. Our RV was parked on their property and one night we had them over for spaghetti. We spent hours catching up on family stories and even opened up some of his mother's photo albums (Don's aunt). She was the best family record keeper and always had a verse or two to share.
This was the first opportunity we have had to spend any time with Miles and Louellen. We are so happy we did. It was a 2,000 mile trip from Tucson to get here and worth every mile. They are a special couple, as warm as apple pie. They are truly the real McCoy's
-----------------------------------
Off to Orcas, with his bride,
Built a home by the sea.
Up on stilts so not to hide,
A beautiful view you'll agree.
Working together, they built their nest
Out popped a girl and a boy.
Now they are happy to take a rest,
Hats off to the real McCoy.
Pure treasure for us, our visit with you,
Now watch the ads for a coupon.
If winter's cold, makes you blue,
Come visit us down in Tucson.
--------------------------------------------
All of the photos can be viewed at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/dpiele/OrcasIslandWithMilesAndLouellen#
Best viewed as a slide show.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment