As I was walking the last 1/2 mile down the hill too my downtown work this morning, there was something unusual in the water, in the sound/straits between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island:
Shot taken with long-range lens. Sub is actually about 3 miles away.
We do get all sorts of vessels here because Admiralty Inlet — as this body of water is called — is part of the primary waterway feeding the Puget Sound and the busy Port of Seattle.
Submarines are a somewhat rare sight, though.
This one is probably on its way to the Naval Submarine Base in Bangor, WA. On the few occasions they do come this way, they are always escorted by an array of tugboats, tenders and patrol vessels.
A little fuzzy because it's under extreme magnification...
Looks like some sailors are out getting a little fresh air.
Can't say as how I blame them. I can't imagine what it must be like to be cooped up inside a tin can for weeks and months at a time, with no daylight and only recycled air.
I'm not particularly claustrophobic, but I think the lack of daylight would start bothering me, after a while. I'm sure they have the whole "artificial light" think down to a fine science to compensate, but the whole idea still sounds a bit depressing.
What do YOU think? Have you ever been on a submarine? What was it like? If you haven't, does it seem like something you'd like to try? Or does the whole idea put you off? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!
(As always, all text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is original content, created expressly for Steemit)
Created at 190513 14:04 PST
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