Driving a flaming Luau & meeting the right people

[edsr]

While traveling to Newport in the wee hours last Friday morning I noticed two police cars parked right at the,"Entering Depot Bay", sign. The flashing Blue lights go off! The Sheriff and a State Trooper rolled up behind. Here comes a ticket? No.

Seems the brakes and bearings on the right side of the trailer were sparking and burning, quite a blaze. The fire was only visible from the back, I couldn't see it.

A couple of extinguishers put out the flames but the bearing grease was gone. The Depot Bay Fire Dept. also arrived within a minute or two, called by the police.

With a fire dept. escort I pulled into the Depot Bay off-limits-to-trailer parking lot and waited for daylight to assess the damage.

The brakes and the bearings were totaled, a whole new assembly needed, the races were seized onto the spindle shaft. Off to Les Schwab, the one just North of the Newport bridge. They managed to get their best trailer man on the case, assemble all of the parts and equipment to make a repair, and several hours later all was fixed.

While parked at Depoe I got a chance to meet the new Harbormaster, Phil Shane. He has posted here on the Salty Dogs and really appreciates how the Dogs clean-up after themselves at the cleaning station. He owns a couple of small boats and is hoping to hitch a ride and catch a tuna this year.

The bad news - I never did get to go fishing. The weather was marginal on Friday and the forecast for Saturday was worse.

Well, I didn't meet the mayor but I did get to meet all the, "important" people.

A big thanks to Depot Bay Fire District's Lieutenant, Harry Riches, - Les Schwab - Newport,- Phil Shane,(AKA "Depoe Bay Phil"), and most of all two sharp eyed police officers who spotted the fire.

edsr

[OceanBlue]

Glad it turned out alright! And without a ticket! wonder how long you were flaming down the road

[judyfish99]

I am so glad that they warned ya...Sorry to hear of the hassles and not being able to go fishing...a big hug to ya, Ed.

[Herring Problem]

You didn't miss anything Saturday, Most of the boats turned around and came back. Then the CG closed the bar26 and under.Was a real toss around out there. Good news is the season reopens the 30,1, and 2. So one more try for all of us.
See you there. Fish Tales

[PeterMac]

Hmmmm, flames burning uder a wooden boat ???? Sounds like it could have been worse! Glad it all worked out.

PeterMac

[WP]

Another case of our law enforcement/safety public servants doing an outstanding and compasionate job. Glad all worked out well and thanks to the officers and fire team for being there.
Dave

[Bait O' Eggs]

You never had that kind of fun when I went with you

You dont think I am good enough for a Luau ? :whazzup: :whazzup: :whazzup:

Glad the boat lived to ride again, I fished the forecast and never left the house.

[fishbait]

Some people have great luck and the boat never leaves the trailer.........

Glad all ended well.......

[Riverliver]

edsr
Gosh what a close call.. Im glad that you and your boat is alright!

Funny how things work out sometimes.. You just never can tell how things are going to turn out...

Tight lines
Greg