The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...

Good for you Jim and Joan!!

Its nice to see some integrity and guts. I wonder what the NPS thinks about this concessionaire. The concessionaire is putting passengers and other people on the water at risk and your stand is doing the right thing. We are sorry this turned out badly but really applaud you. I can't help but wonder how the other Captain has been doing with this company. It's unlikely that your saga is unique.

Our best to you both.
 
Jim and Joan,

In my former life (25 years) I was occasionally involved in confronting physical danger. Some of my associates, who would later accompany me into management positions, were those who would volunteer for the most dangerous assignments. For some inexplicable reason that same courage did not accompany many of them into the management ranks. Facing a superior with a problem or a contrary opinion seemed to be a far bigger challenge than physical danger.

Good executive managers, however, not only welcome such input from below but demand it. You seem to have confronted deficits in both top and middle management. In my opinion you handled it responsibly and did the only thing you could.

I wouldn't be surprised, however, it they all have a significant "change of heart" before you leave.

Best
Harper
 
Thanks for the support and kind words. I have received PMs and thought I'd copy my reply here...

I wasn't trying to make a statement. I think the management of the marina is lacking, but that seems to be pervasive throughout the different departments. While it wasn't my job, I did write up expectations and minimum knowledge requirements for dockhands and first-mates on the boat... only because the managers didn't have ANY policy. I worked with anyone who would be on the boat so they would be safe and effective... again, there was no policy for that. Joan and I were prompt, never missed work, stayed late when necessary, and were willing to do more than was asked of us.

We were promised support. That didn't happen. When I went over the head of the marina manager to get the necessary repairs into motion, things went downhill rapidly. When they made the repair resources contingent on my being quiet, I immediately quit. Joan was right alongside me, and just as mad.

We love Yellowstone. That won't change. It may be a couple years before we can get the bad taste out and want to visit again, but it is still one of the most spectacular places on earth. As we drove by the lake today after visiting the Personnel Office to get our "check out paperwork", I have to say that I will really miss that beautiful scene.

Xanterra will be minus two really good employees. I can't imagine it will affect them in the slightest. While the work environment has been less than the "fun" promised, just this morning, Joan and I said we intend to stick it out. That, of course, was before the "ultimatum."

Personnel wanted us out of the RV park "in 8 hours." I told them we'd be leaving in the morning... "Put a security guard by our trailer if you think I'll try to take the cement patio with us." It will take time to launder and return our uniforms before we pack up the trailer.

This is the first time either of us have quit a job and walked immediately. We've always given more than the required notice to make for an easy transition. Hasn't really been an issue for the last 34 years or so. :wink: Considering the lack of consideration we received, my only regret is for the other employees who will have to pick up the slack.

Jim B.
 
Jim- It may have been a summer job, but you are a true professional-your first concern is for the safety of those on your vessel. Everything you've done and said is true. That's it's own reward.
 
Pat Anderson":19aq4ws0 said:
All I can say is "Wow!" So you probably won't make the Yellowstone CBGT, eh?
Click to expand...

Pretty safe bet. I sure hope this doesn't change things for a gathering here, because Yellowstone is SO worth it. The marina docks are very nice; water and electricity. No showers nearby (closest are at Fishing Bridge).

We have decided to have a summer vacation. We'll be RVing and motorcycling our way home, so it may take us a couple months to get there. You folks will be having this gathering before we get back to our boat. But, when you see that big silver boat go by, smile and wave.

I have been surprised how fast news travels... Rangers and other employees have come by to wish us well. We will be ready to roll in the morning.

Since we won't have anything C-Dory or even boat-related to talk about for a while, I'll be lurking instead of posting. We'll be looking forward to some posts from you summer cruisers!

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
 
O.K., no use crying over spilled milk (thats Molly's job). Lets get on with with some serious recreational boating. The rest of us were not too excited about you working either, I would much rather read your narratives about stuff most of us are not able to do yet. And what about those dolphin and sunset photos, I kinda miss 'em...lets move on. (if its alright with you ofcourse)
 
Good on ya, Jim and Joan -- you sure made the right action -- great to have friends with such high principles and integrity -- too bad so much of the world doesn't often share those ideals -- you two sure have our respect and praise for your action. So sorry it messed up part of your summer -- now, flush that stuff and get on with life and enjoy yourselves.
 
El and Bill":2jsqxzid said:
... now, flush that stuff and get on with life and enjoy yourselves.
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We made reservations at the nicest RV resort in the Black Hills and plan to spend a couple weeks motorcycling our way around some of our favorite roads. Then we'll move on somewhere... yep, getting on with it and we'll be enjoying ourselves... may even work on my tan so I can send photos to Tom. 8)

Best wishes,
Jim
 
I can suggest some music as you leave the area "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck and "On the Road Again" by Willie. Have a safe trip and be proud you did the right thing!
 
Well, since you two won't be there, I guess I won't be flying out for the CBGT either. Now that you have some time, why not drive out to Seattle and visit with the gang for awhile? The Neah Bay CBGT is only about 1 month away! I'll take you both salmon fishing.
 
Jim and Joan,

I am so sorry to hear about the way you've been treated down there. They'll have a tough time getting two new ppl of equal merit, that is for sure. It is too bad that some petty bureaucrat has the leeway to threaten your freedom of speech, not to mention to 'demand' that you modify your blog.

My middle son is in China right now for post grad studies with Boston University in International Business Management and the government shut down his blog when he mentioned how bad the air quality was there - nothing political at all. As if that is a secret? He is amazed that, in a country that large, there must be thousands of censors scanning the internet for banned topics.

Is it even legal in the US Government Services for a manager to coerce an employee like that?

LIfe's too short for all the meaningless stress. I am guessing there may be some underlying jealousy of your talent, determination and experience and a fear that your high quality performances (both Joan and Jim) seemed threatening to him.

I hope you keep posting your 'off the cuff' summer vacation travels so we can see what's out there.

Thanks for posting and don't let any of this stress carry over any more than necessary,

John
 
drjohn71a":1ynv4rtb said:
<stuff clipped>
Is it even legal in the US Government Services for a manager to coerce an employee like that?
<stuff clipped>
John
Click to expand...

It's not USGS that's the problem. It's the company Xanterra that is hired to manage the facilities that's the problem. Another example of why "privatizing" certain functions on government property is not always a good idea.
 
John[/quote]

It's not USGS that's the problem. It's the company Xanterra that is hired to manage the facilities that's the problem. Another example of why "privatizing" certain functions on government property is not always a good idea.[/quote]

Privatizing usually means whom ever gives the lowest bid gets the contract. Not always a good thing. I think it was Chicago that years ago Privatizied a lot of their city work and rather than taking the lowest bid they took the average bid. Interesting concept.
 
Jim,

I have just read your story. What you played out is the problem with inland lakes and tour boats. On Nantucket and all the sea shore, tour boats caring more than six passengers are under the control of the United States Coast Guard. If a tour boat was going out with the problems you talked about, the Coast Guard would "beach" them. After the disaster on Lake George in New York, one would think that the lake tour boats would be more conscience to what can happen when things go wrong. (A boat load of senior citizens died after the tour boat capsized do to over loading."

Last week I cancelled a Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol because the engine was action up. I did not want to have engine failure and get blown into somebody's else boat. (I am the Coxswain and my most important job is to protect the assets of the U. S. Coast Guard. When we are under orders the boat and the crew are assets of the Coast Guard.)

As for training, It is so important that a crew is trained, not only to be nice to the passengers, but to know what to do when a problem comes up. (Engine quits, first get the life jackets out and on the passenger, etc. etc. etc.)

You did the right thing to quit over the safety issue. As for the Blog. You may suffer from a problem I use to have badly, and have curtailed it a bit over the years. No employer wants a "big mouth" around.

Happy sailing

Fred
 
ffheap":29g7omkn said:
Jim,...

You did the right thing to quit over the safety issue. As for the Blog. You may suffer from a problem I use to have badly, and have curtailed it a bit over the years. No employer wants a "big mouth" around.

Happy sailing

Fred
Click to expand...

Hi Fred,

Fortunately, I have no desire to find another employer! :mrgreen: I kept my mouth relatively shut for over a month, hoping the marina managers would get off their butts and do something about a repair. Way too optimistic on my part.

Thanks for the note.

Best wishes,
Jim

Update - we are now in Ten Sleep, Wyoming; a very small town on the western edge of the Big Horn Mountains. There is a rodeo here tomorrow, and I am the only one in this campground without a cowboy hat! 8) Tomorrow evening, we should be in the beautiful Black Hills at Hart Ranch RV Resort. Joan has dialed in the satellite TV, and I have a cell signal and internet... life is good!

I have one more post in me regarding the Xanterra saga - the letter from our "exit interview." In reality, there was no exit interview; just turned in our badges and IDs. I'll post it later when I get a chance.
 
Jim,

IMHO, you are probably one of the most respected members of this site with your ability to write and communicate in such a folksy, honest style. I suspect that the opinion of you (and Joan) has risen even more with the handling of this situation. You showed lots of integrity in the face of much adversity and that should be admired. On the downside, I'm sorry that you were forced to change your summer plans so quickly. I'm sure you'll find fun and interesting ways to occupy your time and will continue to entertain us with your unique view of life.
 
Hi Jim,

I understand. I don't think I used the right words. I am sorry.

The problem with some of us is that we don't take to BS to well. WE also don't kiss but to well either. That is why we end up self employed.

I remember an interview with O'conner who played Archie on TV. When asked why he had never spoken at a college commencement, he answered that he would have to tell the truth. "If you come up with a great idea and give it to your boss, it will end up in the top drawer. If you ask about it, it will end up in the waste basket. If you ask again you will end up out the door."

I still think that the Coast Guard should be in charge of tour boats on lakes. I don't think people would go out if they really knew what is going on, especially about safety.

Carry on,

Fred
 
Jim

Without the ultimatum made to you I believe you and Joan would still be in Yellowstone enjoying the overall experience and the -----Corp would still have two outstanding employees. What a no win ending for all. Totally respect and admire your stand, but this is more often than not the outcome. Like the saying goes been there and done that.

Would have liked to have spent more time with you and Joan talking about travel, bikes, boating ect and was looking forward to meeting the Lake Queen with you at the helm as the summer progressed and even though you two were scheduled for work during the gathering it would have been great to have you come and go with brief chats. Its all our loss , but know you and Joan will continue on with your special zest for the traveling adventurous life and hope you will continue to share it with the rest of us.

Jay
 
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