Lone Star Rally Part III, Interview with Rick Fairless

Story and Video by Rodent

I was wandering around on Galveston’s Harborside dock when I noticed the Strokers Dallas trailer parked in front of a big boat with N.O.A.A. on the hull. I wandered over for a look and who was standing there having a discussion with the ship’s chief engineer, nobody but tie-dyed wearing Rick Fairless. Rick greeted me with open arms and introduced me to the seaman. One thing led to another and we were invited to tour the boat. The job of the crew was to check on the salinity of various ocean locations. The ship is loaded with testing equipment, computers, nets, and who knows what else We toured from the bridge where we met the captain to the engine room, home to two large 16-cylinder CATS for propulsion and a couple of smaller engines to power the machinery and make fresh water. Then to our surprise we were invited to lunch with the crew in the galley. Delicious Cajun lunch with the captain and then back to the dock. Rick and I discussed the ship, Strokers’ upcoming party and the state of the industry while leaning over the Janis Joplin tribute bike. Ask me why I didn’t shoot even one picture while on board this US Government research vessel despite the fact that I had one camera around my neck and another in my pocket? Without asking I knew there was more to this ship crewed by employees of N.O.A.A. and captained by a civilian than meets the eye. Just like I would not shoot pictures in a motorcycle clubs clubhouse…