The boat ride anecdote
When we left St Anthony at 8 AM is was foggy and raining. We planned to drive to Gros Morne National Park, spend the night in a nearby motel and take a boat ride on Tuesday. The rides are daily at 1 PM. Half way to the park, the sun came out and the sky turned blue. We realized that we would be near the boat ride before it departed. A minor problem was that we did not have reservations. When we arrive at the boat ride parking lot, a sign said that reservations were recommended but tickets could be purchased at the dock. The dock was 3 KM (1.8 MI) from the parking lot. So, I told the folks to take their time while I power-walked to the dock. I arrived in about 20 minutes, right at Noon, and got in line behind a little old lady who very slowly asked about tickets. She was told that all seats had been reserved but she could have her name put on a yet to be created waiting list. She liked the idea. Then her companion started in on his life story.

Clerk: How many in your party?
LOL: Three.
Clerk: What is the last name?
LOL: We all have different ones!
Me: [insert evil thought here]
Clerk: What is your last name?
LOL: something
Bystander: I'd like to...
Me: I am next!
Clerk: Do you have a reservation?
Me: No, I'd like to be placed on the waiting list.
Clerk: How many in your party?
Me: Three.
Clerk: What is the last name?
Me: Russell
Bystander: I'd like to be placed on the waiting list.
Clerk: How many in your party?
...

---

While the LOL and friend were chatting with the clerk, I gleaned the following:
The two boats seat a combined 171.
Only the captains know how many people have tickets for their boats.
There are usually 167-169 reservations given out.
At exactly 1 PM, the captains will determine if they have any spare life-jackets.
So, we waited an hour. Fortunately, they sell hot dogs, so we got a lunch.
At 1 PM, a captain radioed to the clerk, 'Is there anyone waiting to go on the boat?'
When the clerk replied 'Yes, 21', I could hear a gulp. After several seconds the captain said, 'We have room for six more!'