Ann and I had a big day planned. We have some final provisioning to do, but we didn't want to buy everything at the big supermarket on Thursday Island and then schlep it all down to the ferry dock, take it on the ferry, and then put it in the dinghy. After pondering our options, we decided to get what we could at the local market here on Horn Island, bring it back to Moonbeam and then go back and take the ferry to Thursday Island and spend the day touring and doing the final shopping for items we couldn't get here on Horn.

That may not sound like a big deal but I haven't mentioned Captain Ken in all of this. No, he didn't get eaten by crocodile Harry who resides in these waters. He wanted to stay on Moonbeam and putter. (You guys no doubt understand this.)

'Aha' I think to myself. This is my moment. Ken will have to show me how to run the dinghy, since he won't be driving us in. You're probably wondering how I could be a boater for so many years and not know how to run it. Actually, many years and many engines ago, I did have a dinghy lesson and did drive it...once. Mostly, as is the case with couples, the MAN captains the dinghy, and that had been the way it was with us. (If you think I'm being a sexist, go down to your local marina or harbor and check this out.) Also, if we are with other people in the dinghy, Ken likes to let everyone participate, so they get to drive.

Anyway, with 5 minutes of lessons, Ann and I were off. Easy-peasy....and there was an audience, as well (more pressure) since we are in an area with lots of our fellow boaters. I got to the dock, tied up, went shopping, came back, dropped off stuff, went back to the dock, and tied up. We took the ferry to Thursday Island, met up with our friend Helen and had a lovely 'chick' day touring, visiting the pub (shhhhh, don't tell Ken) ferrying back, and getting back to Moonbeam.

As an aside, Ken's lessons were perfect...almost. He did forget to tell me how to shut off the engine. Thanks, Ann.

There might be a retirement job in my future: dinghy captain.

BTW, Ann does know how to drive a dinghy, but being a woman, she was perfectly happy to let me have my day to shine.