A Measure of When to Move
June 8, 2011
We have been seeing a particular trawler from time to time since leaving Jekyll Island. They were just leaving Charleston as we arrived. Their destination is, as it seems so for every other boat, the Chesapeake and perhaps beyond. The admiral aboard the boat was about to turn in the key (check out of the marina) as we met. She said that they have a guideline for when it is time to leave some place. In essence they leave when they get too comfortable. One would think that being in a trawler with all the amenities and the associated comfort of same, they could never stop. We know what that means though. It is really easy to find some spot such as Charleston or Key West and just stay. Next thing you know, the fuzz along the water line turns into a barnacle line then an oyster line. The next thing you see is some spice growing in a small pot on the swim platform. Next look and the whole platform is covered with vegetables and all the running rigging is supporting some type of lawn chairs or awning and cannot be used for the original purpose. The old dock lines look like macramé as lines have been added over time just for insurance against that storm that was coming last spring, or the one before. Permanent dock steps look like residential steps with Astroturf ™ treads and the cutsie solar light string is a great touch. There is a permanent set of doggie bowls just on the dock next to the refrigerator and the Pods™ sized dock box. There may even be a small mailbox attached with a pencil and notepads for messages to the owner who now greets guests at Wal-Mart. Everyone knows everything about the owners who, just after the morning shift at Wal-Mart have their first gin and tonic. It’s almost noon but hey, it is 5:00 somewhere.
We have seen such boats in abundance along the way. One can look at the boat and know that at one time it was someone’s sweetie. That was back four dogs ago. It was going places and most likely did. If one could only find the USB port on the side and look at her history. Now, she sits silently waiting for her current occupants to pass away and for the marina to have her hauled to the scrap heap. Heck, she was something back in ’60.