Why I write about boating
When we were a bit younger, my husband and I were into boating on Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Our first boat was Cloud Nine, a sailboat. We ended up sailing, then power-boating for many years. We met other boaters and traveled in groups. One of our earlier trips was part way down the Intracoastal Waterway. Of course, when you are traveling at a rate of three to five nautical miles an hour, it does take a while to reach your destination. We all, of course, brought our living space with us, kitchen, bedroom, sitting room, and, if you will excuse the mention, the facilities. (That did necessitate an occasional visit to a pump-out station.)
A few days out we heard an early hurricane was headed our way. We stopped at a small marina and prepared. We took all sails down, laid them out on the lawn to fold them, and stored them inside our boats. At the marina operator’s insistence, we anchored out in the cove with at least two anchors each. Then he came around to each boat, picked up everyone who wanted to go ashore, and brought us to the bed and breakfast he also operated. However, since his wife was away, there was no breakfast. But he did loan us his truck to go to the store for a few supplies. A couple of the husbands stayed on their boats. Fortunately, my husband wasn’t one of them.
Also fortunately, the hurricane turned west a few miles before it reached us and never hit us. It was doubly fortunate, since the house had lots of windows that the owner didn’t cover them in the least.
The next day we traveled a few miles south and came to a marina where one boat had sunk in its slip after having rubbed a hole in the prow as the waves bounced and shook it violently against the pier.
All our traveling inspired my mysteries. I do mention a hurricane in one of my books, but the characters involved are mostly on land. So, although where I live is in the midst of Amish territory, and those stories do well, I was much more interested in setting my mysteries on Chesapeake Bay. We no longer go boating, but I can still enjoy the waterfront in my imagination.
A side note: Often boaters have dogs aboard, some even have cats or birds. One couple we knew well had a large dog. Sometimes, when the shore was lined with tall grass, finding a spot for Watson (the dog’s name, the couple’s last name was Holmes) to do his business was difficult (like in the picture seen here).
Hmm, maybe I should put Watson into a book. What do you think?