OH CHIP. Our boating Adventure

Early in 2004, at the beginning of the boating season, we left the breakwater and set out for a day on the bay. Ticka-ticka-ticka-ticka-ticka was the sound the Merc (2000, 200 EFI, about 125 hours) outboard started to make. Slowing down to a crawl, and heading back to the harbor 1/2 mile away, the sound continued and then -- the engine stopped. Seized up. Nada. A call to TowBoat/US brought help and a tow ($350, but covered by insurance) back to our slip. It seems we had a metal chip -- OK, it was BIGGER than a "chip" -- it was a piece of gear that broke, destroyed the lower unit totally and, in effect, put an end to the 2004 season for us. Merc was no help - 2nd owner, out of warranty, blah blah. $4,668 and a month later, we were back on the water.


Should I have this made into a necklace?

There's a first time for everything

After boating and fishing for what seems like an eternity, I finally caught a rockfish (striped bass) on my own boat. This little feller measured EXACTLY 18" -- the minimum size for a keeper in Maryland.



This was also the first fish of any kind caught on the T3, so it felt GOOD. Tonight we'll stuff it with veggies, and steam it on the grill. Should be just the right size for two.

I had forgotten how tiring a day on the water can be. Even though we were anchored, the movement of the boat knocks the crap out of you! After cleaning up the boat, I peeled off all my soaking wet clothes, jumped in the shower, and took a well-deserved NAP. Hey! I gotta be alert for the puzzle at 6 tonight.