Subject: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:56 AM As Gordon Bok's song says, "As sure as the tides will rise and run, he'll go back on the bay again." I "swallowed the anchor" many years ago, and have often missed being on the water. The older I get, the more I miss it, and, now, I must face the possibility that I wont ever be able to do a full length performance again. That has been getting to me, and, I guess the cosmos heard me piss and moan about it, because, just yesterday, I was offered a job as Captain of a water taxi/sightseeing boat in west Penobscot Bay, Maine. That is the area I covered as a Maine Coastal Warden years ago. I have no doubt that my boat handling skills and my ability to navigate in the dead of night are still there, but, I don't know if I'm up to it physically. Long hours at the helm are hard on the back, etc. Opinions please. Am I engaging in wishful thinking, or, is the universe trying to give me a break? |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: RichM Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:03 AM Go for it! If it's not meant to be, at least you can give it a try. Follow your heart. Rich McCarthy |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Rick Fielding Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:12 AM Absolutely no question, my friend. Do it. Oh......and maybe some night when yer alone, you'll raise yer currently "croaky" voice, and a sound will come out.......and the next night, a little better sound....well you know what I'm gettin' at. Cheers Rick |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:26 AM Aw go on, Skipper -- get yourself one of those back-girdle thingies. Give it a shot. You've certainly got the voice for it. "And on youah raht you'll see the Baylor house, folks, long-time residence of the dumbest jehk ever caught a crab with an oah, known from heah to Boothbay as a moronic son-of-a-bitch who couldn't poah piss out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel! Moving on, you'll see up ahead one of the wohst restaurants on the entire coast of Maine..." Oh, I think you'll attract them by the tens of thousands, Kendall!! I think it'd be a hoot! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Sorcha Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:31 AM You've gotta try, Cap'n. You just gotta try. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:35 AM Kendall- I'll contribute a sack of potatoes to help with your navigating them foggy waters of Penobscot Bay. Do you need a bowman (one who stands in on the pointy end of the boat, you ninnies) as well? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: harpgirl Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:38 AM ...your taxes will go up! Maybe you shouldn't! |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:40 AM Yeah, but so will his income! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:53 AM Watch out for the sirens off Merchant Island, or was that Crotch Island? Penobscot Bay is one amazing place! Kendall's not one to complain, When we's in the fog and rain; He'll sniff the air and if it's fair, We's bound for Merchant Island! Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: DougR Date: 07 Apr 03 - 12:28 PM Give it a shot, Kendall. On those lonly nights when you have no passengers, perhaps you will give some thought to your transgressions (in this case changing from a Republican to whatever you are at present) :>) DougR |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Apr 03 - 01:30 PM Kendall- Why don't you extend an open invitation to our friend DougR to ship aboard as anchor or bilge pump? Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Morticia Date: 07 Apr 03 - 01:36 PM Go for it,hon.What have you got to lose? I'll sign up as cabin boy,Shamus can be first mate....course, I'm not sure where you will put the llama but we'll think of something. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Leadfingers Date: 07 Apr 03 - 01:53 PM If you have a go and it doesnt work out,you stop.If you dont have a go then you will be left wondering IF??? I rest my case. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: GUEST Date: 07 Apr 03 - 02:16 PM From the opening of the (unfortunately out-of-print) LP "Garden of Joy" (Jim Kweskin Jug Band) "Let it happen Cap'n" |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 07 Apr 03 - 04:44 PM Good way to test my favorite saying, "You must get out on the limb: that's where the fruit is." Morticia, this is the best laugh I've had all day. Thanks, luv. Charlie Noble; you are awfully hard on Doug. I'm sure I could find a more dignified berth for him Know anything about Llamas, Doug? Bty, Doug, that invitation to visit still stands. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Jeri Date: 07 Apr 03 - 05:30 PM Kendall, I'm just guessing here... If you take the job and find out it's too much, you can quit. If you don't take it? My guess is you'll always wonder how it would have been, you'll continue to miss the water more and more, and you'll kick yourself in the butt for passing up the opportunity. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 07 Apr 03 - 05:56 PM Cap'n, Kendall, sir, I agree with the crew: sign on, or be sorry! |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: JenEllen Date: 07 Apr 03 - 06:13 PM "Alas, you watery siren," We heard the Cap'n say, "My fate revolves around you, To the sea I'll go away. For god is in the spashing waves, Not here in quiet halls. I'll find a way to love you well." Dear Captain, heed the call. Give'er a go, remember your sunblock (and from the sounds of it, your llama block too!) ~Jen |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Allan C. Date: 07 Apr 03 - 06:28 PM Jeri's post is quite nearly identical to what I was going to say. I am forever in favor of adventures. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 07 Apr 03 - 07:52 PM Oh hell, I know I can handle it; just a bit timid after so many years ashore. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 07 Apr 03 - 07:59 PM Besides, you can require them to rig you a sling from the deckhead at the wheel so you can park yer bony butt in it and take a load off yer brains! :>) Love ya, Capn, A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 07 Apr 03 - 08:18 PM Go for it, Captain. You will hate yourself if you don't. Keep in mind that keel-hauling has been outlawed and it is unlikely that you are permitted to perform marriages that close to shore. As to the llama - maybe you can christen the boat Noah's Ark. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Giac Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:09 PM "... And fishermen hold flowers Between the windows of the sea Where lovely mermaids flow And nobody has to think too much About Desolation Row ..." I suppose I could claim in some pseudo-intellectual fashion that this actually applies, but it's one of my favorite Dylan quotes and I just thought I'd stick it in here. Aw, heck Cap'n, go for it, and give us a report. Mary |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:28 PM If you have this many doubts and questions about it, then don't do it. Better that you retire to the darkness of your bedroom and retreat from life in general. Make the occasional trip to the crapper and the kitchen, but otherwise watch the boob tube or sleep. I think that's the ticket. Then you can shrivel up into a dessicated looking little old pissant with nothing left to give but the occasional "old person fart." Stock up on Jello and cheap boullion first and you'll be set for whatever is left of your pathetic and sorry-ass little life. That's the way to go don't you think? ......geeziz..........Just how big a dipstick are you anyway? You must have a screw loose for even asking this silly-ass question. Go down and see these folks tomorrow, whip out your pecker, and say, "I'm your man!" Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:39 PM ROTFL! Spaw, you've been out of the employment circle much too long!! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Dave Swan Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:41 PM What the hell, it'll take a little time to figure out what the owners expect of you and what it's like day to day at this job. During that time you can figure out whether you're having any fun at the helm. If you're not having any fun, you can go back ashore with no harm done, or maybe it'll be a kick in the ass and you'll have a great time. In either case you'll KNOW..you won't sit around wondering whether you should've. There's nothing wrong with the universe meeting your wishful thoughts with a break. Doesn't have to be either/or at this point. Have fun, D |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Tinker Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:54 PM Tis all been said... go for it! Tinker |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Melani Date: 07 Apr 03 - 10:59 PM Go for it, Kendall! But I wouldn't take Spaw's advice on interview etiquette... |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Troll Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:06 PM Go for it Kendall. If you don't you'll always wonder. I only wish I could go with you. Don't need some crew, do you? I can hand, reef and steer. Or I yusta could. troll |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Padre Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:16 PM If you need a sick berth attendant or a chaplain, keep me in mind! Padre (HMCS (FMF) USN Retired) |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: DonMeixner Date: 08 Apr 03 - 01:05 AM Kendall, I'd say do it. Collect them tips for a well spun yarn and a true sea song from the tourists. What ever keeps you in coffee and rum. I haven't built a boat in 20 years but I know I have at least one or two big ones left in me. I want to build anothe 60' Eastern rig trawler, and maybe another 65' tour boat. But the economy has me inrons and I doubt I'll ever get the shot at another big one unless I win the lottery. I know how you feel. Don And what did you find out on the sea? Oh Foolish man, What did you find out on the sea? Oh Foolish man, What did you find out on the Sea? I found hard times and bankrupcy, The Devil did smite me Three times Three Oh foolish man. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: DougR Date: 08 Apr 03 - 02:31 AM Kendall: I'd like nothing better! I don't worry about Charlie. As a good liberal, I know he would never seriously advocate the drowning of another, even me! DougR |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:41 AM Kendall- "It's too rough out here!" "What's that big white and grey bird?" "Where did all the water go?" "Where's the TV/VCR?" "I'm hungry" "I'm thirsty!" "I'm not feeling so good..." "How do you know where you are?" "My cellphone won't work!" "Where's little Willie?" "That's a pretty dinky whale!" "Are we still lost?" Doug- Not to worry! I'd make sure we hauled you up to the surface every two to three minutes. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: MMario Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:52 AM Go for it Kendall! My Dad is going to take an apprenticeship as a glass-blower; and he was 86 this February! |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:53 AM Conversation between a cruise boat Captain and a NJ tourist lady. Lady: "I understand you have a mink farm." Captain: "Yup, I raise mink in the off season." Lady: "Really? that's very interesting, I have a mink coat. Tell me, how often do you skin those mink"? Captain: "More than once a year makes them nervous." Marshall Dodge and I used to do this as part of a dialog in performances. Marshall Dodge is the "I" of Bert and I. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Mudlark Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:17 PM Oh, you know you're going to go for it! Better to regret things done, than things passed by. Just keep track of your back. Knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing when to start. Good luck, Cap'n |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Stilly River Sage Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:14 PM A friend of mine is the ship naturalist on a cruise ship that sails from Seattle to Alaska each summer, via the inland passage between Vancouver's Island and the mainland. Tourist: What is the elevation in this passage? Brent, pointing at the water: Sea level. Pretty simple question and answer, but be prepared to answer it more than once! And you might also want to brush up on giving directions to the bathroom and coke machine. ;-) Other than that, go for it! One of the best captains I knew of a boat that size was Harry MacNamee, with the National Park Service in New York Harbor, who finally retired when he was 88. You have lots of time to go yet, Kendall! SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Jeri Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:35 PM You're gonna have to let us know when you weigh anchor. (A few hunnert pounds'd be my guess.) Maybe we could get that "Mudcat Cruise" together and have a wee session on board if your employer does charter jobs. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Kim C Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:46 PM Go Kendall! Go Kendall! Do you need an assistant? I'm really tired of working for stupid people. ;-) |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 08 Apr 03 - 06:34 PM There is a fly in the ointment. The owner is going through a divorce, and, it is not a sure thing yet. However, if that works out, I will do it. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 08 Apr 03 - 06:51 PM Oh Captain! What month of the year is the tide high? This is my third trip- one in May, one in Spetember and now this one in April - and it's always low. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 08 Apr 03 - 07:17 PM Kendall: That's not one of Bob Fish's boats is it? He owns the whole tourist fleet out of Boothbay, or used to -- he must be getting on now, though. He used to be a very aggressive businessman. Bought the Nellie G from Dodge and Dixon, the Maranbo, the Balmy Days -- the whole lot of 'em. He was not well liked by the children, I can tell ya! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:45 PM No. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 08 Apr 03 - 11:09 PM Oh. Well, thanks! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:29 AM So, why was he not liked? I never knew him. The old skipper of Balmy Days could never remember names, so, he called everyone "George." |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:05 AM My memories of the big tourist boats like the Balmy Days and the Argo were from the perspective of encountering them in narrow channels like Thompson's Gut, endeavering not to be swamped by their wake in our 12-foot skiff while the tourists cheerfully waved from the rails. What joy! Now there's a whole fleet of Pink Ladies out of Boothbay Harbor, and we probably should write a song about the misadventures of one to brighten up this thread! Say, we could all dress up like pirates and board Capt. Morse's boat while he's cruising in the lowlands low of Penobscot Bay. Anyone game? Cheerily, Charley Noble, who still has his 1958 Boston Whaler |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:05 AM I'm for that!! Kendall -- the kids didn't like Bob Fish because he didn't like kids. Dodge and Dixon, who owned the long-retired Nellie G were much more tolerant of younkers running around the boat. Bob was sort of an anal type, I guess. But that may just have been the shallow impression of an over-heated kid, too! :>) A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 09 Apr 03 - 01:12 PM I'd have to know the whole story to judge. Having been a boat captain with a group of adults (other wardens) not knowing how to act, I can be somewhat sympathetic. I was looking for a buoy in the fog, and one of the wardens started blowing a harmonica. Had to educate him. A boat is no place for kids to be running loose because there are dozens of ways to get hurt. Are you sure he simply didn't want to get sued? There was a case where a woman was sueing a store for her slipping on a wet floor; thing was, it was wet because SHE had thrown a can of soda at her husband! |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:37 PM Captain Morse takes a dim view of pirates. Maybe you should dress up as mermaids...or llamas. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:45 PM Well, Capn. he was probably just being a concerned businessman more'n anything else. I'll leave it in the past where it belongs -- it's an obsolete tale by a long shot! Good luck on the new command! How about manatee costumes? A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Dave Swan Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:52 PM Kendall, That's the advantage of being a boat captain. You have, as you say, a group of adults. I'm a fire captain where we're nothing but children. If you're a grown-up, you filter out and go into another line of work. We're all arrested seventh graders. Is it too late to go to sea? D |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 10 Apr 03 - 05:38 AM "Them as dies will be the lucky ones, har har" |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 10 Apr 03 - 04:23 PM So, Skipper, what's the name of this jollyboat of yours? Is it just a sort of water taxi, or does it have a keel? How big, how many will it carry, and whither will it wander? A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 10 Apr 03 - 06:18 PM HMMM...I feel a fantasy thread coming on loosely based on Gilligan's Island and Mutiny On The Bounty with a heavy does of Captains Courageous and Two Years Before the Mast...or was it three? Maybe spiced with a little Loveboat and Peter Pan. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 10 Apr 03 - 09:15 PM Sinsull: Why would you waste perfectly good peanut butter on a boat? A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: katlaughing Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:57 AM Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~ Mark Twain ~ |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 11 Apr 03 - 07:54 AM Captain Hook...Peter Pan...pirates...oh what's the use What was the name of Captain Hook's ship? Anyone remember? |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: MMario Date: 11 Apr 03 - 08:27 AM It was the 'Jolly Roger' - |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: catspaw49 Date: 11 Apr 03 - 09:04 AM If we play Peter Pan, I get to play the Crocodile because I tick. It's not always quite so rhythmic but steady enough anyway......and how many other people have a chest that ticks? Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 11 Apr 03 - 09:08 AM She's registered for 20 passengers, flat bottom and built for winter use too. Her main area is West Penobscot Bay Maine. But, as I said, I'm meeting with the owner today to thrash out the details. It may not happen. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: catspaw49 Date: 11 Apr 03 - 09:12 AM Kendall, from that last post of yours, it's hard to tell if you're talking about skippering a boat or taking over the pimp duties for an overweight prostitute. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Charley Noble Date: 11 Apr 03 - 10:58 AM 'Twas a dark and story night and the glass was falling... Well, let's wait on this till the skipper gets his boat. No use sinking the boat in the lowlands low until he's aboard! Cheerily, Charley Noble, adrift in Brooklyn |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:13 AM Oh, here's a wee gifty to celbrate, and make it a musical thread to boot, Capting! Schools of Trippers Oh it was a fair, and a pleasant day, And the docks were flush with ma's and nippers As a Captain bold, sir, I was enrolled To go trawling for the schools of trippers! Oh the work was hard, and the hours long, And they fed me on cold tea and kippers, Spending summer pointing out attractions To the fat and lazy schools of trippers! In their shorts and spats, with their snotty brats Wearing paisley socks and bedroom slippers With their shades as large as a cargo barge, God defend me from the schools of trippers! (I leave the rest to your gracious Muses, Skipper!) A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: curmudgeon Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:53 AM Kendall -- This boat sounds ideal for a floating session if the engine isn't too loud. Let us know when, where, how much, so we can plan a trip up to Portland -- Tom |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 11 Apr 03 - 12:23 PM Spaw, I'm glad I wasn't taking a swig of tea when I read that! First laugh of the day. Amos, that is great! Tom, I surely will. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:02 PM Well, don't haul Spaw into this gather or you'll be constrained to playing Jug Band Music! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:17 PM spaw? Was that a chest THAT ticks or WITH ticks? |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:20 PM Spaw handles chest ticks with a song, as a good folkie should: "No place to run, no place to hide...." A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Deckman Date: 11 Apr 03 - 08:51 PM Kendall ... I've always enjoyed your posts and respect the person behind them. Though I live clear out here on the West Coast, I have spent time at sea. It's obvious to me, and others, that yes, the UNIVERSE is speaking to you. Go for it! CHEERS and my very best wishes! Bob(deckman)Nelson |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Doug_Remley Date: 12 Apr 03 - 04:09 AM Kendall, I live in East Boothbay and often sailed the Penobscot. Some relatively severe war wounds have returned with age to haunt me but I am determined to build a new boat to accomodate my flaws. I had originally signed on as "wolfieVN" but I didn't want to be known by my burnt bridges. I have come to believe one's calendar age is not as important as it was years ago. Now, more than ever was possible, the concept of ability, knowledge and strengths makes you who you are. If the sea begs your return, you must go for your own peace of mind. Doug |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Jeri Date: 12 Apr 03 - 09:03 AM Oh my. Kendall, the DougRs are multiplying! :-) Completely right about the calendar age not mattering. Odd, but it DOES usually matter to people who would hire you. The guy who's talking to you obviously values experience. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Apr 03 - 09:10 AM Or the boat's a goner Jeri. Maybe the guy figures that if the thing goes down, better to lose an old fart like Kendall than some younger skipper..........Just joking Kendall!!! Although I would check into some decent survival sear from Line 7 and a new Class One jacket. Say, this guy isn't paying for any life insurance for you for which he is the beneficiary is he? Nah..........probably not.......don't worry about it Kendall............ Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 12 Apr 03 - 10:48 AM Doug Renley, Don't worry -- he can use the story of your name change in his patter when he's putting in between landmarks. Gotta be careful what you tell Capn Morse -- he's a raconteur, and it's ALL ammunition to him!! :>) It sure is the beginning of the right season for cruising down the Penobscot, innit? I'm jealous! A |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 12 Apr 03 - 11:12 AM Bad news. The deal fell through. Too many legal problems, and this packet may be grabbed up by creditors. It was a great dream though. But, in any case, I can still get out on the bay again; Gordon has a 32 foot yawl that I can borrow whenever he is not sailing. And, I can also sail with him. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: SINSULL Date: 12 Apr 03 - 11:36 AM Sorry Kendall. But what is keeping you from looking around for another Captain's spot? Get your license updated. Your eyes were sparkling at the prospect of going back to sea. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: kendall Date: 12 Apr 03 - 11:44 AM I'm not willing to spend $1200.00 on speculation. |
Subject: RE: BS: I'll go to sea once more From: Amos Date: 12 Apr 03 - 01:58 PM Don't shade your eyes -- Advertize!! A |