While basically a bench warmer on this site, I cannot help but chime in on
occasion. During the twenty years in the navy I was at so many of the places
you guys are at that I can't help but identify and feel compelled to share.
Pat Brennan: I used to sail a motorless Rhodes 19 out of the marina at
Treasure Island. I have had the exact experience you did. That current
flushed me most of the way to Hunter's Point one day. I paid late late fees
to the babysitter and the boat rental man after endless hours of bobbing
around south of Yerba Buena Island. My purist days are over, I always use an
iron spinnaker now.
Geoff: Now that I have the bow thrusters I am working on the flight deck. I
am configuring the angle deck with four catapults like we had on the USS
Forrestal (humor intended). Ever sailed Pyramid Lake? I wish I had had my
Potter when I was in Fallon, NV.
Wind Dancer: hang tough, buddy. I survived six hurricanes while stationed in
Puerto Rico for three years. I used to anchor my Watkins 27' sloop in the
harbor with all of the ground tackle and lashings I could muster then pray
that it would survive the eight foot storm surge and 100 mph winds while I
manned the hospital (treating survivors of sunken sail boats). I was lucky,
but the shores were always littered with high end shredded fiberglas. We
know you'll bounce back, and we are rooting for you! This can and will
happen to anyone, remember the Yankee! I have a closer relationship with my
local fiberglas shop than I want to. Keep us posted on the recovery.
Web Manager in Ridgecrest, CA: Have you sailed China Lake yet? (this is
more humor. Ridgecrest is in the middle of the Mojave Desert on the road to
Death Valley and China Lake is a dry lake bed there that was a source of
borax for those engaged in the laundry trade). You must take more grief than
us Coloradans for being a dry country sailor. My daughter was born at
Ridgecrest Community Hospital. Thanks for your contributions to the site!
Todd B: Tear up those Montgomerys for us!!!!!!!
For all of you (some of whom I have had the pleasure to meet, some whom I
feel like I know even though I have never seen you) I just wanted to say how
much I enjoy the site and how much it has improved my Pottering. As the
prospect of winter approaches in the more northerly climes, I know I will
have it to get me through the more inclement weather! Love those stories and
pictures, keep them coming!
Chris Heidrich
P15 2153
Aurora, CO