The Shower Report
It’s been 7 weeks since I left Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve taken 3 showers. That’s 49:3. I do love a good pie chart, but not sure how to graphically display this data, perhaps this will do…
The last shower I took has a cool little story that goes with it…
Teresa and I rafted up in Hampton, VA for our first night there. The winds were light, the anchorage was well protected from wakes, but it was small and crowded. So it made good sense to raft up, in the name of “anchorage space conservation”. The second night however, winds were forecasted to increase to 25 knots… a great reason to anchor separately. After a few boats had left for the day, I dropped my anchor a few hundred feet to the West. Once I was secure, we went ashore to drop off my alternator and get me a new phone. I have a bad habit of using my phone in the rain, and well, it got really wet this time, and died a slow, vibrating death.
The next morning, while eating my breakfast and checking my email I got a comment on the blog from snoodletime:
When I woke up this morning, I saw your boat anchored in Hampton Creek. I recognized the bow as that was all I could see from my window. Curious as I am, I had to walk down the dock to see if it was really you. Sure enough, I could see you and Teresa too. I’ve quietly read your adventures and it sure was nice to actually see your boats.
A little while later, after a quick email exchange and a phone call we met up with Steve, humbly accepted his offer of dock, electricity, shower, a ride to town to collect my repaired alternator, and an invitation to dinner with his sailing friends that night, who put on a feast I couldn’t believe. What an amazing guy! What a fantastic coincidence! What incredible hospitality! Steve showed me the small gap between the buildings and the trees through which he saw the sliver of my bow… just incredible he recognized her. Thanks for everything Steve!
You and Teresa were more than welcome. It was quite an adventure for me too and I sure enjoyed meeting you both after reading your blogs for the last couple of years. It was nice to hear about your latest adventures too and share it with friends here too. The story has been told a few times already. How I saw your boat, I will never know. It was just meant to be.
Sounds like to me, that Steve, may have come from New Zealand, because they share that kind of hospitality with sailors, too.
I wonder just how many other readers of your blog, and Flickr , are “quiet” readers , too, and have hopes to see you and Elizabeth in person, one day.
That sure was a highlight of the trip. It was a FUN night. Sure wish we had taken some pictures.
and
Ah hem…Pigpen. You are TWICE the Pigpen. That was the last shower you had. You better use the Sun Shower I bought you today.
Teresa
Hey , you guys ,,, do you not have a shower-tub , on each boat ?
I like mine ,,, it is a 2′ X 4′ , open top, stamoid white , “bag” , that I set up on the companion way floor , in front of the ladder ,,,, I use clips to keep the top sides up and bungees as well ,,,, then take , my pump-up sprayer , in ,with hot water ,,,, it works a treat as L&L would say ,,,, and I really like it , too !
Sorry , that I don’t have pics ,,,, but that would be private moments , anyway !
I love Douglas’ solution; inexpensive and elegant!
Benji, I got your FF check today.
Hi there! I’m one of those quiet readers…. sadly you have already passed me by. I live in Pasadena which is slighty North of Annapolis. I love reading your adventures.
Hey Ben,
I read this post with a laugh, because today was the first day I’ve had a proper shower since Western Samoa, about 8 weeks ago – And even then, it was cold!
Grotty Yotty’s I think we’re called.
But free as birds!
Nick.
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog – Thanks and I’m looking forward to following your adventures. A term I’ve heard for the lack of shower phenomenon is “Boaty body.” I’ve had some wonderfully heartwarming moments as well and it’s a part of sailing I especially cherish. While many of us are characters of some sort, there’s a generosity of spirit and comraderie common to most.
Cheers!
- Jerr
Now THAT’S a cool boat!