Danger Bay—Episode 35—On “Big Lake”

“Voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow” series inspired by Bob Carney.

written by Boomer Jack Boardman

Previously: Episode 34—“Big A” in Danger Bay

As the fog silently crept away, the Motor Vessel Sparrow made her way on a direct Northeast bearing for Blackfish Bay, the steady rumble and almost imperceptible vibration of her twin biodeisel engines were all that broke the silence of the early morning, All, except for the always-present ‘Gulls, squawking and soaring off the boat’s stern in hopes of a tasty morsel.

Soon the villagers and some of the guests made their way below the main deck to their “staterooms” in the boat’s hull. “State room” is a bit of a stretch, they each consist of two small rooms: a “living room” and adjacent sleeping quarters, with a private head (toilet & washbasin). At the stern is a men’s and a women’s shower room with five private showers each (this isn’t the Queen Mary, folks, space is limited on the Sparrow).

Atop the pilothouse, Bob, Boomer (and Daisy), & Jay lingered in the still early morning cold, each clutching a mug of organically & shade-grown, fair-trade, Danger Bay (tastes just like the best coffee you’ve ever had—only better) blend coffee, warming their hands, and continuing to fire up each of their remaining brain-synapses to synapt (even Bob’s).

“So, this is your famous Big Lake,” Bob shivered, “It really does look and f-feel like the Atlantic.”

“Tastes better, ‘though” Boomer smiled back.

“Say what?” Bob replied, his cold-stutter dissipating as the coffee worked its magic.

“Fresh water, unsalted.” Jay chuckled.

“You DON’T salt your water?” Bob teased in return, “Outrageous!”

Below deck, Sarah & Lysa were inspecting their “Home” for the next several months.

“Cozy,” Sarah commented as she toured the stateroom, “top berth or bottom?”

“Warm!” Lysa added, after being on deck, her Daytona Beach blood not accustomed to the Big Lake temperature yet, “I don’t care.”

“I don’t either,” Sarah answered, gazing out the porthole at the distant shore,

“Rock, paper scissors?” Lysa suggested, “Best three of five.”

“OK.”

In the next stateroom, Maggie & Ines were similarly checking out their accommodations. And they managed to decide berth preference without resorting to a game of chance. Throughout the deck, the passengers were settling in, and soon all would be called to the main deck common room for their official welcome by Captain Halloran—who will make a surprise announcement!

Next: CAPTAIN MOLLY’S SURPRISE!