Danger Bay—Episode 46—Salt Water Sparrow

“Voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow” series inspired by Bob Carney. written by Boomer Jack Boardman

Previously— Episode 45—Christmas aboard the Sparrow

“Mac McIntyre, the Sparrow’s 2^nd Officer and Head Chef had his barbeque & smoker going all day preparing the roast pig, smoked Lake Trout, and broiled wild turkey, all done to mouth-watering perfection. Maggie provided some fine Schnebly Redlands Florida Tropical Wine, and Boomer some of Summit Brewing’s finest beer, lager, and ale, and Jay made his signature Hot Buttered Rum. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, there was plenty of hot apple cider, our organically and shade grown fair trade, Danger Bay roast coffee (including decaffeinated), and other fine & tasty beverages to enjoy.

There was truly “Peace on the Boat” and “Goodwill to All” during this time.”

Episode 46:

Through the magic of cyberspace, the MV Sparrow has passed through the entire chain of Great Lakes, and is just now transiting from the St. Lawrence Seaway into the Atlantic Ocean. Will the Sparrow enjoy her first taste of salt water? Does this 250’ lake boat become a ship? Who knows! What we do know is the conversations that occurred atop, in and around the Sparrow’s Pilothouse as the plucky boat made her way into the Atlantic.

Atop the pilothouse we find left to right: Jay Merton, Boomer, Daisy Legs, Lysa, Ines, Bob, Sarah & Maggie. In the pilothouse are First Officer Isaac Barrington “Trigg” Guudlender, and Crewman Herzog, and around the Pilothouse are (also L to R): Second Officer Mac McIntyre, Fred Peterson, Captain Molly Halloran and Joseph Kewl.

“I wonder,” Jay thinking out loud as he enjoyed his Danger Bay Collectible Mug (available through the end of December) of organically & shade grown, fair trade, Danger Bay roast coffee, “If the Sparrow will have any problem adapting to salt water?”

“I really don’t thinks so” Daisy began, “Her cooling systems are designed…”

“Daisy!” Boomer interrupted, “You don’t get speaking lines here! Just your blog tagline.”

“Oops, sorry!” Daisy replied, tail low, “Bow-Woo!”

“Awww,” Lysa, obviously siding with the little hound, “Let her speak.”

“She knows her line,” Boomer smiled, “She may speak all she wishes elsewhere.”

“The boat feels different here,” Sarah observed, “I can’t quite put my finger on it—just different.”

“You are perceptive, most would not notice,” Ines replied, “the ocean has a different wave frequency than the Great Lakes. It really does feel different, it is not your imagination.”

“I even feel different,” Bob said, glancing back at the mouth of the seaway, “I can’t exactly explain it,”

“Bob, you ARE different,” Maggie laughed, “and there is no one who can explain it!”

Meanwhile in Cabin 4, we find George and Mille Gamboge:

“Millie,” George said looking apprehensive, “I’m not sure what we are doing is right.”

“Of course it is,” She replied testily, “and when we get back home, you’ll be a hero.”

“But…”

“No more discussion! It is what it is—there’s no turning back now!”

CONTINUED…