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T�l� M� � St�ry . . .
We’ve all had those horrible days where everything goes wrong. Most of us have even had
those truly horrible weeks where all goes awry, but not an entire journey!! Let me tell you a
story of a most terrifically horrible cruise that had one super shining moment.
The time is a few years ago and a much anticipated and dreamed about trip was finally off.
A cruise aboard the lovely Catalina 320, Mariah, ably crewed by Suz and Sam Weston.
Sanctuary, sailed by Pat and David Tye were part of the adventure. The trip started so well ... What’s a little
rain and mechanical difficulty in the first few days? Pish-posh, no big deal. Things straightened out and the
time to jump across the Gulf of Mexico came. And there the story begins…. First, the autopilot goes out, then
the forecast turns out to be completely wrong (not in a good way) and mal de mer strikes our intrepid Suz wi th
a vengeance. So there on the very long, very cold, very windy crossing, heaving offerings to Neptune on a
regular basis, Mariah makes her way across the Gulf. Ok, things will be better now. With a night’s rest and
a fun day browsing shops, we’re off to visit sites and clubs along the coast down to the Keys, while anticipating
an equally fun return voyage back to FWYC.
Of course, you know already, it did not go that way. One malfunction
after another was inflicted by gremlins. Being in cruise mode and
away from trusted experts, you have to rely on local talent for repairs.
Sadly, you don’t know they lack talent until you’ve sailed away and
your component breaks again or you find wiring not really wired, etc.
Nothing is sadder than warm beer, spoiled groceries and a leaner
wallet. One disappointment after another dogged our beleaguered
Mariah all along the not so Golden Coast. They had to leave traveling
companions behind with their own woes. Until…. Yes, that shining
moment that almost makes up for the mountain of negativity.
Manatee rub
Suz and Sam had anchored in quiet Pelican’s Cove behind Cayo Costa
Island at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor. The stay had its own misadventures with an errant dingy, but compared
to previous issues, it was pretty nice. Then they hear from other cruisers about manatee cove and they go
exploring. Quietly rowing into the cove, they see several manatees. For those in the know, seeing more than
an occasional snout is extremely rare due to the shyness of these creatures. Then, perhaps sensing the need
for something spectacularly nice to make up for all the spectacularly rotten events, one manatee actually
approached the dingy and let Suz stroke its back. Thrilled and amazed are inadequate adjectives to describe
what happened next. Not only did this supposedly shy animal allow itself to be petted, it actually rolled over
for a good old-fashioned belly rub! Incredibly, this magical moment lasted for a bit before the manatee slowly
returned to munching grass, its good deed done for the day!
I’d like to tell you that birds broke into song, the sun
shone extra nicely and all was right with the world for
the rest of the cruise; but, since reality rarely works that
way, more repairs ensued as our travelers worked their
way back to home port. Even though so much went
wrong on the cruise, that one lovely manatee provided
a much-needed lift of spirits and one fantastic story!
If you would like to share your story, please contact Pat
Tye at [email protected] and let’s Tell a Story.
~ Fort Walton Yacht Club, Established in 1951 ~