A three hour tour….that was the plan. My husband and I had finally found a sailboat. We’d been searching for just the right one since we moved here last fall. This one was perfect. Old, but very clean and in excellent condition. It was located near the dam, and we’re in Honey Creek. We had bought it on Friday and were anxious to get it to our home asap. The motor that we bought with it was not at all reliable so first order of business was to get a new one. The weather had been beautiful and the forecast was good until the following week so now was the time to move the boat. About ten o’clock, Sunday morning we took the old motor to a place near us that specializes in rebuilt motors. We found one and traded ours in, We had the boat, we had the motor, but we had no gas can. We asked the man from whom we bought the motor if we could borrow one and return it. He loaned us one and said, quite casually, “it’s got some gas in it”. I asked him if it was enough to get us from the dam to Honey Creek and he assured us it was. We happily headed off to pick up our new boat. I knew absolutely nothing about sailing, but my husband assured me he did. Since we first started dating six years ago, I have heard his “sailing” stories. He’s never owned one, but apparently was quite at home in the Chesapeake, sailing with his buddies. The only experience I have ever had was sailing in the Virgin Islands with my ex-husband and a friend of ours who was an accomplished sailor. In fact, I vaguely remember our friend, after our futile attempts to help, saying something like, “You guys just go down below till we’re under sail”. It’s a beautiful Sunday morning near the end of January. I made sure to take my heavy coat and gloves, just in case the Oklahoma weathermen were wrong (no comment). Gary had brought his cell phone and I made sure we had two life jackets aboard. I mean, I have been coming to this lake for 45 years, I DO know a little bit about preparation!! Our plan was to motor from Rapier Hollow to Honey Creek. Gary was hesitant to put the sails up because he wasn’t sure how the boat was rigged, and apparently that makes a difference. I just sorta sat there with my thumb in my ear. Also, the previous owner had said the last time he put the sails up he was in a hurry, so Gary was taking that into consideration also. The motor was attached and we started out. As we approached the mouth of Rapier Hollow, Gary, being new to the lake, asked me which way we should turn. Well, I wasn’t sure. Was that the main lake? Or another large cove? Hmmm….well, I’ll just look at the map, that is, if we had one. So much for being prepared. He was sure it wasn’t the main lake but I, using my incredible powers of deduction, could not recall any other large creeks or coves, other than Duck Creek, in the south part of the lake. I insisted we turn right. We did, and voila! Behind us we soon saw Spavinaw Dam. Yes!! We were on our way. We were putt, putting along at about 10mph, the sun was shining brightly, the wind was at our back, and we were actually talking about getting back in time to return the gas can and pick up our car which we had left at the boat’s old home. Life was good, I was going to like this thing they called sailing. About an hour and a half into our three hour “tour”, I noticed that Gary was very, very quiet. Knowing this man quite well, I asked him what was bothering him. He looked at me, and said, “I think we’re going to run out of gas”. “Yeah, right”, I said. “We can’t run out of gas. The nice man who sold us the motor said we have enough gas! What rubbish! Don’t be such a pessimist! Think positively!” But I also began thinking about it. I suggested we actually put up the sails and sail. The wind was strong. Very strong. Gary relunctantly agreed. (He reluctantly agrees to lots of things I suggest) He was at the tiller so instructed me to unsnap the sail cover. Maneuvering around the sailboat was new to me, and I had visions of falling off, but I did it. I was quite proud of myself. I actually learned my first thing about sailing…unsnapping the sail cover. Wow, this is cool, I thought. We’re going to sail!! I then took over the tiller and Gary told me to turn the boat around so it was heading into the wind. Wind might be a mild word to use here. Maybe gale storm force? Yeah, that sounds better. I was trying to see the little arrow dealie on top of the mast. (I will be using lots of terms referring to “dealie”, just know that a “dealie” is anything that I don’t know the proper name of on a sailboat). But that damn sun was right in my eyes and if it wasn’t the sun, then the sail was blocking the view. Just as I’d get that little arrow pointing straight in front of us, the boat would lurch to the side. Well, the sail was half out and something was caught somewhere. Gary was struggling trying to get that something uncaught and meanwhile, I just remember watching him trying to jump up after some other little dealie hanging from the top of the mast that had gotten away from him. Hmmm…maybe sailing wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. He decided this was not the best plan, so he rewrapped the sail and we continued on. Thinking, thinking, thinking, now REALLY thinking about running out of gas. At least he was thinking it. I put my incredible powers of denial to work. We couldn’t, wouldn’t run out of gas. The nice man had said we wouldn’t. Putt, putt, putt, pu, pu, pu, ppppppp…….silence, agonizing silence. Hmmm…interesting. So now, we are still not even to the point where you can see the Shangra La water tower and we are between two very, very shallow shores. (can you imagine my lake directions to someone who asks where we are?) Gary threw out the anchor which didn’t even hit the bottom of the lake and meanwhile this gale force wind is still shrieking away. Did I say gale force wind? Let’s say tornadic. Yeah, tornadic winds. I was mad now. (I had just been leading up to it before) How could this happen??? Didn’t Gary know to check the gas??? Why would that crummy man that sold us the motor tell us there was enough gas??? What’s a body to do??? I can tell you this. There is not nearly as much boat traffic on the north end of the lake as the south end. Earlier in the day probably 5 or 6 boats passed us. Now, not a boat in sight. As much as I dreaded making THE phone call, I did. Even though Gary was new to the lake, I was not. We had been coming to Teramiranda (actually, I still ‘slip’ and call it Airport Resort) for years. I knew everyone who worked there well. This was just about the MOST embarrassing phone call I have ever made. Well, there was that other one when I….., oh, never mind.. Anyway, I called Teramiranda and told Tom our predicament. He laughed and said, “Well, kid, (he always calls me “kid”, I love it!) … if you’re in a sailboat, you don’t need a motor!” But what he didn’t understand is that we were in a sailboat but didn’t know the first, damn thing about sailing it!! He said he would get someone to bring us some gas. He also asked if we needed oil and I said yes. (I think it is interesting to note here, that Gary had me make this phone call) So now the wait began in earnest. Tom had told us that it would be about 30 minutes before he got someone out to us. The wind was slowly blowing us to the shore, thanks to a dragging anchor. But this wasn’t our biggest worry. Our biggest, most immediate worry was keeping me from taking Gary by the throat and slowly strangling him. I mean, here we were on a SAILBOAT for Heavens sakes and we were waiting for gas. I’m not a rocket scientist, but something struck me as very strange about that. Finally, two local guys (don’t ask why I know they were local, I just do, okay?) happen by in one of those Speedy-Gonzales fishing boats. We tell them our tale of woe and they offer to get us some gas. They tell us there is a self-serve station about 600 feet from where we are, hidden in a cove. But no oil and no way to get any. So off they zoom. At least we know that if we’re never heard from again these guys will attest to our last known position. Not long after they left, I looked up to see a beautiful 40 ft sailboat glide elegantly past us at about 40mph. As it came alarmingly close to us, the captain asked if everything was okay. Gary held up the gas can. The captain gestured that he understood and the next thing I know, he is lowering his sails, turning around his beautiful boat and motoring over to us. Horrified, humiliated. I hid in the cabin. Gary was on his own on this one. This poor man, who is enjoying a day of honest-to-goodness sailing, is having to bring down his sails and help out these pathetic, wannabe sailors. As he approached us, smiling, I saw the boat from Teramiranda approaching. We told the honest-to-goodness sailor man that help was already on the way, but thank you very, very much for spoiling your sail and for taking down your sails to come to our rescue. So the double-time Sunday mechanic, as I lovingly refer to him, arrives and somehow transfers the 5 gallon gas tank to our boat in incredibly rough water and I ask him if it's mixed with oil and he said, "OH!, hold on, and he's off again". Meanwhile, Tom calls to see if the guy has arrived and I said, “yes, he came, but he didn't have any oil”. Tom said, “Well, he left with a pint of oil”, and I'm wondering if it was a pint of something else. This guy apparently goes over to Beacon Hill, to the caretaker and gets some oil from them. Back at the ranch, the sun is going down and we don't have a battery for lights. (I mean, really, it was only going to be THREE hours!) I am sooooo mad at MR. SAILOR Gary. Gary was up front willing the anchor to grab hold. The boat was rocking in the swells and I think I said to him, yeah, I did say to him, “if you fall off this boat, I’m NOT coming in after you and you’ll freeze to death before you make it to shore!!, so you’d better not fall off” (could I possibly have been hoping that he would??? nahhhhh) The double-time Sunday guy finally returns but can't get up close to our boat. He is going to throw the oil onto the boat. Yes, that’s what I said. This precious oil, this elixir of out-board motors, if not of life is going to be thrown 20 feet. Since Gary was standing on the front of the boat, willing himself not to fall in and thus fulfill my prophecy, the double time Sunday guy throws the bottle of oil to ME!! I swear the gods were finally with me cause I caught it. I don't even want to think about what would have happened if I hadn't. I probably would have made Gary dive for it. We got the gas tank filled and resumed our now, SIX hour tour. At this point, I was beyond mad. I was sitting huddled in the now cold evening air, making horrible, snide, rude, comments to Gary all the way home. I vaguely remember saying something like, "Oh ,YEAH, big Mr. CHESAPEAKE sailor!!! Remind me not to believe you anymore!!!" I did help him tie the boat but then I came directly up to the house for a stiff drink. My daughter happened to call just as I had gotten to the house and I told her my tale. Expecting some sympathy from my one and only darling daughter, she merely said, "Mom, you were SO mean to him!!!" Okay, once again, guilt, the gift that keeps on giving overtook the anger. I looked out the window and watched Gary carefully putting all the little dealies back in their place. Summoning my incredible powers of compassion, I returned to the dock, offering him a beer as a truce. Then I helped him put all the little dealies back in place.
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At least you didn't break anything
nor did youhave to pay Seatow$$$$$$. As with all sailing stories that end with you finnally getting back to the dock, this will one day be looked at as a fond memory. To quote an early Buffett lyric, " You do it for the stories you can tell ". It does get better, PM
nor did youhave to pay Seatow$$$$$$. As with all sailing stories that end with you finnally getting back to the dock, this will one day be looked at as a fond memory. To quote an early Buffett lyric, " You do it for the stories you can tell ". It does get better, PM
Laugh it off
Susie, Even now your joking about it! While it was un-fun at the time it will become a standard story to tell when sharing adult beverages with sailor friends. Everybody has stories! Some a whole lot scarier and more expensive than yours. You had some embarrasment and inconvenience, look at the bright side, no damage, no injuries! Hey everytime I get back to the dock safe, I'm a happy sailor. I try to learn from everything. Don't feel so bad, old sailors always seem to cut us newbies some slack. Proof is the guy in the 40 footer. PS. What kind of boat did he have. A 40mph sailboat sounds great! Ha Ha Ha... Happy sailing, Chris
Susie, Even now your joking about it! While it was un-fun at the time it will become a standard story to tell when sharing adult beverages with sailor friends. Everybody has stories! Some a whole lot scarier and more expensive than yours. You had some embarrasment and inconvenience, look at the bright side, no damage, no injuries! Hey everytime I get back to the dock safe, I'm a happy sailor. I try to learn from everything. Don't feel so bad, old sailors always seem to cut us newbies some slack. Proof is the guy in the 40 footer. PS. What kind of boat did he have. A 40mph sailboat sounds great! Ha Ha Ha... Happy sailing, Chris
40 moh??
Okay, maybe it's not mph...should have said KNOTS per hour?? Yeah, right. That honest-to-goodness sailor WAS great. I think we're joining a pretty neat group of people here, lots of comaraderie.
Okay, maybe it's not mph...should have said KNOTS per hour?? Yeah, right. That honest-to-goodness sailor WAS great. I think we're joining a pretty neat group of people here, lots of comaraderie.
40 KPH
Hi Susie, I'm just having fun with you. I know when your standing still other boats look like they're going fast. I'm just teasing you because a 40 foot sailboat has a max hull speed of around 8 knts. I enjoyed the story, I have a few of my own, but unlike you, didn't have the guts to share! Enjoy the boat. Regards, Chris
Hi Susie, I'm just having fun with you. I know when your standing still other boats look like they're going fast. I'm just teasing you because a 40 foot sailboat has a max hull speed of around 8 knts. I enjoyed the story, I have a few of my own, but unlike you, didn't have the guts to share! Enjoy the boat. Regards, Chris
Write back. . . .
when you get all the little dealies fixed and actually sail. Great story, thanks for sharing.
when you get all the little dealies fixed and actually sail. Great story, thanks for sharing.
Suzie, this is just one of lifes lessons!
Suzie: You have just experienced one of lifes lessons when it comes to boating. What can happen, will happen! Given enough time there will be something just as bad or worse (just wait). You are alive and all is well so who really cares (You did at the time)<g>? Enjoy all the good things about sailing and don't worry about this stuff. Oh, NEVER but NEVER plan on being ANYWHERE on a boat by a specific time. Great story! PS: Knots are faster than Miles (if you care)!
Suzie: You have just experienced one of lifes lessons when it comes to boating. What can happen, will happen! Given enough time there will be something just as bad or worse (just wait). You are alive and all is well so who really cares (You did at the time)<g>? Enjoy all the good things about sailing and don't worry about this stuff. Oh, NEVER but NEVER plan on being ANYWHERE on a boat by a specific time. Great story! PS: Knots are faster than Miles (if you care)!
LMAO...I don't think I have ever laughed as hard
at any other story here!.....I love your writing style....kind of like a female Mark Twain.....this was a Classic
at any other story here!.....I love your writing style....kind of like a female Mark Twain.....this was a Classic
Cute story!
You do write with style! Really cute story! How's about giving it a really really happy ending by you both signing up for a Coast Guard course? [That would be fair repay for all those other 'sailors' out there you offer to come to your aid...] :>) Jule H340 'Syzygy'
You do write with style! Really cute story! How's about giving it a really really happy ending by you both signing up for a Coast Guard course? [That would be fair repay for all those other 'sailors' out there you offer to come to your aid...] :>) Jule H340 'Syzygy'
GREAT Story!!!
That was GREAT! Really really enjoyed reading it. Don't know if you're a writer or not but if you aren't you missed your calling. Anyone who has messed around in boats will have some stories to tell but it'll be hard to beat this one. With spring and better weather approaching I'm looking forward to A Long Story II and A Long Story III... The fun part about reading the posts here is the humorous things people come up with. Yesterday I read one persons solution to dingy theft: Put your Rottweiler in it! Also, after doing some detective work I finally found the lake you were talking about in the National Geographic (didn't come up in Map Quest). For other peoples benefit I put a link to a web page here. Current lake level about 1.5 feet below the spillway: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html And there is a bridge called Sailboat Bridge! All Right! http://members.aol.com/leesresort/about.htm Tip of the day: If you ever capsize it helps to have the rudder secured. I know from experience. But that's another story.
That was GREAT! Really really enjoyed reading it. Don't know if you're a writer or not but if you aren't you missed your calling. Anyone who has messed around in boats will have some stories to tell but it'll be hard to beat this one. With spring and better weather approaching I'm looking forward to A Long Story II and A Long Story III... The fun part about reading the posts here is the humorous things people come up with. Yesterday I read one persons solution to dingy theft: Put your Rottweiler in it! Also, after doing some detective work I finally found the lake you were talking about in the National Geographic (didn't come up in Map Quest). For other peoples benefit I put a link to a web page here. Current lake level about 1.5 feet below the spillway: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html And there is a bridge called Sailboat Bridge! All Right! http://members.aol.com/leesresort/about.htm Tip of the day: If you ever capsize it helps to have the rudder secured. I know from experience. But that's another story.
Coast Guard Class
Actually, we ARE signed up for a Boat Smart class, AND we have joined the local sailing club (mostly cause they're having a wine and cheese party next weekend)...JUST kidding!!
Actually, we ARE signed up for a Boat Smart class, AND we have joined the local sailing club (mostly cause they're having a wine and cheese party next weekend)...JUST kidding!!
Sailboat Bridge
We cross Sailboat Bridge everyday! It's very near us and this is a really cool lake. 65 miles long. Bring your boat and come!
We cross Sailboat Bridge everyday! It's very near us and this is a really cool lake. 65 miles long. Bring your boat and come!
Wine and Cheese
Watch out for that wine and cheese stuff... that's what contributed to me loosing the rudder. Fortunately the boat had flotation!
Watch out for that wine and cheese stuff... that's what contributed to me loosing the rudder. Fortunately the boat had flotation!
Susie, Not wishing you bad luck...
but if that is what it takes for you to write another story like this, break-a- leg. Seriously, the story was good and well written. I hope your experiences become those of wonder so we can hear some of those stories. r.w.landau
but if that is what it takes for you to write another story like this, break-a- leg. Seriously, the story was good and well written. I hope your experiences become those of wonder so we can hear some of those stories. r.w.landau
A poem for Susie
Here’s a little tale about a girl named Susie Who thought she would go for a little cruisie On a big muddy lake they call Grand, She went out with her sailin’ man. But oh alas, this poor little lass, Found that when the dealie went up the mast This so-called sailor needed gas And was at the mercy of chasers of bass. So final after getting the right mix, They were able to make the motor do its tricks. And so finally a home they go, On a boat that was meant to be sent by a blow. So before you venture very far from shore, You should know a wee bit more. So to a Smart Boating class you shall go Or next time you will be forced row (or pay for a real tow)
Here’s a little tale about a girl named Susie Who thought she would go for a little cruisie On a big muddy lake they call Grand, She went out with her sailin’ man. But oh alas, this poor little lass, Found that when the dealie went up the mast This so-called sailor needed gas And was at the mercy of chasers of bass. So final after getting the right mix, They were able to make the motor do its tricks. And so finally a home they go, On a boat that was meant to be sent by a blow. So before you venture very far from shore, You should know a wee bit more. So to a Smart Boating class you shall go Or next time you will be forced row (or pay for a real tow)
Would Gary care to comment ?
Great story Suzie and like the others I loved your style. Keep us posted on your progress (the Boat Smart course, not the Wine
Great story Suzie and like the others I loved your style. Keep us posted on your progress (the Boat Smart course, not the Wine
Gezzz.... That's Terible!
We all want to read an encore. He can't do this to us. Tell Gary there are thousands of sailors anxiously awaiting the next episode!!!
We all want to read an encore. He can't do this to us. Tell Gary there are thousands of sailors anxiously awaiting the next episode!!!
Same boat-
Susie - tell Gary we really laughed at your story because we have all, at one time or another, been in the same 'boat.!' It's just that you guys seems to have concentrated years worth of experiences into one 'three hour tour.' We must say, that was very very efficient of you. Suggest you buy a good bottle of wine, light the candles and have your way with Gary. He'll be talking to you again in no time... Jule and Carl SV H340 'Syzygy'
Susie - tell Gary we really laughed at your story because we have all, at one time or another, been in the same 'boat.!' It's just that you guys seems to have concentrated years worth of experiences into one 'three hour tour.' We must say, that was very very efficient of you. Suggest you buy a good bottle of wine, light the candles and have your way with Gary. He'll be talking to you again in no time... Jule and Carl SV H340 'Syzygy'
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