Treasure Hunt

     Eighteen miles south of Boston, two miles out from the mainland town of Hingham, Massachusetts, lay a heavy gray mist broken only by flecks of light from the morning sun. The mist, I thought, was providing a shield from any curious onlookers. As I walked along the shoreline, an old oak tree came into sight. With a partially revealed root system, the old tree proved to be the ideal place to bury the pirate treasure. Seagulls splashing just off the small island's shore and the distant, fading hoot of an owl were all that could be heard as I reminded myself that my son, Marc was planning on meeting me for this adventure that I had dreamed up...  

     Having carefully placed the treasure where it couldn't be reached by the rising tide, I stood and turned to leave. The early mourning mist had burned away and there before my eyes on a boat about three hundred feet from shore, was a sailor, his binoculars focused right on me. Arrrgh!  Turning away I found my way back along the shoreline ti'll I was out of the sight of my challenger. No, I couldn't leave yet. I would have to wait and watch to be certain of his intentions. Maybe he hadn't seen me bury the treasure, maybe he did... Finding a place where I could hide and keep an eye on him, I waited for almost an hour before I felt comfortable that he hadn't discovered my purpose. The unfolding drama was welcome entertainment. Knowing that the treasure may be gone by the time Marc and I returned, I found myself apprehensive as to whether there might be other pirates in the vicinity!

Voyager's Bow

     Lest we run aground on our sail to Lovell's Island we best learn of the ship's Forward Watch position and it's responsibilities.

• Cast off from mooring.
• Maintain a 360 degree watch.
• Lower and also bring in the anchor.
• Raise and lower the Main Sail.
• Be ready to throw the life ring and line at the call of "man overboard."
• Safe return to mooring using boat hook.

 I'm throwing in a link on knot tying.

Voyager's Cuddy Cabin

      An adventure is incomplete without plenty of drinking water and good cheer. The Cabin Mate's responsibilities are as follows:

• Be sure the crew has whatever they need: water, sunblock, binoculars, lifejackets, GPS, tools, boat hooks, hats, ropes, charts, bathing suits, towels, etc..
• Open and close portholes as need be.
• Keep in touch with all crew members to be sure everyone is alert.

Boston Harbor

Would you know where to begin looking for buried treasure on Lovell's Island? What about getting there? If you click on the Boston Harbor link above you may learn something, but not enough for real treasure hunting...  It is now time  for learning, and preparation...  First off mate, remember, you are not alone...  I'll be there with you, but before we set sail, in search of the treasure buried on Lovell's Island,  I want to familiarize you with our little ship, Voyager. Below you will find a picture of a "friendship sloop" and its nomenclature (a set of terms describing her various parts).  As the crew, we all benefit from knowing this valuable information. Use it as a reference.  Don't feel you need to know it all before we sail. Your hands-on experience will be your best teacher. Arrrgh!

Boston Light

   Beauty, adventure and danger abound in the waters off the coast of  Massachusetts. If you have been a "land lubber" (a person unfamiliar with the sea or sailing) most of your life as I have, there is a lot to see and learn. When the sun is shining, the sky is clear, the wind is warm and gentle and you feel the confidence of knowing what you are doing, you can experience something close to tranquility. On the other hand, well, you will find out soon enough as I share my "sea stories".

   After approximately two years of low key sailing adventures and mishaps in and around the waters of Hingham, Quincy, Weymouth, and Hull, Massachusetts I began to feel it was time for a change. I wasn't bored but my search for high adventure seemed to be in "Irons" (a nautical term meaning losing forward motion). While crossing the entrance way to  Boston Harbor in an attempt to explore Georges Island, what appeared to be very calm waters turned out to be magnificent tidal swells reaching almost over the sides of the 14' Cape Dory! Coming about, slowly, we made our way humbly and safely back to the safety of the mainland shore... so much for high adventure. 

   While trying to think of things to do closer to home, the story of Treasure Island came to mind.  My boys, I missed their company, maybe they would be interested in a treasure hunt...  I drew up a simulated pirate's chart/map and found an old bottle I could put it in. Then, after identifying some possible treasures I asked them if they were interested. They said, maybe!

The Friendship Sloop

   Ideally, when sailing aboard Voyager, my Friendship Sloop, a crew of four people is helpful. The crew positions are Forward Watch, First Mate, Cabin Person and Captain. Over time, if interested, you can learn all four positions, captain the boat and even bring aboard a guest or two! Once you have acquired  knowledge, experience and confidence, you will even be able to sail a friendship sloop by yourself.
   For me the lessons, experience and confidence factors began eleven years ago in the year 2002 when the youngest of my two sons decided he no longer had time to "hang-out" with me. I had to think of something to do with my time and sailing, which I had always wanted to do, came to mind.
   I found and was able to afford a 14' Cape dory sailboat. I was ecstatic, my dream had come true. It was only a matter of weeks before "Hunky Dory" was launched! For two boating seasons my sons were glad to see that "Dad" had found something to keep him happy and occupied...