November-Charlie

by Clare Revell

  At least with Jim not writing the log we get a rest from mentions of sharks. Sharks do not live in the Atlantic. Anyway, when we leave here we will be in the Caribbean Sea.

  1st Officer’s log 09/08 point 21.

  Still no sign of the boat repairs being completed. Bored with the beach, Staci and I went to the Turks and Caicos National Museum. It was neat.

  We’ve managed to persuade Jim to take tomorrow off. It being his eighteenth birthday and all. Not that we are planning on doing anything. We’re saving money by not splurging remember? It’ll be the first eighteenth birthday in history not to be celebrated with a party, cake, and presents. But that is what he wants so there you go.

  Captains log 10/08 point 06.

  Lou’s right. It’s pointless putting sea date in all the time. Just don’t tell her I said so, I’ll never live it down if she knows she’s right about something. Repairs are coming along slowly. The hull is now repaired and the new engine has been ordered so hopefully we can be underway again soon.

  Today is my eighteenth birthday. I’ve been awake since three. I’ve given up trying to sleep. It’s not excitement. Its memories. I’m not going to go into details here, but I shall find today hard. In a way, I’m glad the girls haven’t planned anything. I can hear movements next door. Sounds like they are awake. This hotel is OK but it’ll be nice to get back on the boat again. That is the only home I have now.

  1st Officer’s log same date point 09.

  He’s fallen for it. Yes...

  1st Officer’s log, supplemental point 22.

  Well I’m shattered. We packed so much into today and finished it with a picnic party on the beach. I think Jim enjoyed himself. I know he wasn’t looking forward to today, but we couldn’t let his special day go by without some kind of celebration. I’ll let Jim explain.

  Captain’s log supplemental.

  I did enjoy today. We started by going diving. Staci came out on the boat but didn’t dive. It is so beautiful. The Atlantic is so warm here. There is a seven thousand foot vertical wall just a five-mile boat ride off shore. The coral formations are incredible. We swam amongst seahorses, manta, turtles, and dolphins. Didn’t see any humpback whales though, unfortunately.

  Then we visited the lighthouse and the ruins of the air force base. We had lunch from a very swish restaurant—typical Caribbean food. The picnic on the beach as the sun set was lovely. Birthday cake with eighteen candles, jam and marmite sandwiches (together of course) and cheese and pineapple on sticks. I must say whoever thought of putting cheese and pineapple together deserves a medal.

  The girls even gave me a present. Shorts and t-shirt, sandals, and a pair of jeans. They shouldn’t have spoilt me like that but it was nice that they did. I just wish...well you know what I wish.

  1st officers log 12/08 point 21.

  I know Jim reads this, so it isn’t exactly confidential, but I need to talk to someone and I guess the logbook is it. Hopefully he won’t say anything, because I feel awful as it is and I don’t know what to do. I went shopping this morning. Staci and Deefer came too, obviously. This is more difficult than I thought. A lot more difficult.

  Anyway after the market, Staci wanted to go for a drink in that place we went to before. We eventually found it and guess who we bumped into. Jack. Staci insisted that he join us, as he was stopping there for lunch anyway. I was hoping he’d say no, but he didn’t.

  He seemed surprised to see us. “I thought you’d be long gone,” he said as we sat down with our drinks.

  I tried to think of a suitable answer without giving too much away but before I could say anything, Staci answered.

  “The boat needs more repairs than we thought.”

  “If it’s a hire boat that’s not your problem. The company should give you a replacement.”

  “Avon’s our boat. Well, Jim’s,” Staci said before I could stop her. “She was damaged in the storm and needed lots of repairs.”

  “Staci,” I said.

  “But then after we got here, someone made holes in the hull and...” She broke off as I kicked her under the table.

  “Staci, I’m sure Jack doesn’t need to know all this.”

  He smiled awkwardly. “No it’s fine. If you own her, then the repairs must be costing a fair bit.”

  “Yeah, but we’re managing. So what are you doing here—you can’t still be on holiday?”

  “No, I’m working.”

  “Do you live here?”

  “No, I go where the job takes me and at the moment it’s here.” Jack finished his soda and ordered curry and another drink.

  Staci ordered burger, chips, and soda, and I just ordered another drink. How she can eat like that and not put on weight, I don’t know. It’s not fair.

  “So Staci, are you enjoying your holiday?” Jack asked.

  “It’s good. Well most of it.”

  “What bits weren’t so good?”

  “My fall. The storm, but then I missed most of that. Not having my parents here.”

  Lunch and the drinks arrived and we ate in silence for a bit. Well I didn’t eat, not having ordered myself anything. A couple of Staci’s chips perhaps but nothing more.

  Jack asked, “So how much damage was done to the boat, Lou?”

  “Both engines, the mast, four windows, the odd bit of decking. The hull was the final straw.”

  “Phew. What kind of a storm did you run into anyway?”

  “Erika,” I told him. Well there was no point in hiding it.

  “Hurricane Erika?” he asked, shock registering on his face.

  “Yeah,” Staci said. “The boat turned over. We should have drowned but we were saved by an ang—”

  I interrupted her. “Staci, eat before it gets cold.”

  She sighed. “OK.” She finished her chips and got up. “Back in a sec.”

  Jack watched her go. Then he fixed his piercing brown eyes on me. “Can you afford the repairs? Be honest.”

  I avoided his gaze. “I don’t think so. Jim says things are OK, but I’m not convinced. We just have to be careful.” I stood up. “We’d better be going.” I opened my bag to get my purse out, but Jack stopped me.

  “Put it away,” he said firmly. “I’ll pay.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t let you do that.”

  “I want to.”

  “We aren’t that broke that we need charity yet.”

  He lowered his voice. “Don’t argue with me. It’s not charity, I’m treating a friend to lunch—even if she didn’t order anything for herself. Aren’t you hungry?”

  “No,” I said quickly. He looked at me, knowing I was lying. “All right, yes I’m hungry,” I said. “But we can’t afford—”

  “Sit down, and I’ll get you some lunch. You’ll only be ill otherwise and then who’ll take care of you? You need to think seriously about things.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I think you do. Now sit down.”

  I sat and allowed him to buy me lunch. Staci returned and eagerly ate the chocolate gateau he’d bought her. After lunch, he looked at me. “There is no shame in admitting you were wrong,” he said. “Or in changing your mind.”

  “And sometimes you have no choice but to continue.”

  “There’s always a choice, Lou.”

  “No there isn’t. Not anymore. Thanks for lunch. Bye, Jack.”

  We headed back to the hotel and dropped off the bags. Then we sat on the beach until teatime. As we got back to the hotel to get ready for dinner, Jim met us with a big grin on his face. “Hey guess what?” he said.

  “The repairs are finished?”

  “No.”

  “The new engines arrived?”

  “Well yes, but that’s not it.”

  “Tell us then.”

  “Look at this.”

  “What is it?”

  He handed me a piece of paper. I glanced it and said, “It’s a bill from the repair yard. For a lot more than we can afford.” I
gave it back to him. “That’s no reason to celebrate.”

  “Look at it properly. Read the bottom. Paid in full.”

  “Paid? We haven’t got that kind of money. Paid by whom?”

  “I have no idea. Jonathan said someone came in this afternoon and paid cash for all the work.”

  “Who? What did they look like?”

  “He wasn’t in the office at the time. But the repairs will be finished by the day after tomorrow.”

  Staci was ecstatic. Neither could understand my lack of enthusiasm over our unknown benefactor. I think I know who it was and I just hope I’m wrong. Look at the time— almost 2300. It’s taken ages to write this. This log reads like a fairy story at times. Dramatic bits, escapes by the skin of our teeth, angels, and now being bailed out by lots of money. If this was a book people would be shouting totally implausible, need a better script. So much they know.

  Jim when you read this, if it was him, I didn’t ask for it. You should know me better than that. I shall try and find him tomorrow and find out for sure.

  1st Officer’s log 14/08 point 16.

  Well, the repairs are finished. I’ve spent the last couple of days looking for Jack but he must be working or else his job has moved back Stateside. I don’t know whether I’m relieved or not.

  Avon is being moved back to the marina so we are packing up at the hotel, hence the scribbled note at this time of day. Next entry will be back on our boat.

  Captain’s log supplemental point 23.

  Back on the boat at last. Jonathan suggested we tour some of the other islands for a week and then return to have the new engines checked. Sea trials if you like. So we are keeping the berth here and going out for days and returning each night. I’d rather not wait any longer, but better safe than sorry.

  Another strange thing, the berth at the marina has also been paid for. So the only thing we have to pay is the departure tax when we finally leave here around the 20th. Mind you, all I really want to do is sleep tomorrow.

  1st Officer’s log 15/08 point 18.

  He did and all. Staci and I stocked up the cupboards, fridge and freezer. Was a bit like Old Mother Hubbard’s place to start with. At least I didn’t have to count the pennies or cents this time.

  Captains log 17/08 point 16.

  These engines are fantastic. It makes such a difference having two new engines. She goes much faster and smoother now. Visited a conch farm today. I’ve been re-reading the stuff from the Panama Canal. They only provide a pilot for boats under 65ft under special circumstances so we shall have to manage. I saw another shark today. I’m sure Lou reckons I’m making them up, but I’m not. Picked up a couple of dinghies as we lost ours in the storm. Actually, I’m quite anxious to get underway again. We’ve finished another two memory cards for the camera. Lou suggested sending all the discs home to keep them safe. If we do post them back to Nichola, we need to leave here before they arrive in England.

  Captains log 20/08 point 23.

  Well, we are under way again. We had the engines checked this morning and having been given the green light, we did a final food shop and topped up the water and fuel. I took her out and once we were clear, Lou took over. Staci has agreed to take up the kitchen duties again and I have rearranged the cupboards so she doesn’t have to climb up to reach dishes or glasses again.

  We have just cleared the Windward Pass between Cuba and Haiti and are in the Jamaica Channel. Then into the Caribbean Sea and across to Panama. Lou’s posted the photo cards. I guess at least that way Nichola knows we’re OK.

  It’ll take a few days to get back into routine of the shifts again I suppose. Oh, I’m tired. Still got another two and a half-hours to go.

  1st Officer’s log 24/08 point 11.

  The Caribbean is so pretty - even though we are not visiting any of the islands. The sun shines and sparkles off the clear blue sea. Staci and I went swimming in the sea today. Jim wasn’t impressed—muttered something about sharks. Needless to say, we took no notice and plan to swim everyday if we can.

  Captain’s log 26/08 point 20 (local time—6hrs behind GMT)

  Arrived at the Cristobal entrance to the Panama Canal this morning. As per the instructions they sent me, I contacted the Admeasurement office on the VHF channel. They then sent someone to measure Avon and do a safety and equipment inspection. They then gave me three forms. The first, so I could pay for the transit. The second a copy of the handline lockage request, and the third the release and indemnity.

  We have been assigned a transit advisor who communicates with the locks and other vessels. As you need four people to handle the lines plus a captain to operate the boat, the admeasurement office have very kindly given us a pilot. We had to hire tires to put on the sides of Avon to avoid damage in case she hits the chamber walls.

  Captains log 27/08 point 22.

  In the Pacific. We did transit the Canal in a day. We tied alongside a Canal tugboat whilst in the locks. The ropes have to be taken in or let out in order to keep the boat straight in the locks as the water rises or falls. The first lock was hard, but they got easier.

  The three locks took us up to Colon City then we went under our own power through the Canal, still with the pilot and advisor on board. The lock chambers btw, are 110ft wide, 1000ft long and 85ft deep. The Canal is 85ft above sea level hence the three locks at each end. On reaching the other side at Balboa Point, we went down the three locks, again manipulating the lines. We’re anchored there tonight. Long day. Must go to bed.

  Captains log 28/08 point 16.

  We’re off again. We got $800 dollars back this morning which I paid back into the account. The girls did some shopping—when don’t they? Staci did really well handling the lines yesterday. She surprised everyone, including herself.

  1st Officer’s log 01/09 point 4.

  Peace and quiet. Makes a change. Staci and I are still swimming when we can. Jim doesn’t like it but tough. It’s September already. Today marks the three-month anniversary of our leaving. Sometimes it seems longer. No mention of sharks recently.

  Captains log 01/09 point 10.

  Sharks. Sharks. Sharks. Just because I don’t mention them doesn’t mean that they’re not there.

  Three months. It doesn’t seem possible. We have come so far and done so much. And yet still not reached our goal. Sometimes when it’s quiet I think how nice it is, that I could live like this forever. Then I remember Mum and Dad and just wish I’d flown or something in the first instance. Then when Staci is around, I realize that she needs more than I can give her. She needs a proper home, not this hand to mouth existence on this floating haven, at risk from everything 24/7. Maybe we should turn back. Before something happens. I have this bad feeling.

  1st Officer’s log 03/09 point 20.

  He does talk such rot at times. Sharks, bad feelings, wanting to turn back. Personally, I think this Captaincy thing has gone to his head. He needs to chill out. In fact I think I have the perfect answer—make him walk the plank. What do you mean we don’t have one? Since when has that stopped us? We’ll improvise...

  Chuck him overboard.

  Captain’s log supplemental.

  They did, too. Rotten lot. I shall get my own back though. It may take a while, but I will be avenged. The question is not how but when. When they are least expecting it. I shall leave it for a couple of weeks and then when they least expect it…

  Captains log 04/09 point 11.

  Lou will no doubt moan, but I’m sure I can still see sharks.

  The Pacific is the world’s biggest ocean I think—correct me if I’m wrong. Another five or six weeks, and we should reach the Philippines. Before then though, we need to make a decision as to what we do when we get there. If they send us back, we’ve come all this way for nothing.

  1st Officer’s log 10/09 point 11 and a quarter.

  Break the mold. Why are the logs always written exactly on the hour anyway? I am so cross right now, I’m tempted to spoil his log on purpose.


  Well, he has gone and done it this time. I’m not surprised I’m writing this. He daren’t show his face on the bridge right now. Jim and Deefer were messing around—chase or catch or something. Anyway, something flew onto the bridge through the open door and into the radio. Don’t ask me how but it did. Anyway, Jim decided he would fix it. (ROFL.)

  The short story is the radio no longer works. It is defunct. Deceased. An ex-radio. So much for contact with the outside world. So my phone now lives on the bridge where the radio used to be. At least we still have that.

  Captains log 13/09 point 13.

  We’ve lost the phone. Or rather, I lost the phone. Lou isn’t speaking to me at the moment for which I don’t blame her at all. I had taken the phone out on to the deck to try out the ring tones. Staci had just washed the decking. I slipped and the phone went overboard. On its own, the loss of the phone would be no big deal. Coupled with the loss of the radio, it is nothing short of a disaster.

  1st Officer’s log supplemental point 23 and a half.

  Six weeks to the Philippines. That’s a long time. I know we didn’t use the radio much but it was there. Now the phone has gone too even landing anywhere will be difficult. Jim and his sharks don’t help much either. I’m beginning to regret this. We should just turn round and head towards mainland America and give ourselves up. Jim can fly the rest of the way while I take Staci home.

  Captain’s log 14/09 point 14.

  I know things are tough, and we have no contact with the world, but this boat is my home. We can get the radio fixed and purchase a new phone somewhere. There isn’t anything we can’t handle.

  Right now, other than Mum and Dad being here with us, the only thing that would make life perfect would be fresh food. Fish would be nice. Fresh fish for dinner.