You Don’t Have To Be Crazy To Be A Boater (But It Helps)

Description

The unbridled anticipation and excitement of boats and boating. The trials and tribulations gleaned from learning the basic education necessary in plying the waters of the Pacific Ocean. These represent just a smattering of the ingredients contained in this exciting, new read.The reader will visualize the dreams of a small child standing on the muddy banks of the Mississippi, up to the trials of hands-on ownership of numerous powered watercraft. Boats that range in size and complexity from 16-65 feet, coupled with the anticipation and excitement of cruising up and down the West Coast of California and beyond, makes this a story tailor-made for the arm-chair enthusiast or the seasoned boater. Days ranging from light-hearted forays to serious, often potentially dangerous locations and conditions will serve to keep even neophytes on the edge of their seats. Laughable events to unfortunate and unplanned tragedies are threaded throughout this interesting and informative story.There are times when boating can provide unbridled joy, relaxation, excitement and satisfaction, knowing the care and maintenance of a boat has been addressed, passengers are well and everything seems to be in order. When the weather and sea conditions cooperate in unison, and the boat performs as intended, life on the water can’t get any better. Likewise, events can take place to alter one’s sense of calm, happiness and security without a moment’s notice.Even on calm inland lakes, when it comes to boats and boating, unexpected and unanticipated events can manifest themselves in just minutes. On the ocean, it could lead to total disaster or in the most-dire instances, death on the high seas. One seemingly small mechanical failure, flooding, fire or obstacles such as unseen, submerged rocks or coral, can and often will lead to a series of mishaps that can tax the experience and knowledge of even the most seasoned boater. If things get out of hand with a novice, it can go from calm to dreaded fear or disaster in a heartbeat. All of these are subjects within the pages of this book.Humorous or unplanned events can be times of great satisfaction such as when viewing a brilliant sunset, miles from the nearest high-rise or automobile. Times, when the night sky is so dark, stars can be clearly identified with the naked eye. When friendship among family members, friends and business associates takes on a new meaning. Food and beverages take on a new delightful taste and aroma when boating. Simple things like rowing a small kayak near rocky cliffs, miles offshore on uninhabited islands can cap a great day at sea. Fishing on the banks of an inland lake while lost in thought can indeed have therapeutic benefits, to those who are worn down or tired, to those who work day in and day out, or to the innocent, inquisitive nature of a small child. Likewise, sleeping on a boat as the action of the swells gently rocks a person to sleep can be a restful and enlightening experience.However there are other times when stormy conditions cause furnishings and food stores to be hurtled through the air, which have the opposite effect of calm and peacefulness. Water breaking over pilothouse windows as the wind and seas rage and the boat is tossed about like a bathtub toy can have the most experienced mariner on the edge of their seat and nerves.The good, the bad and the ugly are contained in this heart-warming boating adventure. This read follows a boy, as he grows into a young man, then reaches adulthood pursuing lifelong boating dreams. Reading fit for adults and young readers alike, the stories contained in this book are interesting, entertaining and factual. Sit back in your favorite chair, add a cup of coffee or a soft drink and experience what boating is all about. Fair winds and following seas!