May the force be with you, Luke!

     I was in the office the other day here at the marina waiting to pay my tremendous yard bill. Instead of going on a wonderful vacation to Hawaii, it seems I prefer frittering away my hard-earned retirement savings on the never ending task of keeping an old piece of fiberglass afloat. My invoice was so lengthy it felt like a Manhattan phone book. To make matters worse, we don't have a lot of money, since they always paid me what I was worth.

     Thank goodness for Visa.  I pulled out my card, hoping that my line of credit would be high enough.  I tried to maintain a brave grin as I waited my turn at the counter behind a Canadian chap. He was inquiring at the desk about finding a ride to the airport the next day. Having been in his shoes last year, I felt compassion for his situation.

     Ah, what the heck, I thought and spoke up. "Hey, I'll give you a lift in to West Palm if you like."

     He turned, smiled, and politely thanked me,  We then made arrangements to meet the following morning.  He even mentioned paying me, which sounded like a good idea as I squeezed my Visa card a little tighter. (I secretly hoped he'd pay me more than I was worth.)

    Of course I had no idea that the light at the end of the tunnel that day was a locomotive.  They dropped my boat in the water but by evening I had discovered a boat leak.  It was clear I needed to come back out. But wait, I had foolishly made a commitment to Luc.  Now what?  I have been taught to always honor a commitment, so I would just have to work it out.

     I explained my dilemma to the yard manager the next morning and by 9:30 the boat was back on the hard.  The crew here at Indiantown is terrific!  An hour later, Luc and I were on our way to West Palm. I followed him in my old truck so he could drop off his rental car that he got when he flew down from Montreal.  It turns out Luc owns an old lobster boat that he has fixed up and stored here. Now he is preparing to head for the Bahamas.

     We dropped off his "full-size" rental car, a little Mazda just bigger than a VW Beatle, and we headed home together in my truck. Luc and I hit it off instantly, and within the hour I had a new friend.  He is a retired Psych. Professor from the University of Montreal, and has had a fantastic career primarily dealing with the study of deviant behavior. I felt like Piers Morgan interviewing an interesting guest as we exchanged thoughts about education and human behavior.  The hour with Luc flew by and I reluctantly said goodbye after touring his very cool boat.

     Fortunately for me, he stopped by to see me this afternoon.  Another hour well spent, and now we are like old friends, pledging to stay in touch in the days ahead.  I rather think we will.  Such is the sailing life that makes all the troubles worthwhile! I say this with the full knowledge that another yard bill lies ahead! (Pictures to follow)