Chapter 61. Cut and Run, Oh What Fun

  With all the willing hands the final loads of supplies had been quickly put away. Then it was everyone lined up at the railings to watch Laketown get a little further away as they left dock to pick up the barges. Will was at the helm as Minnie and Naomi prepared to pick up the anchored barges. Going dead slow he passed close to the first and Minnie leaped over the fifteen feet easily, pulled the anchors and tossed the heavy tow rope to Naomi who hooked it over the bollard. Waiting on the now slow moving scow, she again jumped to the second when it was in range. Anchors up and on the tow in a matter of fifteen minutes, then leapfrogged back to the Rose. “Such fun, we need like ten more, we could play crazy tag out there.”, she laughed. The watching children were in awe of what had just happened, they knew the crew were different from the shore people but this really showed it.

  After checking the barges were towing well, no bits falling off, not going off on a tangent Will increased speed to three quarters and turned the ship until she was on course. No specific location in mind they were simply heading to where they had successfully gathered coal a while ago. From there a decision would be made. Fill one barge with coal, then search for a good logging site. Leaving the coal vessel behind, secure at anchor, or bring it along. Hopefully a nice deep spot could be found close to shore, made it easier to load. Only time would tell. Minnie came in to the wheelhouse to bring a cuppa and a biscuit or three. “You know, I was looking at the barges and I wonder how long they’ll last.”, he mentioned after thanking her. “Whadya mean?”, was mumbled through biscuit. “I think the lake will eventually destroy the barges, Newton’s and Laketown’s. Only one boat on this ocean, and we’re on it.”, Will answered. That gave her something to think about, but couldn’t talk about it right now, Naomi whistled up, needed to round up all the crew. Meeting in the mess apparently, “I’ll fill you in later pop, see you later.”, and she was off. Being alone in the wheelhouse was fairly normal, there really wasn’t any need for two or more.

  The belowdeck meeting was about menus, bathing arrangements, meal times, many more do’s and don’ts. It hadn’t taken long and the crew were cut loose, just free time until they reached their destination and began work. Several things were planned for the day, the traditional first day meal for one. Naomi and her two helpers were busy already, when she told them it was a lot of work she wasn’t kidding. “One of the most important things we do is make tea and bring it up to the captain, whiles he’s in the wheelhouse that is.”, she told the other two, “If Minnie’s up there she doesn’t drink tea, but she likes milk.”. The taller girl, Bree, made a face at the thought “Yuck, how does she like milk, it’s all white and oozy.”. Her friend laughed “You never liked it, cause you got sprayed once when we were milking the cows at home.”. That would do it, Naomi thought. She had been boiling the kettle while letting them know what was to be done, now it sang away and she poured into the teapot. “Here you go, up to the captain please, and don’t spill. Oh, put your lifebelt on, he’s very strict on that.”.

  Will was writing away, to do things in one notebook, stories in another, maps spread out on the table. Just futzing around while the Rose churned on her way. The side windows were open and a warm breeze was flowing through, “I could sure use a cuppa tight about now.”. He was startled by a knock at the door, through the glass he could see one of the teens with a tray. “I’m a wizard!”. Opening the door he recognized the young girl as Bree, daughter of Dave the quiet wagon driver. “Hello captain, Naomi sent this up. She said you were probably thinking about tea right about now.”. He took the tray and set it on the map table, “Thank you, and thank Naomi too please”. She nodded and left in a rush, either eager to get back to work or terrified to be up here. The waters were smooth so Will tied the wheel in place and sat out on the bow to enjoy his tea. The skies were a bit dark ahead and he could see something was coming,

  Minnie came bouncing up, completely happy it seemed. “Hey pop, pretty noisy huh, the lil guys went to lie down for a while, and I told anyone that goes near our end will be in trouble, they’re pretty good kiddies though, looking forward to this I guess, Gracie and Willy are good guys, they got this.”, she rambled. “Another Willy huh, does he like it or…”, Will asked her. “Nah, he thought it was funny.”, she laughed. “Do you want me to con for a while, get a break in before…”, she gestured at the west horizon, the dark clouds had be one a bit more pronounced, “Gonna get a soaking soon yeah?”. Will nodded “Sure are, hour or so. A good one I think. Or bad one, depending on who you are.”. He gave a stretch, “Yeah I will go down for a while, I’ll let Naomi know to batten down. We might have to find a harbour soon, don’t want to mess around too much with the kids on board. Maybe head closer to shore see what you can find.”. She gave a smart salute and climbed up to the wheelhouse to check the course and see if they had any useful maps, doubtful but never hurt to check. Why the previous captains made any helpful maps was a good question, she figured they knew the route so well they didn’t need em. “Bunch of weirdos.”, she muttered. She looked out the door so make sure the old man made it below safely, it was like he knew she was watching as he turned and waved, what a guy. So going back to the maps she found nothing, looks like going close to shore was the way to look for a safe place. Giving the whistle a toot she spun the wheel and headed in.

  Will heard and felt the course correction, he was changing clothes into something warmer in case of inclement weather, he could feel that was coming too. “Yup, I’m a wizard.”, he said aloud. Laughing to himself he had a quick wash up, and left in search of Percy and Ron. Knocking on their room there was no answer but he found them in the lounge. “Hey guys, how you handling all the extras on board?”, Ron shrugged but pointed at Percy who was sitting in his new armchair. “All I said was there’s so many of them and they like to touch my fur, it gets messed up easily you know. We’re not all short hairs.” Percy answered. Will nodded, “lots of changes, coming faster and faster huh. If it does become too much, just relax in here til you are up to it again. Remember, this is your home now, they’re just visiting.”. Percy seemed to cheer up a little and asked where Minnie was, when Will told him she was at the wheel he asked if he could go see her. “Of course, but don’t forget your lifebelt, and take your rain gear. It’s going to blow soon.”. He looked at the other brother, Ron seemed very comfortable curled in his chair. “Not going up huh?”. That lad shook his head and stretched “I’ll go help Naomi in a minute or two.”, he whispered.

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  Heading that way himself he ran into, literally, several of the teenagers. Coming and going from mess, to quarters, upon the deck, down again. Just exploring it seemed. While not exactly afraid of him, he was given a bit of a wide berth. Finding Naomi is the mess, talking with Wilbur and Grace he let her know they were seeking an anchorage for the duration of the storm. “If and when we do I’ll need your help to anchor the barges off. We could keep going, if we don’t find a safe spot we will have to, we’ll see I guess.”. The children had been listening and several seemed worried at the thought of a storm. He quickly assured them that they would be fine, but as he spoke the words the Rose gave a bit of a lurch. That told him the waves had increased and Minnie could use a hand. “We’re fine, just might have to wait to cook outside, I’ll let you know.”, and he left to get on deck. Grabbing his rain jacket from the closet beside the stairs he tucked it under his arm and continued up.

  Sure enough the stormy weather had caught up to them. Wind blowing harder, sky overcast and getting darker and the previously calm waters had started developing high waves, nothing like the north but still enough to be concerned. He checked in with Minnie, who had things well under control with Percy’s willing help. “I’m going to clear the decks and check the tow, I’ll be back.”. As he left he heard Percy ask “Why does he say that, like that, all deep voice and weird.”. Laughing to himself he set off, bow first. All secured, chair's locked down, grill covered and strapped up, all the wheelhouse windows were tight, windshield wiper was ready as it could be. Midships was good, hatch and hold covers in place. He shooed an adventurous trio belowdecks, they weren’t doing any harm, just sightseeing in the walkway. Safe enough but not a good idea in a blow. “Off you go, I know it’s a fantastic sight isn’t it?”, he told them, “You’re not in trouble at all, I love seeing the weather too but…’When the stormy winds do blow, you’re generally better off below, and seek the seclusion that the cabin grants, and so should your cousins and your sisters and your aunts.”. The three laughed at the odd captains song but scampered down the stairs.

  Finally at the stern he made sure all the davits were tight, safety chains in place too. The tow bollard was solid as a rock but he always worried about the line snapping and kicking back at the boat. That’s why this area was off limits. The chop had really come up now but the Rose was handling it with ease, his only concern was the untested barges. Made from the same plans as the Newton models so all should be well. Those three scows had been through some epic bad weather and came through fine. And here came the rain, lashing down hard, the temperature must have dropped fifteen degrees in as many minutes. The combination of wind and water made it a bit unpleasant on the open deck, standing under the walkway was better but still chilly. Minnie blew the steam whistle to get his attention just then, so he hurried inside. “Look up ahead, off starboard bow.”, she pointed. They were coming up to an area with high cliffs, no beaches just wave beaten rocks leading up to dense forest. “Good logging area huh.”, she said. Reminding Will of the Oregon coast, beautiful and rugged but still nowhere for them to anchor while the storm passed. “We’ll have to continue on, at least while the storms raging.”, Will said, “Besides, we still have nearly a full days travel to the nearest coal shores.”. Percy looked on the map, “Where are we?”. Minnie showed him and when he saw how far they still had to go he looked a bit scared. “What’s up little guy?”, Will asked. “It’s just so far to go still.”, he replied. “Has Minnie told you the stories of our travels yet, how far we went.”, Will asked him. “A little bit dad, but not too much, I figured one night when we’re sitting in the lounge would be a good time.”, Minnie replied for him. Will nodded sagely, “A good idea, but I will tell you one thing. A little while ago we left Newton and steamed north for nearly forty days, without stop. Don’t worry my man, I’ll do my best to keep us safe.”. At that moment the bow dipped and a good sized wave crashed up and over onto the deck. Will and Minnie whooped with excitement, she was standing on her stool holding the wheel with a grip of iron. Will was relaxed in his chair, Percy standing beside him just looking at the green water sheeting down the glass. “That looks cold, brrr.”, he said. “Cold? Let me tell you about cold Perce.”, and Minnie was off with a tale of the burrows.

  Below decks it was a bit rough now, the stoves were off for safety reasons. The crew quarters were full of teens trying to get comfortable and just waiting for the storm to end and the waters quiet. Naomi was in the mess, a few teens were worried and she was easing their fears. “Minnie and the captain are in control and we will be fine.”, she repeated for what seemed like the tenth time. Ron was sitting beside her, he was a bit scared too and had told her he was still pretty frightened of the water, no matter how much better it made him feel. “We’ve been through some nasty weather, I’ve seen sixty foot waves and the water freezing on contact with you. Dad kept us safe, always will.”, she told the gathered kiddies and one little cat guy. She took out her fiddle and began to play, tunes that she learned as a youngster in Laketown and then some she had picked up from Will. The music, always upbeat and jolly, helped everyone relax a bit. The unicorn and puff were heard through the ship, and even reached the wheelhouse faintly.

  Storms never last and this one was no exception. It had never gotten truly out of control, bigger waves had appeared occasionally but hadn’t threatened the safety of the boat. Eight hours after leaving Laketown Naomi was finally able to light the stoves again and start whipping up a meal for the starving crew. The traditional cheeseburgers would have to wait for first day ashore. Tonight was scrambled eggs on toast and fried ham, devoured by everyone. Rosie had brought a loaded tray up to the wheelhouse for the trio there. Will had managed to make tea and they were well supplied with biscuits so they hadn’t starved. But the appearance of real food was very welcome. “So quiet up here now,”, Rosie said after dropping off and standing at the railing. “Like a different world hmm?”, Will commented. And it was. The high seas and roar of the wind, the spray from the bow and the driving rain, all gone now. Calm water, hardly any wind, just from their speed, chuffing of the engine. A beautiful picture. In the now very dim evening Will had lighted the deck lanterns and let Naomi know it was okay for the crew to come on deck again. Minnie and Percy, especially Percy, had gone below after being stuck in the wheelhouse for hours. Minnie had braved the weather and taken a break after the first four hours but Percy had stayed in the entire time. He had not wanted to get the least bit wet.

  As the first day wound down Will was still at the helm, the crew had gone to their bunks, delighted with the sleeping bags. Minnie had gone for a few hours sleep, and made sure Percy and Ron were safe and sound in their cabin. Naomi had come on deck, to cool down and unwind from the bustle of earlier. “We’ll find the coal shoals tomorrow morning I think, lunch time at the latest..”, Will said sitting out on the bow. They were proceeding on the same course as the last couple of gatherings so it was safe to travel at night. “I’m off dad, see you in the morning.”, Naomi said and just like that Will was alone. He went back inside and sat in the great chair behind the wheel. One hand holding the ship steady on course, the other with a fresh cuppa.