A Journey With Tug Restless: Part I
12/12/2006 — Festival News
Capt Roland Schultz, of the Tug Restless is heading south. Here is part I of his voyage from his journal.
From Capt Roland Schultz.
Recently having observed a chill in the air, and the slight change in color of the trees, brought me to ponder two very significant options. Either I could begin chopping wood to stay warm for the long winter ahead, or go south.With a departure from punching a time clock since spring of this year, it seemed a rational thing; to pack my boat; “Restless,” and head south with thoughts of fulfilling the usual dream of many Midwest Boater: “The Great Loop.”
Not wanting to play Columbus, I was told that the Guru to contact for charts of such a transit was Laura Cannell; at Marine Navigation, Inc. Rumor has it that she knows the name of every lockmaster from Chicago to Mobile, as well as the given name of each of their first born.
With my request for her to ship them; “Next Day Delivery,” she replied, “You don’t what to get down there too quick. Remember, if you arrive before 1 November, it’s still hurricane season down there, and it will have a big affect on your boat insurance!”
“Lady, it’s getting cool up here, and besides; I’ve got a Witch after me!”
“You're Kidding?”
“No; her last name is November, middle name Gale, and I want no part of being even remotely close.”
I know that sounds a bit extreme, but I still have very vivid memories of an outing in 1966 while a Quartermaster in the USCG aboard the Cutter Bramble working a search pattern for the Freighter; Daniel J. Morrell, in company with the Cutters, Mackinaw & Acacia (all museum pieces now) for over 72 hours.
It is now mid September, and the weather patterns in northern Michigan have already taken a dramatic change. Movement of the boat, are confined to short hops that are directed by weather windows, for the purpose of just getting the boat down the western Michigan shore before the weather really turns foul. Suttons Bay to Leland;
Leland to Ludington; Ludington to Muskegon; Muskegon to Benton Harbor.
Here, the boat will remain until my schedule, and the dart- throwing meteorologists, allow the final departure for the Loop.
After pending several days awaiting improvement in the weather at Ludington, the wind and sky suddenly to do an about face in the early afternoon, and I found myself scrambling to get underway and pointed south.
Good policy seemed to dictate it wise to have a holding tank, bordering on the high side, pumped before getting underway. This operation is always something that I have made it a point to watch when having done in the past. In fact; I prefer doing it myself, and have never had a complaint by any attendant when doing so for obvious reasons. This time however; my attention and needs are diverted
elsewhere in my rush to get as many miles south as the weather will allow.
Do you recall that lecture you had years ago in Physics 101; about a liquid not being compressable? Ever consider the result of attempting such, or putting it to the test ? If not; allow me to describe how low suction or failure to open a valve in the lift section, of the Pump Out Unit, resulted in financial payment for something that I never received. Two days later, while holding down the switch on an electric head aboard Restless, would result in overfilling the tank, and plugging the vent. The ensueing parting of hose fittings, tank, and general over spray of that section of the boat is rather difficult to go unobserved. The new fragrance that permeates your boat following such a minor explosion, tends to make for a rather fast After Action Clean-up! (you thought diesel fumes in the bilge were a problem). (to be continued)
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