Fishing from a boat of one’s own (May 10)
No peaceful activity rivals fishing for twenty minutes on an isolated bay in a boat of one’s own. Unless of course life gets too hectic, in which case wisdom prescribes at least an hour! And so as soon as Robbie took possession of his first rowboat, he would set out to spend …
“… most of each morning, afternoon, and evening on the water. No fishable area off the Point remained unvisited. The sense of liberation was enough in itself to keep me committed, yet there was also another incentive. I was all too well aware of my mother’s disdain for seven-day-wonders. No way I would fall into that trap…
“I knew the care my grandparents lavished on the Sparrow and the Robin. Determination to reach that standard was at least as motivating as the threat of my mother’s disdain. When my boat was moored, I checked the tension on bow and stern lines again and again. The shiny green hull must never chafe against the dock. And I was quick to wipe away any muddy residue left by the anchor on the spotless interior. Each day before breakfast, I walked out for a first glimpse of my trusty companion. And on my way to bed each evening, I stood for a moment by its side. Merely being near it kindled dreams of adventure.” (Providence Point, p. 50)
Whether it is Ishmael’s Pequod, Huck’s and Jim’s raft, or the home-made Musketaquid boarded by Thoreau and his brother for their Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, boats exude a magic unmatched by any other means of transport. There is always the lighthearted freedom of a bicycle, of course, and the companionship of a dependable horse to ride. But only a vessel permits leaving shore to patrol open waters. The freedom comes as close to birdlike flight as ordinary mortals can imagine!
Many readers will have enjoyed such a getaway. If that’s you, why not leave a comment on this post? And if the recollection is especially delightful, consider clicking on one of the book-seller links to purchase a copy of Providence Point for yourself.
(Illustration generated by AI)
