We just got back from being out on the lake. It was our first time boating on West Lake. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we sold our boat. The new owners paid us a hefty deposit and promised to be back to pick it up this weekend. Before that happened Warren wanted to be sure that everything was working well, so this morning we took the boat out for a test run.
We are pathetic boaters. Both Warren and I am rather nervous about boating. This morning’s experience was no different and just confirmed that we are well to be rid of any boats in our lives.
The boat launch is just down the road about one km. It slipped off our trailer easily enough, but the trouble started shortly after we pushed off from the ramp. Trouble with the motor. The damn thing would not change from neutral into forward. We were adrift without an engine. (again, as this has happened to us many many times before)My job was to keep the boat from floating into the weeds while Warren worked on the motor. It was hot. Very hot. We had about 10 minutes of blue fumes and smells of gasoline. Tension was high. (I always secretly question if Warren knows how to operate the controls.) Anyway, he eventually found a loose screw or something and we were able to move from neutral without stalling. Off we go..
Where we launched the boat was rather weedy and we followed a narrow path through the tall reeds to get out into the open water.
Once pass the reeds we relaxed and pushed the throttle forward. Off we go again.
It didn’t take us long to hit a sand bar and get stuck. Yes… Big panic over that. You can imagine our conversation?
“Quick – Get the paddles”
“Where are they?”
“What are you doing?” “Hurry”
“Where are you pushing us?”
“What are you doing?”
“No, not that way”.
“You are making it worst” and etc., etc.
Eventually we were able to use our paddles to push off to deeper water.
Out on the open water it was really rough but breezy and refreshing. We crashed through the white caps enjoying the cool temperatures.
It was pretty bumpy and being non-boaters we it made us a bit nervous. We decided it was best to turn around and head in… But what.? uhmm… where did we come from? Looking back the shore was a solid green band of tall reeds. Fuck! Where was the launch?
Yes, we did get back eventually. Glad to be on solid ground again. We loaded the damn boat back on the trailer and brought it home. I hope that is the last time we ever use a power boat.
PS – If you have a swamp air boat … DO NOT SELL IT TO HIM, Please!
westlakemusings 
What a great read, but I am very happy you returned to land safely. Tell Warren to stick to his old cars to which he is very good at.
Luv Donna
What a joyful experience. Especially the sand bar and the being lost part. Land always looks different from the water. The pictures were beautiful though. Warren looks the part of a boater. I’m glad you are back on terra firma and will not have to endure such stress again. The pool idea sounds good to me.
Love your boater friend, Marilyn
My husband would be all over a swamp air boat – he would think all of his Christmases happened at once. But he is a redneck at heart and loves going into the swamps to hunt duck. Our nice boat burned the motor out last year, so now we are stuck with an old long hunting/fishing boat to get back and forth to the cottage on the island. It works, but I miss the old boat.