On Helpful Friends

Have you ever needed help?  We did this weekend, and a lot of it.

First, we (this is the Royal We here, where my husband does all the work, and I get to write about it and choose the pronouns) had motor trouble and needed a part from across the country.  Thanks to a referral from the great guys at John’s Old Mercs my husband not only received the part on time, but was on the phone with the guy who sold it to him at 10PM the night before the boat show talking through every detail of this particular headache.

They got it fixed enough that it was seemed to be okay (while running tied to the dock under flashlight examination), but nobody knew what the morning would bring.

And when the morning came it brought waves.

Waves and tiny boats don’t mix.

Second, we needed help getting to the show.  Two teeny- tiny boats, a 5 person family, and a 15 mile drive each way through rough waters isn’t an easy commute.  Thank goodness for Uncle George who happily volunteered to drive.  This was made even more special because he was one of the original builders of the Babe, and this was his first ride in it since it had been renovated.  The kids thought it was great fun to ride with him, and I enjoyed making my first solo drive across the lake, breaking waves ahead of our funny little parade.

The worrisome kg7motor ran great, and we not only made it, but it only ran out of gas once ~ Quite the accomplishment if you know how tiny those tanks are.

We thought we were home free, until I realized that I forgot my camera – one of the most important accessories at any show.  Luckily, Randy (aka. Captain Grumpy) came to my rescue, taking and sharing these great photos.  To see more check out his facebook album or his great write-up of the show in WoodyBoater.

Thanks to everyone’s help (and a bit of blood, lots of sweat, but no tears that I know of, from my husband) the boats placed well.  The Babe took first, and Lightning second in class L.  

We (again, Royal We) still have one more tiny boat left to restore.  It is another family treasure known as The Bug.  I can’t wait to see all 3 together at next year’s show.