Family, Friends and Fishing

The F/V Richard & Arnold arrived at MacMillan Wharf on a sunny Friday afternoon. Dave and I waited on the dock as the boat was made fast to the pier. Our son Jackson was on hand, as were a few friends and the harbormaster, Rex. Dave recalled that this was the second time in 35 years of owning the boat that he watched her come in with a different captain. The first time was when our son Jackson brought the boat across Cape Cod Bay on his own. David and Jackson finished a fishing trip and when they got to the Cape Cod Canal, Dave told his son to take her home. I picked Dave up by car and Jackson captained the boat. While we waited for the Richard & Arnold to be tied to the poles, Jackson told me how nervous he was that day bringing the boat in on his own. I can relate, I don't think I could do it. Our son, Bob (has a BS in Marine Navigation from Mass Maritime) and his friend Eric (the Red) Johnson made the trip from Norfolk VA in five days, stopping along the way in Ocean City MD, Cape May, NJ and then after a very difficult night in 10 foot seas off the Jersey coast, into Mannesquan, NJ for the last stop-over. From there Bob decided to keep going. After 36 hours at a steady 8 knots, with a 671 Detroit Diesel humming in the background our pride and joy, the oldest vessel in our fleet, returned to her home port. I don't know what we would have done if our sons were bookkeepers, or doctors, or bankers. Both have grown up around the Richard & Arnold and both are capable of making a journey as captain of the vessel. This past winter was wonderful. The boat was tied in the safest place imaginable, a secure, protected dock in the heart of Oriental NC. Our time there was so different from the usual winters of shoveling snow, bundling up in a dozen layers of clothing, turning up the heat and carrying logs in to feed the wood stove. We spent our days on walks, having coffee at the 'Bean', and looking at boats. Our evenings were filled with good food and good company. What's more Dave and I grew closer, literally. Tiny spaces, small everything, less need and enjoying our environment and each other's company. We met the most remarkable people. Heard stories that will stay with me forever. We hope to someday return to the small town on the Neuse River and visit again the places and people that make it so unique. In the meantime the Richard & Arnold will have to stay tied to the wharf. Dave has been in the Cape Cod Hospital for five days, we just got home. His calcium blood level was sky high caused by cancer in the bones. The doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital were terrific. Dave is feeling better, eating and telling me stories again. His blood levels are normal, but we will need to keep a close eye on this as it can lead to serious heart problems and we certainly don't need any other medical issues popping up. The past two weeks have been just plain awful, but thank the good lord, we on the upswing, heading in the right direction. Dave had a PET Scan, a CAT scan, and MRI of the brain and a biopsy, as well as many blood tests. The doctor said there is nothing in his brain, but we knew that already, he's a fisherman after all, ha ha. We meet with our Oncologist, (the best there is) this week to discuss a treatment plan. Dave's a fighter, tough as nails, he's always been a super-hero to me, so I know we have a good chance. Life is precious, but finite to us all. Keep the faith, give thanks, and mention Captain Dave to God. Fair winds dear friends.