It will be interesting to note when the tide first makes its appearance on the river. Oh the wonders of the tides, the visible manifestation of unseen forces that so mystified the sailors of old. They knew it had something to do with the moon, but what? Why were they strong some places and weak others. Why did the full moon bring such high high tides and such low low tides? And then again why was it the same when there was no moon at all? And who could explain the moderation of the tides at quarter moon? No wonder they were so prone to superstitions. Could anyone tell them it was merely cause and effect? I doubt it. Then Sir Isaac sees an apple fall and the whole paradigm of mankind’s understanding shifts. Yes, the tides are important to me and I’m reminded how useful they can be and how frightening. I’m reminded not to take the tide tables for granted and I silently thank everyone whose hard work made them available to me.
And later.
I found my tide in the mouth of a little no name river* on a big bend in the big river at Latitude 46° 33’ 05.8”N ~ Longitude 072° 12’ 06.4”W. I had anchored in 6 feet of water but in the night I was awaken by the unmistakable stillness of a boat aground. This was not unexpected. I had raised the dagger board and rudder, made sure there was enough anchor line out that I would not likely rest on my own anchor. The people in the lovely homes along the north bank must have wondered about the little boat anchored where they had seldom, if ever, seen one anchor before. The CAP’N LEM doesn’t mind an evening resting in the mud unlike my other boat AVANTI which must fall to her side like a tired horse in a pasture if she is to wait out a tide on the beach. (Shipmate Kari knows quite well of that which I speak having spent an evening with Capt. Tommy on the beach of Sandy Island BC!)
Ah, but this time, this is opportunity! So over the side I go into the sand and mud. If, like me, you’re old and have forgotten the feeling of mud squishing between your toes in a cool river bank, you really should try this. The joy and the flood of memories of long past of swimming holes, creeks and mud puddles were mine once again! I hear my mother’s words “Tommy, every time you get near water, you fall in it!” and she was right. So, for a moment or two, I just wade and remember and chuckle to myself reliving things I had long forgotten.
Then the tools in my hand remind me I’m on a mission. I check the tension on the bobstay. I tighten some nuts and bolts on the rudder. I inspect the motor mounts. I clean slim from the stern and board. Sitting on the port ama, I slowly wash the mud away from my feet but cling to the memories and wait the incoming tide.
*It wasn’t on the chart anyway. I’m sure those who live on its banks have a name for it.
AVANTI and the Tides of BC 2008
Oh Tommy! That is the first and last time I will ever fall asleep on the beach with a boat anchored on a sand bar. I still maintain that one was half my fault, but regardless it was one of the more interesting evenings I have ever spent in the company of a sailor, a boat, and a cold deli chicken. What did you tell me Capt. Lem always said about purposely beaching one’s boat?
Everything dynamic and very positively! 🙂