I took the boat out yesterday to observe the minus tide. It helps to fix hazards in your mind, see the actual channels. There is a fellow missing off Odiorne Point now a week. That frankly was on my mind as well. This was the first time this Summer that the boat has cleared Whaleback Light.
On the way back in at the head of Furber Strait I stopped to get a better look at a reef. I bumped this eyebrow a few years ago. A local outboard artisan was able to save that Summer, truing the shaft with a hammer. A willing and expert outboard specialist really, you have to own a boat to understand. William Furber operated a ferry in the area in the 1600’s.
This eyebrow reef is just off red can 4 coming into the Strait. I cringe when I see another boat zip over the area. It is usually obscured for most boaters that avoid low tides. I struck it once that’s enough for me.
So getting a good look at it at very low tide is an exercise to really plant it in your head.There were a couple of seals on the rocks.
There was no real traffic in the Strait, except for this guy, tacking back and forth.
I thought , geez I wonder if I am in this guys way? The tide was still ebbing though, my boat drifted a bit and he came around passing my bow. I hailed him, “just getting some shots of these seals” He comes back with ‘” They love the Sun” So he’s aware of them and the reef. That was what I figured at least.
The seals are still basking.
Seals unfazed
He really took quite a spill on the rocks, , there was a ramming noise, and the seals went for dip. I have no picture as I asking him if he was ok. This pic is after the collision.Back on his way.
He rammed it one more time
One seal popped up to take another look, but the photo session was over. Since no one was hurt it was funny, given my initial reaction that I might be obstructing his tack. Funny like a trampoline accident on Americas Funniest Home Videos. You never see a family accepting a prize with a child in a brace.So close calls can be funny, I guess.
Mike
The Exeter Town Crier 