Ahoy Mateys!

I just got back from an AWESOME trip sailing around the Apostle Islands just off Wisconsin's north shore in Lake Superior. The crew consisted of Captain Gary Hirsh, First-Mate Patrick Degeest (aka The Mayor), and me (I was given the rank of green horn). I couldn't have asked for two better sailors to show me the ropes.

I first want to say what a cool guy Gary Hirsh is. I never knew how funny, witty, and fun my former 11th grade English teacher is. He is also by far the best camper I have ever met. Even though we were on a small sailboat for 3 days, periodically stoping at a campsite on a remote island, we had everything we needed and ate like kings. The only thing he forgot to bring was apples to ward off scurvy, but luckily Pat was on top of that and brought a ten pound bag.

Even though the wind was a harsh mistress last weekend, she did give us a few hours of good sailing and that was enough to get me hooked. When the wind would pick up and the sails would pull tight it was one of the best experiences of my life. I think I did a fair job as a member of the crew as Captain Hirsh promoted me from green horn to swab at the end of our trip.

The only thing that was missing was Tom. He would have loved it out there. I am already excited for the day that Tom and I travel down to the Carribean to sail the high seas with Pat and Dawn on their new ship/home.

--Doohow