Another quarter has gone by and here we are almost near the end of Hurricane season. Elsewhere in this issue, the good Captain gave his take on living down near the Hurricane Memorial and his reason for leaving. I spent about ten years of my life in Florida, on both the West and East Coast, but was young and foolish, and looked forward to Hurricane Season at that age! No more wishful thinkin’ for thisguy, Thank You!

Now I may be just foolish — but with a lifetime of experience in our “coffers” we often times become a little wiser and as I like to say, do things while hedging our bets. But as of last year, having suffered the throes of “Hurricane Isabel” — I was thinking, this year, so far, so good. As some of my friends and readers know, I commute to Western Pennsylvania throughout much of the year (work and live aboard here, family there). Once again, Murphy struck as I drove up there about three weekends ago to the worst rainfall (thank you, “IVAN”) in the past 100 years. Eight inches, no less, and this followed the rain put down the week before by “Frances” of over three inches. What does all this say about Hurricane season: You can run, you can hide, but I’ma gonna get you, one way or Ta Other! Actually, it is just more Murphy in my book!

This issue talks much about wind, water, and weather. As mariners, we always have to be aware of what is under us. But, as we can see, we also need to be prepared for what is around us and over us. The rains up home (W.Pa.) wreaked havoc on little Beaver County, causing considerable damage to many homes and taking away 22 of them without remorse. Along the Ohio and Beaver Rivers, the docks and many of the boats attached went on unplanned cruises as witnessed by many. In fact, on September 18 (the same day as “Isabel” hit us a year ago) I was at “Heinz Field” watching The University of Pittsburgh play Nebraska and while looking at the open end of the field that opens at the confluences of the Monongahela and Allegheny River to form the Ohio, watched about $3 million dollars in unattended floating boats, marine inventory, and Docks make their way down river. So what can we do as mariners, prepare as best we can, and understand that we think we may be able to avoid Hurricanes by moving about geographically, this weather phenomenon will most assuredly seek us out and find us no matter where we think to hide.

The local newspaper in the region, The Beaver County Times had some interesting commentaries and complaints from many readers. The primary complaint being by the majority of boat owners who were charged, what they felt were extravegant amounts for the rescue and recovery (salvage) of their prized vessels. The local company that was best prepared and equipped to accomplish this task and ultimately became responsible for recovering most of these vessels before they plummeted over the damn(s) was charging a mere $500 per salvage. Some of the vessel recoveries were a might more expensive in the unfortunate event that a vessel had become grounded (dry land). These boats required the assistance of a crane and/or had to be hauled from their trappings. Captains that required this kind of extensive recovery effort had absolutely no complaint of the $3 or $4,000 they were being charged to relieve there circumstance, and for the most part, their insurance companies were quite pleased as well. But those that had to pay the measly $500 (owners) seemed to be complaining about highway robbery. Maybe these fellas should try grabbin’ a dock line, jumpin’ and swimmin’ out through the raging river to their distressed boat, secure the line to the bow, detach their prized vessel from the rest of the mallee at hand, then make way for shore with the “bitter-end” secured in his teeth! Last year after our “Event” with “Hurricane Isabel,” the going rate for any type of salvage service was $850 simply to get my vessel moved from across the “Missing Fairway”to an appropriate “Mooring. ”My insurance company had no question with regards to the amount of the Billing and were grateful they were not replacing the vessel itself.. I believe the laws of salvage are fairly specific. Maybe that has something to do with why these salvors are in business. It is a warm and fuzzy feeling to know that “She”(your vessel) is secure, safe and sound, in a slip, waiting once again, to be loved by her owner! Now who can possibly put a price tag on that? Maybe these guys should investigate some New boat offerings, I can’t remember when the prices started to decline!!!