My previous post mentioned Fred in the subject line, but when I decided not to make reference to his having done the Trent-Severn Canal in a 5' draft boat I forgot to amend the subject. So, here's Fred: Many of you will remember from postings last year that after retiring at age 65, Fred then spent 4 years building "Autumn Daze" (49" O.A.) only to lose her in a fire last summer just 2 years after launch. He phoned me yesterday to say he was in Victoria, and we got together for a coffee. I'm glad to report that Fred's neither down nor out. In fact, he's here to buy a trawler, and said he was pretty certain he'd found the right one. It's a 36' ex-fishing boat, and he plans to take her back to Ontario. When I naively asked how he was going to do that, he said he will do the essential work here, then in Spring, sail down the west coast, through the Panama Canal, and back up the east coast. Since his wife doesn't care for boating, he's going to do it mostly alone, and estimates the trip will take 17 months all-in. That means he will be ~74 years old by the time he makes home port. Wow. Cheers, Garrett

> <snip> That means he will be ~74 years old by the time he makes home port. > > Wow. <snip> Jimminy Jillickers, I sure hope I can even plan something like that when I'm 74. Sure would like to take the Admiral with me though, to help with those rum squalls. David Stahl Hatteras 42 Skooch