That night on the mountain...
It could only happen to me. Me, the guy who is always prepared for anything. Always planning ahead for any contingency. Do I have enough gas..is the oil level correct? Do I have a first aid kit? The list goes on and on. My rationale is...nothing can go wrong, if I plan ahead..right? Well...here I am..It's night time, I'm on the top of a mountain in the middle of the wilderness. It's so dark I can't see more than a few feet in any direction. The snow is 3 feet deep, and I'm getting cold.
It just stopped running. One minute I'm speeding down this winding trail, the next, I'm sitting here in the dark, stuck. The red taillight from my wife's snowmobile fading into the darkness. I'm the last rider in a group of riders out for an evening cruise over the mountain. it's dead quiet and and the sky inky black. I have no idea where I am.
It's the town of Old Forge located in the Adirondack mountains of New York state. And we arrived a day earlier. During the long winter months this small town changes into a snowmobiler's paradise. Car traffic virtually ceases and all roads are open to snowmobile traffic. The population increases from a few hundred to more than three thousand, on any given weekend. Everyone rides a snowmobile even the police. If you go to the movies, a restaurant or to work, it's all on snowmobiles. Venture out of town,
there are countless trails leading into the mountains. A massive frozen lake where you can pin the speedometer needle to full travel. It's a fun place for all.
We arrived here from Massachusetts, a group of us. A caravan of trucks with trailers. I was carrying two machines in my pickup truck and two more on a trailer I was hauling.The other vehicles doing the same. It's was during the gas crunch back in the 70's. Gas was scarce and fearing we wouldn't have enough to supply our machines, we hauled gasoline in Fifty-five gallon drums. Looking back..not the best decision we ever made but, when you're young you're invincible. We registered at the motel then rode our machines up to the front door of our room and parked. We would dine out then go for our first ride. Tonight would be an adventure.
I waited in the dark for what seemed like an eternity. It was probably wasn't more than five minutes. It's amazing how your mind starts playing tricks on you. What was that cracking noise..did something just growl nearby? Don't get me wrong..I'm not afraid of the dark but, I didn't relish the possibility of being a hungry bear's evening meal. After all, I'm a city guy at heart. Who knows what the hell is out here! Thinking quickly, I rummaged around in my tool kit and found a flashlight. With one eye watching for 'that' bear lurking in the darkness and the other on engine problem, I finally found it. Continuous vibration had loosen the engine mount bolts. The engine had moved so much from the constant jarring, that it had damaged an electrical wire, causing the engine to quit. All the while I was making the repair I kept thinking..maybe someone would realize I wasn't with the group any longer and come back for me. Well....that never happened. Thirty minutes later, repairs done, I fired up my machine and hurried off the mountain. Didn't look back once..well, maybe once.. When I arrived, everyone was talking and having a fun time...now they could have a laugh at my expense. I didn't mind...I wouldn't be any critter's snack this evening...I felt good about that!!
Jake T
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The 'glint' caught our attention...
We could see it from a long distance. The glint is what first caught our attention. My cousin Hollis and I were sailing my 19 foot Day Sailer, 'Paula T', a few miles off Cape Cod. We weren't sure what it was at first. The constant undulating wave action combined with bright sunlight reeked havoc on our eyes. The wind blowing out of the south west made for fast sailing. We decided to investigate.
As we approached, it became clear we were looking at an overturned 16' Catamaran. It had capsized or 'turtled'. The white hulls gleaming in the sun, dagger boards pointed skyward. Two very tired sailors in the water desperately trying to hold onto the smooth hulls. There was nothing else to grab onto. The rigging and sails were completely submerged. We attempted to sail in close without ramming the catamaran or the distressed sailors and causing more damage or injury.
We 'tacked' up close but, the wind was so strong, it was impossible to get a hand hold on the Cat. I had to let my boat fall away..let the wind take her, then make another attempt. No matter how many tries we made, the wind was too strong. Hollis and I talked it over and we decided I would go overboard into the fray. Hollis would remain on the 'Paula T' and stay in close to assist. He tacked back and forth ready to drag us onboard. It would prove impossible. The conditions were too chaotic. I swam to the distressed sailors who were by now worn and weary from the constant battering by the elements. They were wearing life jackets, a good thing considering the adverse conditions.
After a quick assessment I dove under the submerged trampoline deck and struggled to disconnected the main mast pipe. It would float on it's own. This would allow the three of us to swim / push the 'Cat' close into shallower water without dragging on the bottom when reaching shallower water. The wind blowing directly toward shore, worked in our favor by moving us closer into the beach. After much swimming and pushing, we found purchase of the sandy bottom. Slowly, methodically, we pushed her the remaining distance to the beach. We wrestled the hulls upright and gathered up the tangled rigging and sails. After a brief exchange of words and gratitude, I said 'see ya' to the two very tired sailors and waded out into deeper water. Hollis expertly swung the boat around and headed towards me. At the last instant he turned her up into the wind, slowing the boat down briefly. I grabbed on and threw myself in. She tacked into the wind and we took off like being shot out of a cannon. It would be another of our Cape Cod stories that we would talk about, laugh about and tell over and over for a lifetime. However, there is footnote to this story.
As we sailed up to the overturned Catamaran one of the men in the water began lecturing 'us' on how and what direction we should approach from. This, with the wind blowing and waves rolling over the two men. I reminded him that 'he' was in the water needing rescue and 'we' were in the boat rescuing him. Later on, having reached the safety of the shore, I discovered they were father and son. The 'Cat' was a rental and they had nil sailing experience. Having said that, if it were to happen again, Hollis and I would head out to the rescue all over again. We did leave them on Monomoy island with a dismantled catamaran....that was worth a chuckle.
Jake T
We could see it from a long distance. The glint is what first caught our attention. My cousin Hollis and I were sailing my 19 foot Day Sailer, 'Paula T', a few miles off Cape Cod. We weren't sure what it was at first. The constant undulating wave action combined with bright sunlight reeked havoc on our eyes. The wind blowing out of the south west made for fast sailing. We decided to investigate.
As we approached, it became clear we were looking at an overturned 16' Catamaran. It had capsized or 'turtled'. The white hulls gleaming in the sun, dagger boards pointed skyward. Two very tired sailors in the water desperately trying to hold onto the smooth hulls. There was nothing else to grab onto. The rigging and sails were completely submerged. We attempted to sail in close without ramming the catamaran or the distressed sailors and causing more damage or injury.
We 'tacked' up close but, the wind was so strong, it was impossible to get a hand hold on the Cat. I had to let my boat fall away..let the wind take her, then make another attempt. No matter how many tries we made, the wind was too strong. Hollis and I talked it over and we decided I would go overboard into the fray. Hollis would remain on the 'Paula T' and stay in close to assist. He tacked back and forth ready to drag us onboard. It would prove impossible. The conditions were too chaotic. I swam to the distressed sailors who were by now worn and weary from the constant battering by the elements. They were wearing life jackets, a good thing considering the adverse conditions.
After a quick assessment I dove under the submerged trampoline deck and struggled to disconnected the main mast pipe. It would float on it's own. This would allow the three of us to swim / push the 'Cat' close into shallower water without dragging on the bottom when reaching shallower water. The wind blowing directly toward shore, worked in our favor by moving us closer into the beach. After much swimming and pushing, we found purchase of the sandy bottom. Slowly, methodically, we pushed her the remaining distance to the beach. We wrestled the hulls upright and gathered up the tangled rigging and sails. After a brief exchange of words and gratitude, I said 'see ya' to the two very tired sailors and waded out into deeper water. Hollis expertly swung the boat around and headed towards me. At the last instant he turned her up into the wind, slowing the boat down briefly. I grabbed on and threw myself in. She tacked into the wind and we took off like being shot out of a cannon. It would be another of our Cape Cod stories that we would talk about, laugh about and tell over and over for a lifetime. However, there is footnote to this story.
As we sailed up to the overturned Catamaran one of the men in the water began lecturing 'us' on how and what direction we should approach from. This, with the wind blowing and waves rolling over the two men. I reminded him that 'he' was in the water needing rescue and 'we' were in the boat rescuing him. Later on, having reached the safety of the shore, I discovered they were father and son. The 'Cat' was a rental and they had nil sailing experience. Having said that, if it were to happen again, Hollis and I would head out to the rescue all over again. We did leave them on Monomoy island with a dismantled catamaran....that was worth a chuckle.
Jake T
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Greatest Dog......
Some one once asked how I came up with the 'Jake T', blogger name. It's very simple really. About twenty years ago, I was the in the market for a new puppy. I'm a hard core animal lover. Can't remember ever being with out a dog. When I was a little kid, living in a third floor apartment, we had a dog, 'Stubby'. He was a Toy Fox Terrier and I thought he liked me, until one morning he snapped at me. He was sleeping and I must have startled him. So this was my first experience with a 'dog'. It didn't do any real damage, more to my pride than anything else. I never told my parents and Stubby and I kept the secret. Dogs would rule for me the rest of my life.
The years have passes. I've had several dogs since Stubby. I'm a married guy now and it's time for a puppy. I find a reputable breeder and visit there. In the pen are 10 puppies, Just a mass of undulating puppy fur. I climb in and sit quietly. I know what I'm looking for. Sure enough, after a long wait, it happens. Out of the furry mass comes one puppy, straight for me. He's the one I observed to be the 'middle of the pack'. Not the most active but, by no means, the quietest. He greeted me with a lick and climbed onto my lap. He's the one..there is no doubt! I took him home with me that day. We bonded quickly and were inseparable, this is according to my wife. He was now part of our family.
I named him 'Jake', and he turned out to be one of the best.....no..THE best dog I have ever owned. He was extremely loyal and very smart. To the casual observer he appeared friendly but, aloof. To our family he was playful and attentive. Wonderful protector. I decided to obedience train him. After a short period of training we entered our first obedience trial. He made it look easy. Whether I used voice commands or hand signals, he obeyed without hesitation. We competed for the next several years all over the state and took home many awards. I was so proud of him. It was a time of closeness between a man and his dog. Only a person that has owned a pet can relate to this feeling.
Years have passed now. I retired Jake from competition. He's 13 now. Not feeling well. He's at the Vet. often but, there is not much she can can do for him. The 'age' is there and I'm wrestling with the decision every pet lover eventually has to make. This is the most difficult time, when owning a pet. The time, when after so many years of love and nurturing, we must let go. It tears at the heart..how awfully hard this is. I can't do it. I won't do it...I must do it..Afterwards, it takes a long time to heal but, I will never forget.
Guess I haven't answered the question of how 'Jake T' came to be my blogger name. Well, I took his name 'Jake' and added the 'T' from our families last name. He carried It with pride. It suited him.
Today, I have another German Shepherd. His name is Zack. That may sound a little familiar to my blogger friends. Zack3439 is also part of my blogger identity. The numbers 3439 are from two cars own. A '34 and a '39 respectively. Zack has all the qualities Jake had. Smart, loyal and a good friend. He's won my heart. Hope he's with me for a while. Just can't be without a dog. Dogs 'rule'...
Jake T
Some one once asked how I came up with the 'Jake T', blogger name. It's very simple really. About twenty years ago, I was the in the market for a new puppy. I'm a hard core animal lover. Can't remember ever being with out a dog. When I was a little kid, living in a third floor apartment, we had a dog, 'Stubby'. He was a Toy Fox Terrier and I thought he liked me, until one morning he snapped at me. He was sleeping and I must have startled him. So this was my first experience with a 'dog'. It didn't do any real damage, more to my pride than anything else. I never told my parents and Stubby and I kept the secret. Dogs would rule for me the rest of my life.
The years have passes. I've had several dogs since Stubby. I'm a married guy now and it's time for a puppy. I find a reputable breeder and visit there. In the pen are 10 puppies, Just a mass of undulating puppy fur. I climb in and sit quietly. I know what I'm looking for. Sure enough, after a long wait, it happens. Out of the furry mass comes one puppy, straight for me. He's the one I observed to be the 'middle of the pack'. Not the most active but, by no means, the quietest. He greeted me with a lick and climbed onto my lap. He's the one..there is no doubt! I took him home with me that day. We bonded quickly and were inseparable, this is according to my wife. He was now part of our family.
I named him 'Jake', and he turned out to be one of the best.....no..THE best dog I have ever owned. He was extremely loyal and very smart. To the casual observer he appeared friendly but, aloof. To our family he was playful and attentive. Wonderful protector. I decided to obedience train him. After a short period of training we entered our first obedience trial. He made it look easy. Whether I used voice commands or hand signals, he obeyed without hesitation. We competed for the next several years all over the state and took home many awards. I was so proud of him. It was a time of closeness between a man and his dog. Only a person that has owned a pet can relate to this feeling.
Years have passed now. I retired Jake from competition. He's 13 now. Not feeling well. He's at the Vet. often but, there is not much she can can do for him. The 'age' is there and I'm wrestling with the decision every pet lover eventually has to make. This is the most difficult time, when owning a pet. The time, when after so many years of love and nurturing, we must let go. It tears at the heart..how awfully hard this is. I can't do it. I won't do it...I must do it..Afterwards, it takes a long time to heal but, I will never forget.
Guess I haven't answered the question of how 'Jake T' came to be my blogger name. Well, I took his name 'Jake' and added the 'T' from our families last name. He carried It with pride. It suited him.
Today, I have another German Shepherd. His name is Zack. That may sound a little familiar to my blogger friends. Zack3439 is also part of my blogger identity. The numbers 3439 are from two cars own. A '34 and a '39 respectively. Zack has all the qualities Jake had. Smart, loyal and a good friend. He's won my heart. Hope he's with me for a while. Just can't be without a dog. Dogs 'rule'...
Jake T
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