Redneck Computer Geek

I’m down here at the shore, enjoying my vacation.

Had some friends down the other day, with their kids. We had a great time fishing, splashing around chasing minnows, and crabbing.

We’re about to head out to check the crab pots. That’s a great opportunity to let the kids get out on the boat and see how crabs are caught.

There’s only one problem.

On the way out the door, I get a call from my brother. There’s a Severe Storm Warning predicted to be headed my way. They even call the time. “It’ll be over White Stone at 6:45.” Shoot…it’s only 6:15 now! Plenty of time to get out, check the pots, and get back.

I should know better. On two levels I should know better. The Redneck in me should have known that it just ain’t safe messin’ around with Mama Nature. Storms on the water are frightful things. The Computer Geek in me should have remembered that “Accu-Weather” isn’t so “Accu”. If only I could have a job where I could be wrong so often and still get paid!

So we’re out checking the pots as fast as we can. Long about 6:30 the wind picks up and the temp drops about 20 degrees. We booked it as fast as we could, nose into the wind, headed back for the pier. We threw the kids up on the dock and told them to run for the house.

The sky isn’t supposed to be that shade of green, I’m pretty sure. That left my buddy and I trying to tie the boat up in 3 foot breakers and 50 kt winds. We managed to get tied up and run up to the house before the rain started. Horizontal rain is weird.

Anywho, we’re all ok, but I’m trying to learn a lesson from all of this. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with Safety First. Nah…that’s not it. I’m pretty sure it’s more about the evils of weather forecasters. Yah…that’s it.