The Blackfly Affair
Years ago a friend very kindly gave us a Lunenburg-built dory to spend its sunset days on our lake. Kathy christened her ‘Blackfly’ and she spent many happy summers, bobbing at anchor in our little bay. We would gaze out on her fondly – but boy did she leak. Despite many trys with epoxy and love in the heat of blackflies (hence the name) the water always seeped in.On our job list in the Squall office was a constant ‘Bail Blackfly’, and though there was always a groan, I’m convinced the staff secretly saw it as a fun gig to paddle out, climb in and whale away at her with a bailer, conveniently avoiding harder tasks. One year a bunch of us dressed up and took Blackfly to the town dock for Canada Day celebrations and put on a ‘Pirates of Parry Sound’ show. Puzzled locals stood on the pier with their children wondering what the hell was going on. After all, when was the last time our little harbour saw a dory with pirates hootin’ and hollering? Some of us were onboard while others circled in kayaks. If a marauding kayaker was able to get close and hit us with a spray from a bilge pump, we would stand up, clutch our chest and plunge head first into the water, fatally shot. I can’t quite remember, but I think we fended them off with well-placed oars.Anyway…Tim (that would be me) was away on trip when staff came quietly up to Kathy, knowing I was out of the picture and said: “Kath, it’s time for Blackfly to stop sinking and leave Cole Lake for the good of all of us”. She caved, they hauled her out with a farewell salute – and off Blackfly went to the Carling dump. I came home the next day and noticed something missing. When I innocently asked, the reply from all involved was simply that she was gone. Nobody would ‘fess up, and I was right royally mad, sad and bewildered. Truly! Then Terry from Gilly’s Snug Harbour Restaurant called to chat. During the conversation he said “Tim, you won’t believe what I found at the dump today!” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.So Blackfly ended up in front of Gilly’s restaurant as a flower box and sits there to this day. Though I do think her days holding earth and plants in her bosum is numbered. I run my hand over her old pine planks every time we go for a fish supper and wonder how’s she’s faring now her sea days are over…A tale from the archives – thanks for listening. And if you get this far, please tell us and we’ll put your name in the old wool toque for more amazing non-scented socks. Rather have this hoot end up in a planter somewhere, just say and we’ll haul your contact to the Carling Dump with a sad salute and farewell.Fair winds…tim |
