A Christmas Miracle
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It was Christmas Day and a 3 metre King Tide was expected. I knew this would be my opportunity to perform a good deed. A large log had floated into Fisherman’s Wharf earlier that week and lodged itself between the dock and our neighbour’s float home. It was mid-afternoon and I noticed the tide was on its way out. Figuring I had just enough time to release the log to the outer harbour and get back for a dinner invitation with neighbour’s, I decided to stoke up my 6hp 8 foot skiff in order to drag the massive log back out to open sea.
I grabbed my life jacket and hopped into my boat. With the log lashed, I slowly began reversing, pulling the log out from where it was wedged. I had better control in reverse so continued to pull the log out from Heron’s Cove and past my own float home. As I rounded the corner I realized in my haste I had forgotten my oars. Debating for a moment, I convinced myself that I didn’t have enough time to go back and get them; anyway, it was just a quick trip – what could go wrong? And, being Christmas Day, the Coast Guard boats were not patrolling the harbour, so I felt there was little risk of being fined without my oars. I continued on.
Knowing I had plenty of fuel, I marveled at my sense of a good deed that I was about to complete. The ocean was relatively calm and the tide was ushering water out of the harbour’s mouth. How peaceful! With no other boats in sight, I was thoroughly enjoying being the only one on what is normally a very busy and noisy water highway.
The strong sun took away the fact that it was actually quite cool. Just rounding the bend past the Canadian Coast Guard, I stopped the boat, released the log and observed for a few moments to ensure the log would continue to travel out to sea without getting fouled up in another neighbouring marina. It was a picture perfect launch. The out-flowing tide was strong and we were traveling at least 4 or 5 knots. The log was on an ideal trajectory, straight out into the Juan de Fuca.
Feeling satisfied with my good deed, I placed the engine from neutral to forward. Where was the justice that the motor stalled? Try after try to restart the engine with no success. Not completely comprehending my predicament, I looked around to see if there were any passing boats? There were none. I looked to shore to see if I could wave down anyone? There was no one. Could I paddle back? No oars. I wasn’t expecting to be gone this long; it was turning to dusk and I had no lights. Could I call someone? Wait - no cell. I recalled when I left I didn’t want it to get wet, so I left it behind. My tranquil good deed cruise was quickly dissolving into something much more serious.
I didn't think I had traveled very far because the log was right up next to me, but when I looked back to shore I realized I was getting farther away, quickly. “Stay calm,” I said to myself, “don’t panic.” Ironically, I was actually glad Transport Canada wasn't working; how embarrassing to be out on a day with no traffic, and have no lights, no paddles, no communication, and now, no power. I can just imagine that lecture. Probably would have got a fine, too.
Okay - what to do? I removed the cover of the motor and used it as a paddle, “I’m so clever.” Problem was I could not paddle fast enough to overcome the rapidly ebbing tide. I could hold my position, but wouldn’t make any gains. “Maybe not so clever anymore?” I thought of my family, of my wife waiting for me to return so we could go for Christmas dinner with our friends. I thought about how cold the night was going to get as I drifted further and further out to sea. I thought about how hungry I would become in the hours, maybe days ahead.
After what seemed like hours (about 10 minutes), I noticed in the distance a small powerboat heading in my direction. My heart skipped a beat while the butterflies twirled in my stomach. A cry of relief fluttered from my throat as I began waving frantically. Eventually, I caught their attention. I was embarrassed, humble and extremely grateful they were out with their kids for a quick Christmas cruise.
In short time I was towed safely home, showered, and off to Christmas dinner only ten minutes late. There are likely many lessons from that day, but one for sure - always take the time to have all safety equipment, as a good deed will not drive a boat.