• Spring-Line

• The "Wicca" Chronicles

The "Wicca" Chronicles

by Jill Brown

fter spending the long winter in a warehouse on Route 15, the good ship "wicca" seemed happy to be back in our driveway. We retrieved her on the 13th of April, which meant that she still had to endure several snowstorms and about 10 inches of rain before Spring finally arrived. The "Wicca", for anyone who missed last year’s Chronicles, is a 20-foot Invader with an OMC I/0 and acres of camper canvas.

She survived the winter under cover quite nicely, but Bill decided to spend Memorial Day weekend painting her bottom, By the time he was finished, the job had grown to include scraping and spray-painting the outdrive. Needless to say, this evolved into a major production.

First, the proper bottom-painting wardrobe had to be assembled. After much rummaging around, my husband appeared in the driveway nattily attired in his old Navy coveralls buttoned to the neck, my purple bathing cap, safety glasses, a dust mask, and rubber gloves. Until that moment, I had never realized that his head actually came to a point. I’m sorry this vision-can’t be shared with my dear readers; I took a photo to send to the children.

After I finished rolling about with mirth, I helped him slide under the boat, where he spent the rest of the afternoon painting and cursing. The bizarre costume turned out to be a good idea; paint dripped into his face: and gravel dug into his back. Molson Gold was consumed at an alarming rate. I wonder if Michaelangelo assigned someone to hand him a beer now and then while he was painting the Sistine Chapel?

By Monday night, the job was finished except for a few touchups, and I have to tell you, it looks wonderful. We chose black for the bottom and silver for the outdrive - "wicca" looks very sleek and fast (black is so slimming) and anxious to get on with the fun. Bill did his -usual splendid job. He’s hoping that the paint on his face will wear off by the Fourth of July.

This summer, we plan to explore the Northern part of the lake, which is not as familiar to us as points South. If anyone has any suggestions as to restaurants or anchorages, please let me know. If you see us on the lake, be sure to wave. We’re the ones with the shiny silver outdrive. I’ll continue to bring you further adventures of the "Wicca" as the summer progresses, Stay tuned.

"WICCA" RECOMMENDS: If it’s time for bottom paint, consider contacting the nearest shipyard without delay.