500 MPH WINDS
by Barnacle Bill
    Just a couple years back, we had some fierce weather right here on the southern coast of Texas. I seen it rain 5" in less than an hour. And, you know what that can do to the 'Captains' bunk. The winds were nothing to speak of on some of the rainy days.
    It was just another dreary day. Overcast skies. A drizzle of rain here and there. With temps in the lower 60s. All seemed well, as I finished my nightly chores and prepared myself for a quiet nights sleep. JoJo lay next to my bunk as all lights were put out. I dozed off into a dream world of sailing into Montego Bay. Dozens of sailing craft were anchored in this little harbor, lights flickering in the moonlight.
But then, changes were made in the heavens. God upgraded from 486 to Pentium Pro.
    Then all hell broke loose.
The 'Great Norther' slammed down on this peaceful little fishing village like a sledgehammer.
Boats were rocking like they had never rocked before. JoJo began to howl. I heard rain pelting the deck and 'Captains' bunk was taking on water fast.
    Being the calm person I am, I proceeded to open the companionway hatch to take a look see. The winds were screaming out of the north making the the most god-alful sound you ever heard.
People were running every where making fast loose lines and stowing loose gear.
My bimini was straining against makeshift tie downs.
I thought "hell, I'll just let it down and all will be fine".
    Jumping through the hatch, I was met with my blown out bimini trying to get in out of the rain and wind. I had nothing on at the time but my old sailing cap and a lot of courage. The rains pelted me like pellets from a shotgun.  We had a hell of a battle, of which the bimini came out on top.
My dock lines strained by the forces against them, so I thought it best to check them real good. A turn on a cleat here and a little slack here put me at ease for the present.
As I stood on deck, I received a great applause from onlookers not 30 feet away.
Scurrying to the open hatch, wet decks send me sliding into yet another embarrassing situation. Arms and legs frailing, I crawled into the safety of the now water soaked galley.
Now, there are only so many pots and pans on a boat, but that is another story!!!
Happy Sailing !!!
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