Roaring out to meet the tall ship Bounty, we find her under sail offshore from York. Maine just like the Endeavour last year. The large-scale replica cuts a bold figure on the noon horizon. Our goal is to get the ideal photo, and then... (Clank! Clunk! Sputter!)

Stranded! The boat suddenly stops dead in the ocean. Our Captain, novelist Rod Philbrick radios for assistance as the Bounty sails into the distance. Rats! A passing boat offers aid, but they are headed the wrong way toward the Isles of Shoals.

Half an hour passes, then more. Rod and his wife, writer Lynn Harnet, photographer Ralph Morang and your reporter drift aimlessly. Is this the last web page? In sight of Boon Island, Rod reminds his passengers that the group stranded there in the Kenneth Roberts novel were forced into cannibalism. We carry only two Moe's sandwiches and three Red Hook ales among us. Old Sol beats down relentlessly and we have only one bottle of unscented 15-block sun screen to go round. What will become of us?

Hosanna! The tow truck, er boat appears. "You guys wanna see the Bounty! Grab a line, and let's go!" (to be continued)

Photos by J. Dennis Robinson
© 1999 SeacoastNH.com

CONTINUE TOUR / SEACOASTNH HOME

To see pix by real professionals
go to our Photo Gallery Archives