A Special Boat Ride

On Tuesday, Uncle Norm took Tanna and me on a special boat ride--from Boothbay Harbor over to Five Islands. What makes this trip so special is that it's the same route my grandparents took home from work every day for more than 20 years.


My Grandparents--Francis and Mildred "Millie" Pierce

Nanny and Grampy took a boat to work and back every day. What a wonderful alternative to an Atlanta morning commute, huh? By car, it takes 45 or 50 minutes to get from Five Islands to Boothbay (or vice versa)--and that's in the off-season. By boat, however, the trip is only about 15 minutes--or at least it was back when my grandparents were making it. (Now there are no-wake places and such along the way where you have to slow down, so it makes the ride a little longer.)


Nanny and Grampy Pierce

Speaking of slowing down, apparently my Grampy Pierce didn't believe in doing so too much. LOL! Uncle Norm said he was called "Two-Speed Francis" because on the water he had two speeds--stop and wide open! haha! Uncle Norm also recalled a story about a man who used to live in a house on the water along my Grampy's daily commute. He would complain to the harbor master about it--and the harbor master would listen to the complaint, of course, but he would also "look the other way." Apparently, as the story goes, Grampy had helped the harbor master get a boat back in the day ...


Nanny and Grampy with their five children
From Left: David, Marge, Norman, Betty Jane, Bob (or Bobby--that's my Dad)

One time, when it was really foggy, my grandparents and Uncle Norm passed by another boat's wake. They soon passed it again and realized the boat was going in circles. So they stopped and waited for the boat to figure that out--and so they wouldn't get hit. Long story short, they helped the folks, who were very grateful and send them a paddle with a plaque on it to show their gratitude. I wish I could remember more of the details.

My Grampy was a very hard worker. Uncle Norm said that he had a policy at the marina: If you caught him there, then he was open--even after regular business hours and after all the staff had gone home. For that reason, folks who lived along his commute route said that you could always set your clock to Francis in the morning--but not in the evening. He'd be at work bright and early in the morning, but there was no telling how long he'd be there and when exactly he would be heading home.


Ragtime, an antique boat that has been restored. It is beautiful!

I loved hearing all the stories of my grandparents on our boat ride. Uncle Norm is a wealth of information when it comes to boats. He knew lots of boating history and the stories behind many of the watercraft we saw in the water. Uncle Norm also shared with us lots of local history--who owned what cottage and when, when certain homes were built, funny stories about some of the locals. Oh! And the PFAs! (PFA=People From Away)


It was hard to catch the loons before they ducked under water.

Along the way, we saw several fowl--loons and a couple of other kinds that I can't remember at the moment. I'll have to look them up. We also watched local crews preparing for winter by taking up moorings, etc. It was all so interesting. Not to mention--gorgeous!

OK, I will shut up now and show you some of the many pictures I took from the boat. I have a bunch (surprise!), but I will try to keep it brief.

Uncle Norm at the helm. Though I don't have a lot of memories of my grandfather, Uncle Norm reminds me of Grampy. Uncle Dave said the same thing.


Along the way. Uncle Norm knows these waters like the back of his hand.


On our way out of the harbor--this is where Pierce Marine used to stand.


Here is a scan of an old Pierce Marine postcard.


Just setting the scene ...


This bridge keeper was just honored for his 40+ years of service. Of course, Uncle Norm knew him by name and asked if he was going to play Santa Claus this year. LOL! Apparently the beard is a new thing.


Soon we were in Five Islands.


There is the stone wall built by my great-grandfather, Ulysses Grant Pierce.

Nana and Papa--my great-grandparents, Elizabeth and Ulysses Grant Pierce


Here is a picture of Nana and Papa Pierce (sitting in front) holding three of their great-grandchildren--my cousins Tom, Tim, and Betsy. My Mom and Dad are second and third from left.


Having a great time--wish you were here!


My grandparents' old house--a view from the water

My grandparents built and rented out these three cottages--they were called Pierce's Cozy Cove Cottages, if I remember correctly. They now are each owned separately.


Uncle Norm and me. I am wearing a turtleneck, a sweater and two coats. LOL! Aunt Mary brought us a bag full of extra jackets because it would be cold on the boat. I took advantage of the extra warmth. You know me--I am cold when it's 70 degrees. hahaha


Just a couple of PFAs


More scenes from around the point


I wish I could remember all the details ... too bad I didn't have a tape recorder with me. What kind of journalist have I become? ;o)


Back at the dock

THANK YOU, UNCLE NORMAN!
We loved the boat ride and will treasure the memories!