This Texas angel thing, SNARK, and water

Dear family and friends,

I sit here in my room waiting for another day postponed start as the wind today is forecasted out of the north (my direction) and tomorrow should be out of the east and then southeast. All you sailors of course know how the wind always finds ways of frustrating us, but the forecast is a good start.

In Lake Havasu I did the christening ceremony honoring the winds from all directions and the sea god Poseiden. 

I thought I would let you know a little about why the name SNARK for my little boat. Of course you know that SNARK was the name of the boat that Jack London built and planned on a seven year circumnavigation of the world. After they got as far as Australia the boat was eventually abandoned and later sunk. 

I chose the name SNARK after this research:

The name “Snark” famously comes from Lewis Carroll’s whimsical poem “The Hunting of the Snark,” which tells the story of an adventurous and mysterious sea voyage in search of a mythical creature called the Snark. This literary connection adds a playful and imaginative spirit to your boat’s identity, suggesting adventure, curiosity, and a hint of the unknown.

Symbol of Adventure and Mystery

“Snark” evokes the thrill of exploration and the quest for something elusive. It reflects a sailor’s yearning for discovery and the allure of the sea’s mysteries. Naming your sailboat Snark highlights the adventurous mindset that sailing embodies. ( with thanks to Perplexity AI)

I certainly have a hint of the unknown going on, so the name feels appropriate. So SNARK it is!

The Texas angels continue to help me. Yesterday I drove to a storage unit business near the Harlingen airport, so that when I decide to end my trip I can fly in and pick up the truck and trailer to go fetch the boat.

Gerard, a veteran sailor and Texan, who is a retired librarian, drove for close to an hour to pick me up, then drove me to see Port Mansfield, which is on my way north to check it out and explore the countryside from there back to Port Isabel. You might guess that a retired librarian knows a lot about history, books and sailing, and you would be correct. So we had a lovely day together in discussions.

Before he dropped me off back in Port Isabel, he asked about how much water I was carrying and when I mentioned ten gallons, he stopped at a grocery store and loaded up our cart with ten more gallons. Long time Texas sailor, he must know something that I don’t.

So, thanks loads,Gerard!

He also took the pictures of me next to the boat and the truck in the storage unit.

The boat is loaded except for the final personal stuff and sure seems heavy, but as I mentioned earlier, is not really much heavier than if I had another crew aboard, which is what the Liteboat company owner did on the race to Alaska. Maybe in my case the ” extra crew” is extra large.

I am hoping for the winds to follow the forecast in strength and direction so I can make a lot of northing on my first day out. Wish me luck!

Sending love,

Charley