It was the spring of 1988, the year I turned seven, and Dad was restless. Mom was happy on our little homestead. Dad had built a log cabin for us on the hill at the north end of the family property, as well as a blacksmith shop, a sawmill, a henhouse, goat barn, horse barn, picket-fenced garden, and other accoutrements of the homesteader, but he was growing bored with farm life. From the cypress logs to the stone chimney, Dad built every inch of the cabin where I spent my childhood. Mom's baskets are piled on the front porch and my pet deer is visible next to them. The baskets went to the fair for sale, the deer did not.
photographs courtesy of the Blake family
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Quite an adventure! Why am I looking for plans for HAPPY COCKROACH now?
Cheers
Kent
The HAPPY COCKROACH continued to adapt and evolve after we arrived in Florida. Some jerk dropped a brick through the plywood bottom. So, I replaced an 8″x10″ cutout where the brick went through with a piece of heavy Lexan. Not quite a glass bottom boat, but a fun way to spot fish!
Now that is a beautiful story, worth hearing. Thank you!
It was fun to write. Thank you for reading it!
Thanks!
Thanks Nick, for a beautiful story!
Nick, your story was delightful. Thank you for sharing part of your childhood and your lovely family.
I was glad to get it out of my head and onto paper.
Wonderful memories, Nick.
Did you fly over the MARY SAVAGE? I know you took some daring and excellent pictures from the cockpit.
Nick, I enjoyed reading your story. What an adventure that was. Please tell Julia hello for me along with your in-laws, Sally and Pete. I hope to meet you someday.
Will do! Thanks!
Nick, I just read your story on the MARY SAVAGE. I really enjoyed what you said and how you said it. This story brought many memories of our adventure sailing down the River with your Dad in 1967.
Thanks,
Bill Polk
Ha! I wonder where Lockwood is now? All of those river voyages were fraught with discomfort and peril. I am glad to be part of that coterie of voyagers.
To the Blake family,
What memory collection you opened in this series of events that you laid before us. Just wish I could have hitched a ride with your crew. I would have even agreed to ride 100′ to the rear, if you would “share” the cramped quarters. We (my wife and our friends, the CT Hudson family) had the privilege of touring the Blake homestead and seeing the log house, fireplace, blacksmith forge, picket fence garden, wood working areas, and the boat that was built prior to this one.
Nickolas, you covered an outdoors trip in “real-life” style. Best of luck on your next book
I am glad you enjoyed the article!
The house on the hill was an interesting place. I am glad ya’ll got to visit.
Nick, thank you for your story and reminding all of us that life is good if you look for the good. My daughter, Kim Allen, was in your violin class and we enjoyed several meetings at your home. I had always wondered about your family and their journey—where you went and where you settled. I am sorry about your Mom. She was amazing and beautiful, and so very talented.
Awesome story—from an awesome young man—and a tribute to his awesome mom. I cherish one of her paintings that I bought before I even knew you.
Great tale! Thoroughly enjoyable read!
Cheers, Robert
Nicholas, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Mary Savage. What I great talent you have for writing as well as for playing the violin. You definitely have an interesting adventurous family.
Nick, did you keep up with where the MARY SAVAGE got off to after your dad sold it? Is it still having adventures?
She was sold to an older couple who remained our friends for some time. Eventually they got too old to sail. They offered her back, but dad had other projects at the time. I believe they sent her to a sailing school somewhere in Florida, but I am unsure what happened after that. It would be fun to know.
Your dad certainly was a creative and resourceful fellow and you seem to have learnt a lot from him. He must have had guts and determination as well.
Really good account of the lost years, Nick. Daniel surprised us all when he resurfaced after so many years at sea. But it was not the first time. In fact, we are about due for another venture. Venezuela is nice this time of year.
Fantastic story!
Your story is especially rich with all the wonderful photos. What amazing memories you have!
Nick, I love your story. The talent you possess for music and writing is truly something wonderful to witness. I had the privilege of hearing you play a few times while we were in high school.
I know I am a few years too late, but I am very sorry to hear about your mother. Mrs. Phyllis was so very sweet to me anytime I had the privilege of encountering her. She could always put a smile on my face…so could you.
I pray that you and your beautiful family are doing well. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Ashley Creamer Pruett
Faith Christian classmate
Really a wonderful story, Nick. I started reading and could not pit it down. You have the Robert Louis Stevenson touch!
Bravo! And thanks!