The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" And Her Hurricane

Now the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was berthed on the outside of the dock at Bahia-Mar at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The slips were filled with the yachts of "Snow birds". Later on in April and May with no ice in the waterways, the yachts with their crews that stayed for the winter would be leaving.

Thelma enjoyed the activities at the Olympic size pool and her swims at the beach. Also her sightseeing trips on the "JUNGLE QUEEN" up the New River to the exhibits at the Indian Village. The village appeared to be way off in the Everglades, it was a magnificent illusion. The highway was only a short distance away hidden well by the structures with a make believe Tarzan tree house and the native straw covered huts.

The New River Yacht Yard is where the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" would soon be hauled out. This was for anti-fouling paint to be put on her bottom. She had a long cruise ahead. It was only a short distance away around a bend in the river. Many of the tourists were fooled and that made the treat of going to the Indian Village that much more delightful.

The cruise up the Intracoastal Waterway from Florida in April was very pleasant and scenic. The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" had been docked for two weeks on the outside pier at Bahia-Mar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Thelma had spent much of her time at the lovely beach. It was not as nice as she remembered it from the past. Sticky globs of crude oil that had washed up on to the beach in storms caused one to be careful when reclining on the sand. Of course this did not bother her. She always had the lie down seats. What did bother her were the globs of crude oil that were covered with sand. These got on her feet as she walking back from her swim. After being warned that this could happen, she had the steward bring her a kerosene soaked rag in a plastic bag. Her feet were always wiped clean of any mess before they went into her Top-siders (shoes) for the walk back.

She asked the Captain about the mess on the beach. He said, "Enforcing of the law, (stating that tankers could not dump sludge from their cleaning tanks which closes off the beaches) I guess the oil companies are too strong and don't worry about the laws. I remember men shoveling oil soaked slag over the side, while just off shore of the beaches. Planes were flying over close enough to get pictures. No one seemed to give a damn, sad but true". Thelma thought, "She had oil stock too."

The owner of the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" had enjoyed the winter months in Florida, the lavish parties aboard the yacht and her visits ashore to see her friends.

Threats from the cold northerly winds were over for now. She sat with her husband Dennis and two other couples at Patricia Murphy's elegant restaurant. She made the announcement, "We will be off for New York tomorrow." Dennis protested, "I have a golf date tomorrow." She said, "You have had enough golf for a while, now you can keep me company. The foliage along the banks is already changing, I am anxious to see it all."

By the next morning her guests for the cruise up the waterway were all aboard. There were three couples along for the cruise. The yacht had plenty of room aboard. She was 100 feet long with a beam of 20 feet and a draft of only 5 feet. She could get into docking facilities where the deeper keel boats could not. There were six staterooms aboard, which was plenty of room for these guests and more.

The steward was under orders from the Captain. He had received his orders to always keep the refrigerated room loaded, likewise the other food storage lockers.

There was the usual waving good bye to the well-wishers and friends as the yacht was ready to leave. The yacht was on its way for the cruise through the channel. Dennis was in the pilot house with the Captain. Thelma sat on the glass enclosed afterdeck with her friends. This would be a smooth water cruise as it was to be up the Intracoastal Waterway. There was an excellent channel to the ocean from here but, Thelma liked inside cruises. Thelma and her guests watched as the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" departed the Bahia- Mar area.

The steward had one of the young sailors for a helper, with all the guests aboard. Thelma accepted another drink from the tray that he was serving around. She saw that he was too skinny and had not enough butt to fit tightly in his bell bottom sailor pants. She drained her drink and was about to have another. She thought, "I must be drinking too much and starting too early, if I am looking over and admiring the young deck hands of my crew."

Yes, Thelma was drinking too much. Lately Dennis was leaving her alone for too long of a time. The more she was alone the more she drank and the sillier she became. Dennis may not have approved, but he said nothing. After all it was her money and her liquor.

He knew that there might be problems when he married the older woman for her money. He did not intend to work for a living. He wanted to have his fun and enjoy life. He was doing just that. At the golf clubs there was golf, but there were also rooms for him to relax and enjoy the company of young women that were attracted to him and his lavish spending. Dennis was smart enough to remember to get back aboard in time to have dinner and the evenings with his wife.

Thelma seemed and was for some time satisfied with the arrangement. After all he was young, while she was older and more settled down to sit around and read books. She was so proud to be seen dancing with her young stud husband at the receptions they attended. She was a happy woman.

Fort Lauderdale dropped astern. Every now and then she heard it referred to as Fort Liquor-Dale. She supposed it had picked up this name after so many college students came here for spring break. There were elegant homes all along the water way and on both sides of the man-made canals. The rich and famous had made their marks here.

The early departure had caused a loss or an incomplete breakfast. Bacon and egg sandwiches along with orange juice, tea and coffee were served. Thelma and her guests ate leisurely as they cruised slowly along. "NO WAKE" signs appeared very frequent along here. Boat piers and wharf 's with the larger yachts were everywhere. The prudent Captain maintained a slow speed.

Windows were opened to produce the passage of cool air across the screened afterdeck. All agreed that it was nicer than with the air conditioner. Passing Hillsboro Inlet the colder salt air was straight in from the ocean. The starboard, offshore side window was closed for just a few moments then opened again. They played cards or relaxed. It was that kind of a cruise.

It was no time at all after the late breakfast snack that the chimes announcing lunch sounded. Now was the time for the air conditioner. It produced comfort for the dining room. A great seafood casserole was the main course.

The sun was just about to drop behind the fringe of trees to the west. A dock slip at Australian Dock at Palm Beach was vacant. The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was soon docked and secured.

They watched a beautiful sunset. Drinks were served as she and her guest waited for the chimes. The music from the stereo warmed the heart of a younger guest. She grabbed her man and got things started. Dennis was a good dancer. Thelma was up and in his arms immediately. The music now was a Polka. All were exited...