7.24.2010

The Kayak


So I have received the mythical pile of Army money for being held a really long time after my contract was supposed to end. As an added bonus the Army took out very little in taxes, most likely because I was in a war zone when I technically "earned" the money making it tax free. Most of the money is earmarked for repairs of one sort or another but Renee agreed that I could get a Kayak. So this is the Kayak that I got on clearance from the Piche's outlet in Belmont and this is basically the rod holder that I installed myself (the trade-off for saving a couple of hundred dollars not buying a fishing kayak).

I took her out this morning from about four a.m. until 7:30 and had a blast. Unfortunately I didn't catch any fish but fun nonetheless. Realizing that a boat without a name cannot possibly catch fish I quickly came home, did some nice errands with the family, bought a small anchor, and did I quick online search for the name I had in mind.

Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea is one of the most poignant and timeless fishing tales in American literature. Set in Cuba, the old man, Santiago, hasn't caught a fish in over two months, has trouble remembering to eat, and wouldn't have the money to buy food if he could remember. He is essentially the archetype for the unlucky fisherman. Manolin is the young boy who helps to take care of the old man and brings good luck with the fish...and not a bad name for a little kayak. Just my opinion, but naming her Santiago would be like asking for trouble.

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