The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-10-29
After Ducks in the Rec.

After weeks of anticipation Of a fishing
and shooting trip down among the islands
Capts. VIM. L. Howe and Simpson Rhoades
of Lincolnvile and E. A. and Edmund Will
son of Belfast left Oct. 18th in the staunch
little sloop Rec. Il was raining, but the
wind was fair and quick run was made to
Pond island, where harbor was made for
the night. The next morning proved an
ideal day for duck shooting and an early
start and fair wind soon took them to
Green Islands where ducks were 80 abundant
and shooting such sport that the fisherman
OF the company forgot to get his lines ready
and used his gun until the muscles of his
arms refused duty and still there were more
ducks to be had. An abundance of cooked
food was taken from home, but the crack
shot of the crew was so busy that he had
time only to eat a banana from six in the
morning until six at night. Monday night
was spent in Hewitt's harbor, and at four
O'Clock Tuesday morning, start was made
| by moonlight and second run enjoyed to
Green Islands. just as the moonlight was
merging into sunlight an experience was
| AAAoo ouO Snd Pc VI a ooOohiOh y" ipI OoVA
lights showing, which was anything but
| pleasant. In the uncertain light the dis
lance could not be determined and for
| time the captain could not tell what to do.
1t was a few minutes suspense but the crew
were glad to feel their hair settling back on
their heads and to catch their breath again
when they realized the danger was over.
The morning dawned bright and pleasant
and promised another good day, but strong
wind from the ocean kicked up chop and
heavy sea and while ducks We're abundant
and many were shot, some had to be left in
the water. By u O'Clock Tuesday III ducks
had been taken on board and preparations
were made for a run to Duck Trap. The
Rec proved what she was capable of doing
when with mainsail, two ibs and spinaker
| set she rushed from Green Islands to the
I Trap i'll three and a half hours. 1t was a
little too rough for the Belfast men, and
when off White Head the painter to the
little boat parted and the Rec was brought
about to look for it. 1t was soon found and
taken in tow. One Of them said he would
give hundred dollars to get on shore and
the other thought he would give more than
that, but said nothing. Capt. Howe knew
his business and his boat and soon brought
her in sight of her home moorings,
but could not make the landing so
headed her for Gilkeys harbor where two
! anchors We're dropped and the crew rested
until morning, when quick run made
and the moorings of the Rec reached in
safety The excursion was a comparatively
short one, but all the varied experiences of
an extended trip We're met with, and the
Wilson brothers thought that the next time
they went duck shooting it would not be
quite so far out to sea. In reply to the
query, "Why, We're you sea sick" one of
them said, 80. no. Not bit, but it was aw-
full rough sea and the wind was strong
Some anxiety was felt by the families at
home. but friend who knew Capt. Howe
and his boat said there was no danger, but
did not expect to see them at home Wednes-
day noon, the time agreed upon, because lie
thought the run home to the Trap from the
island would not be attempted in such
wind and sea.
The Rec is not a large boat, but is more
strongly built than is usual with boats of her
size, because her owner enjoys brush now
and then in heavy weather and keeps her
atioat as long as he possibly can. Capts Howe
and Rhoades intend to make a trip to Isle
all Haut this fall One of the party re-
marked that the Rec was dandy boat and
Captain Howe one of the best natured and
most companionabe men he had ever met
Heis crack shot himself and encouraged the
man from Belfast, who went to fish only, by
telling him he was one of the best marksmen
he ever met for one unused to duck shooting
The fisherman could not find much to do on
deck in rough sea, but as the others We're
very busy he found he must do something so
went below and washed dishes. His friends
can imagine what pitch his feelings or
fears must have reached when thoughts and |
inclinations of this kind occupied his mind
and hands. When the next duckng season |
arrives the lapse of time will probably re-
vive their courage and quell their fears and
they will be more anxious than ever to be |
the guests of the jolly captain on the dandy
Rec.