T&T: Alligator River shoals and others too

[Wayne & Lynn Flatt]

There is no delicate way to say this as much as I would like too but
since I have done similar stuff all too recently perhaps it is alright to
point out the error of my way--and others. 

Those things on the dashboard, GPS, depth sounders, compasses, radar and
especially electronic charting systems are collectively called Aids to
Navigation.  In the past I trusted the aids more then I trusted myself
and occasionally you must trust them.  However all too often we forget to
look outside the boat.  Outside of the boat is where it is really
happening. 

Sometimes paper and electronic charts are wrong.  But if you look outside
of the windows you will see the greens on one side and the reds on the
other.  If you go between green & red marks  life is good.  If you go
where the electronic chart suggests life becomes challenging.  I know
these things for the same reason, I had my head inside of the boat
instead of outside.

We came through the area area north of the Alligator River in North
Carolina that was referred to and yes the electronic charts we used were
wrong and a lotta fellows were beating their chest and knashing their
teeth over what to do and where to go.  The reds and greens outside the
boat were still there and still marking the channel.  The good stuff
happens outside of the boat and it is good to be there when it does.

Lifes little lessons are always the simple things arent they?  I suppose
I have run aground so often because I am a slow learner.

Wayne & Lynn Flatt

MV Skinwalker alying Herb River, GA negotiating with the weather gods
about the wind and Lynn concerning the rum rations for weather days.