Chapter 22 Long Gone

It had taken longer that Will thought, a matter of a week instead of a couple of days, but finally they were loaded. Trade goods, foodstuffs, coal, oil, barrels of water, everything needed for a long voyage. The plan was still to follow the coast, fish for fresh meals and stop on the many islands for fresh water. Anchor at any towns or villages they happened upon and trade if they could. Then move on. Try to establish a trade route if possible.

During this week Will and Minnie had made some changes, a couple of additions. A permanent dory was on lifts on the port side, easier than putting together one of the folding boats. They had also rigged up a bell system, if anyone was at lands end of the long quay, they just needed to pull a chain and a bell would ring beside the Rose. Will called it their doorbell, after explaining that to Minnie, she loved that idea and had worked hard at installing the bell.

Regina had allowed Naomi to join the crew, which had greatly pleased Will and Minnie. Naomi was adjusting to being on the water and was hoping that she could stay even after her 21st birthday. That was the age that most people were affected most and the thought of going on the lake was an impossibility. Will and Minnie’s presence ameliorated this effect, long enough for wagon drivers or visitors to come aboard but only time would tell.

But for now her being here was a very welcome addition.A very positive person, hard working when needed but always ready for a card game or sing a long.Wills love of Irish songs and tunes served him well and he taught Minnie and Naomi too.Minnie was also being taught to read and write and this was going…not great but it was happening.She was still evolving from what she was to what she will be.

Will pulled back from his desk, his hand was a bit stiff from writing in his diary, but it was becoming easier for him. To get events down on paper was important but did he ever miss his tablet and laptop, hand writing was hard. Things had to be recorded though, maybe for historical reasons or maybe for Minnie and himself to get a laugh out of years from now. Either way, it was time to quit. Today was the day they were leaving.

Minnie was laying in her small lounger in the office, beside him. She was drawing in one of her workbooks. Either practicing letters or sketching things she found interesting. She was becoming a very good artist indeed, except for when she drew fish. They all looked mean for some reason.

“Well Min, logs taken care of, you ready to shove off yet?” Will asked.Closing her sketchbook and carefully putting it and her pencils in her side bag she always carried now, she replied “oh yeah, am I ever ready, lots to see yeah, I love being on the boat, steering is fun, trying to hit all the fishies.”.Laughing Will reached down and gave his little friend a tight hug, resting his head against her small one “love you Min, let’s get going”.

Standing up he tidied his desk and checked things were readied for sailing.Min had scampered out to tell Naomi they were getting underway soon and to make sure the galley was sea worthy.Doing a final check below decks Will checked his cabin ports were closed and locked, store rooms and holds locked down.Heading to the engine room he filled the boilers auto feed to maximum and turned the boiler to high.He could hear and feel the pressure rising, so exciting.

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The sound of quick steps above told him Minnie was on deck, so up he went to join her.Naomi was on deck too, looking nervous as heck but excited too.Her first long time away from home was really happening.“Hey, you ready for this kiddo?”, asked Will.She nodded “oh yes, just sad and happy at the same time. Things happened so fast but I am so looking forward to this.”.

Minnie came down from the wheelhouse and seeing she was a bit upset, patted Naomi’s hand, “I’ll take care if you, keep you safe k?”. Turning to Will she said “Everything’s ready to go up there dad, steam pressures good, engines ready to go.”. Just then the bell on the quay rang and they could see several people waving to them all. Shouts of “good journey and stay safe” were heard, along with “watch out for fishies Min” from the younger ones.

Naomi stayed on deck but Minnie climbed to the wheelhouse and laid on the steam whistle to say good bye. Will popped open the stairs, jumped to the quayside and untied the heavy ropes keeping the Rose safe, flipped the bumpers onto the deck and climbed back aboard. Min had been keeping an eye out and as soon as the ropes were free had engaged the engine. Dead slow at first then full speed ahead ahead and off they motored, keeping close to shore to wave farewell to friends but then heading out to deep water.

The deep thrum of the engine, the wind making the coloured pennants on the stack snap, the splash of water against the hull, all this made for a comforting sound. At least to Will, Naomi still looked apprehensive. It would take time for her to get used to this life but he wouldn’t have any other now.

Checking on Minnie in the wheelhouse Will found she had everything under control. Compass rock steady on their heading, speed set for calm waters. Min was lounging in her chair, eyes watching the view ahead, for storm, driftwood, sea serpents and so on. Her sketchbook open on the table beside her. Will was very happy at how quickly Min had taken to helming the Rose, and at how good she was at her job.

“You all right Min, need anything?” Will asked.“Nope, I got it all dad,” said Minnie gesturing around her.There were some snacks, a nice big drink, blanket in case of chills…all set for a while.“Right-o sweetie, I’m heading to the engine rom, check in there.Use the whistle tube if you need me, k?” said Will.Receiving a nod he headed back to the main deck.

Naomi was still enjoying the view from the stern.Her home was very small in the distance now and would soon be gone.Over the years Will had left home many times, going on holidays or leaving for work.Leaving alone or with his wife, sometimes with all the kids, sometimes just one.Leaving in a hurry when a fire had started in the neighbours house, moving to a new place, children moving out.It was always a bit of a trial, even a much anticipated holiday was hard, to make that first move.So he knew what Naomi was going through, all he and Min could do was be there for her, ready to listen.

Letting Naomi know where he was going, Will headed below to the engine room.Looking at how much coal they had burned compared to how much the bunkers held Will could roughly tell they had enough fuel for three month, normal use that is.The boiler was very water efficient, so unless there was a catastrophic leak they would be good on water.In fact they had started using the hot water from the boiler for bathing.It was easier that way instead of heating up large amounts on the stove.Couldn’t really drink it though because of scaling and mineral buildup.

As everything in the engine room was working as intended Will did a turn around the various store rooms to make sure nothing had shifted.Everything was still secure.Finishing up below deck he headed back up with a cuppa for him and Naomi.The deck was clear and he could see that Naomi was in the wheelhouse with Min.

As he headed up he decided that they needed to put a table and chairs on deck.They weren’t always working and this was their home after all, and an umbrella to keep the sun off.Thinking of lazing around on sunny days made him think of one more thing they needed, a bbq.A nice big one, but then “Hey Minnie”, he said as he entered the wheelhouse, “have you seen any charcoal aboard?”.

“Think there’s a few sacks by the coal bunker,” said Min, “what we need that for?”.“Outdoor cooking, we gotta build a bbq ,” replied Will.“Do you remember those from before, eating outside with the family?”.Minnie thought for a bit “kinda, like little bits of pictures.You and mom, smells of the yummies, running around with the littles, being happy.”.

“Well a bbq is going on the list of stuff to do, along with some chairs and a table for on deck,” said Will.“That list is getting longer and longer, good thing we have time to spare.”.Naomi piped up, “I can help with your list too, I’ve been helping mom in the tavern for years, and uncle Stephen.”.Will was happy too hear that, he had seen she was a hard worker and volunteering was a good sign.

“We’ll work out a schedule tomorrow, who does what and when.But for today let’s just enjoy our first day on the water.”.