Decision Not Needed

As we plan the move to Texas, concern over transporting boats or selling here and replacing when we finish moving has prompted many lively discussions.  Ol' Abner decided it would work well to just list both boats for sale.  The one that sold first would be replaced and transporting one boat to Texas didn't seem like such a daunting task.  You see, I do NOT like to pull a trailer of any kind.  These two boats are large and heavy, not my idea of a pleasant 12 hour drive with either in tow.

Our boat dock remains on top of Dock 11.

Returning from the hill country house, we made a planned stop in the capitol city for an overnight stay prior to Ol' Abner's dental appointment.  Just after a text to his phone from the electric company notifying us of a power outage, both of our phones began to ring and text messages came from several contacts.  News of a nasty storm in Dogpatch was frightening.  While over 500 homes were without power, downburst winds hit the marina lifting one dock up and scattering it's contents before dropping it down atop another.  Our pontoon boat was berthed in the midpoint of the traveling dock.  Pictures being sent assured us that loss of life and multiple bodily injury would surely be the next news. The photo above was taken early this morning, after a week of clean up.  As we awaited news of the well being of friends and family, the thought raced through each of our minds that a choice between boats would likely not be necessary.

A ride to the marina the next afternoon as we arrived in town just reinforced the belief that our boat probably didn't ride out the storm unscathed.  We were shown to the area where retrieved boats were parked awaiting identification from owners.  Some showed little damage while others barely resembled a usable craft.  Over the next few days, topsy turvy boats were righted and pulled from the water, but ours still remained among the missing.  Last night while I was at a knitting class, Ol' Abner made one last sojourn to the docks.  One of the owners mentioned a boat that was moored at the end of an inaccessible  point.  It had been in the middle of the fray and had to be towed there to make way for dock access as they worked.  A shop worker took him out on a boat and went under water to find the identifying number on the side rail.  That confirmed what Ol' Abner had already determined from the life jackets and giant tube sprawled along the other side.  Our boat had been found and it wasn't pretty.

The sad remains of a really fun boat

A fifty year collection of fishing tackle, some very expensive fishing rods and reels, several other life jackets, flotation toys and beach towels were not to be found.  I had to go down this morning to see for myself.  Looks like the other boat will make the trip to Texas and this one will become a massive paper work headache. We called the insurance adjuster and he tells us it may be weeks before the area is cleared for them to get near enough to boats not pulled from the water safely.  Because of its waterlogged state and punctured pontoon, ours may be one of the last boats out.

We didn't have time this week to be out cruising the lake much.  Boxes need to be packed and repairs must be completed on the house following the inspection.  I think I'd rather be floating.