My husband found his passion for the sea at a very young age. At about twelve years old he would spend his free time hanging around the Plymouth town wharf and boat ramp. He would specifically hang out near the boat ramp to offer assistance to those who were hauling their boats from the water in return for a tip. He got to know many of the people who worked down there and was eventually hired to work as a deck hand by Captain John Boats and he has been there ever since.
Now, before I go any further let me tell you a little story about myself. Anyone who went through the Plymouth public school system has, at one point, been on a class trip on the Captain John Boats. I am no different. I remember that day very clearly. I personally do not get sea sick but many of my class mates did that day and that is something I do not handle well. I spent most of my trip sitting on a bench with my head in my knees and my hands over my ears. I will never forget pulling into the dock and seeing my mom standing there, she was a sight for sore eyes if ever in my life. I swore I would never set foot on another Capt. J boat again, and for many years I didn't even acknowledge there existence. Little did I know but those over sized hunks of steel would become a huge part of my life.
I fell in love with my husband on those boats. Most woman love a man in uniform as well as watching a man work. Well ladies, you put my husband in his cargo shorts, that blue colored captains shirt and put him behind the wheel of the boat and I am a puddle on the floor. Now, don't get me wrong this isn't a perfect love story of living happily ever after. When the summer months came with it came very long hours and with a man who is extremely dedicated to what he does I couldn't help but feel a little left behind at times, add to that immaturity and a young relationship and you will get lots of arguments and sometimes even blow out fights. Jonny and I struggled fort he first few years of our relationship but only during those long summer months. When most people where begging for warmer weather to come I was cringing inside. I have to admit there is a part of me that still does. So with out getting into all the gory details of our rocky road I will simply say it has been a huge learning and growing experience for us, one that has made our relationship that much stronger.
I take a lot of pride in what my husband does and I know he does as well. One of the great things about doing this kind of work is that it has allowed for some great experiences not only for the two of us but our families as well. From your every day whale watches to the 4th of July Fireworks show, We get a front row seat for all the best stuff! The summer of 2006 was the first year we really took advantage of this. A large group of family and friends all went out to watch the fireworks on the boat. That was the night while standing under the fireworks surrounded by some of my closest family and friends he proposed to me.
The announcement was made to the three other boats in the fleet that night which led to my husband taking a bow standing on the very top of the boat while all the other boats blew there horns in congrats. When we arrived back at the dock I had a line of people getting of the boats wanting to see the ring. I think I was in a total fog by the end of that night. I will never forget it! Here are some pics from over the years.
I will often say that my husband has a mistress and there she is. We will drive through the waterfront and he will say "There is my b!#ch, isn't she sexy".
Yes, quite often I find myself on the verge of having a heart attack watching him climb around the boats like a monkey. He makes it look so easy when climbing from on boat to the next.
Every summer the Tails of the Sea participates in The Boat Parade where the boat is decorated with flags and lights. We always have a great time on these nights. Our favorite DJ John Tibbets is usually there keeping us dancing and entertained through the night.
This picture was taken the summer of '09 when I was pregnant with Maggie.
Daddy's little co-captain
Every summer we have family visit from out of state and they always take the time for a whale watch with Jonny. Always a fun time, hopefully this year we will be able to join them.
Piloting the Pilgrim Belle
Every once in a while Jonny will do a sunset trip on the Pilgrim Bell. As much as he prefers to be on The Tails doing a whale watch I always take advantage of these leisurely trips. It is a beautiful boat and most nights you can catch killer sunset!
Maggie has yet to be out on a trip with her Daddy, aside from a harbor cruise. I will admit it has been a long time since I have gone on a whale watch with him since having Maggie. We will hopefully be taking Maggie out on her maiden voyage soon so stay tuned.
She still loves to go see Daddy on his boat and explore.
Helping Daddy drive on the 4th of July Fireworks Harbor Cruise.
This past Monday Jonny was bringing the Pilgrim Belle from the boat yard in New Bedford back to Plymouth Harbor. On their way they pass through the canal. Maggie and I took the opportunity to go down and watch him. Maggie was very excited.
Here he comes!
Hi DADDY!
I feel extremely lucky to be married to such an amazing man. He will probably yell at me when he finds out that I wrote all this about him, and even though he won't admit it, I know he appreciates the recognition.
