Last Chance Harvey-Part 7
Jim took the helm while Jerry suited up. The surface was almost glass smooth this early. He took a sip of coffee and put the mug back in the holder. When Jerry finished, he sat on the bench and sighed.
"This is bizarre."
Jim laughed and took a slug of coffee.
"We're all pretty bizarre when you think about it. Some of us are just better at hiding it."
Jerry snorted. "Thank you, Andrew."
With a laugh, they settled down for rest of the trip. It was important to be focused.
Ashy clouds drifted over the tree line on the far shore. He shrugged. They had been diving for a long time and knew preparation was key. He made a mental list of the equipment, four double tank rigs, a GoPro, and a slick radio rig. Jim had gotten it in trade a while back and it made things easier. Bags of strawberries and nuts were on the dashboard and a couple of gallons of water in the cooler. You didn’t want to eat a lot, but getting dehydrated caused cramps.
As he brought the boat around the bend, a rainbow arced over the southwest shore. The sight made him think of Corrine’s smile and it calmed him. Maybe he was part of a little girl’s dream. The one where the prince comes in shining armor t her rescue. Or maybe it is just a piece of driftwood.
Jim began to run through the order for today. The itinerary was ambitious. Each trip would be 45 minutes, including decompression, with an hour break. Starting at the stern, they would work up to the stateroom, recording everything along the way. Given Harvey's past, there could be anything. Jerry would go first, while he stayed topside to monitor the equipment.
Long day, but it would be worth it.
Three good things came out of the first dive: They found the wreck, it was stable and the cabin was clear of debris. It was as unexpected as a unicorn. Often they had turned turtle, making entry impossible. Or worse, perched on a ledge where any pressure would make them slide. Last Chance was far enough in the silt where it wouldn't be a problem. It would be a pain if they ever salvaged the thing, though.
On the first dive they found a better approach to Last Chance from the opposite side. They would anchor closer to shore and out of the main channel. The last thing they needed was a drunk fool not paying attention.
Jim cut the motor and swung the boat parallel to shore, with the wreck off the port side. The anchor and dive buoy made small ripples as they hit the water. They both watched as they rolled out toward shore. This was big step. Ether she was there or she wasn’t.
When Jerry was ready, Jim lifted the tanks up over his shoulders. Safety checks were started. When they finished, Jerry sat on the port rail to get ready. Almost without thinking, Jim blurted out.
"If it turns out..."
Jerry shrugged.
"We'll cross that bridge. Let's keep an open mind."
And he fell back.
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Topic-Violeta Falo Tiumalu
Picture-Michelle King
Pic guesses: Unicorn (in blog), rainbow (in blog), gold star, little girl’s dream (in blog). glowing, flowing mane, my little pony.
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