Captain Rivrdog and Crew: Alive, Dry, and Heroes.

Several of us have been keeping a close eye on the battle Captain Rivrdog has waged with the Mother over the last several days. We've prayed for him, written words of encouragement, and kept our fingers crossed.

Two posts from Smoke on the Water give us the final report: Two boats lost, all dock sheds lost, but all hands safe and well.

As Captain Jim says: and heroes all.

Captain Rivrdog and his hands stood in the face of the most ferocious winter storm the Pacific Coast has seen in decades. While Nature threw everything she could think of at them, they nevertheless stood to protect and secure their property, and the property of their friends. They did it without major human injury.

I am in awe. This is what heroes do. It isn't always about military action. This account is the exemplification of the sort of hearty souls who comprise Civilization. Heroes are people who do what must be done, simply because it is the right thing to do. They do it with fortitude, without complaint, and without fanfare. You need to read the accounts from Captain Jim's first post, Shipmates to get the full story, and the face-slapping, unending determination, hope, grit, and strength in each one of Rivrdog's updates. He never once gave up. He only abandoned ship temporarily, when she was in danger from sinking moorage and the threat of gasoline leaking from wrecks surrounding her. She could not be taken out to sea; too much detritus stood in her way.

Oh gods--enough from me. Go read for yourselves, and keep those prayers, vibes, and thoughts coming for brave Captain Rivrdog and his men.

posted by Linda on January 9, 2004 06:29 PM