Aboard The Skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark

 Last night I was the guest of Gail aboard the Skipjack Ruark.

She is docked at Dogwood Harbor, located on Tilghman Island, MD

 A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

Skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark 

is the oldest working skipjack on the

Chesapeake Bay, built in 1886. 

Capt. Wade H. Murphy enjoys telling nautical tales and

ecology stories during the sail.

 The big day ... is just a few weeks away.

About the REBECCA T. RUARK 

Savor the flavor of the nineteenth century as you step

aboard the REBECCA T. RUARK.

 Built in 1886 on Maryland's Eastern Shore by Moses Goheigan,

she came alive during the glory days, a time when the pursuit

of oysters by dredge boats on the Chesapeake had assumed

all the frenzy of the California Gold Rush.

Oyster captains ruled the waves. 

They and their crews were tough, nature-loving men who

 eaked out a living during harsh winter conditions, 

dredging for oysters under sail. 

One hundred eleven years later Rebecca continues 

the winter dredging tradition and remains the 

Queen of the fleet of skipjacks, North America's last working sailboat. 

 Pencil stetch ... The Tilghman Island Yacht Club

 ... Up, Up & Away ...

 The sails being hoisted.

 Gail opens the first bottle of champagne.

Captain Wade  sharing facts & telling stories about the days of old.

 We had an excellent time

and I personally would like to thank Gail

for including me in this special night

with the ladies of the Fun Bunch.

Mr. Osprey ... we just may stop by again.