by Skipper Mary
Launch took place May 6th and we are delighted to have a new crew member, Helga Hodag, aboard. On loan from the Rhinelander District Library Children's Department, Helga comes with tips and a due date. More on that later as some time was needed for Cap'n Keksi to get to know Helga as Hodags are quite fearsome.
So legendarily fearsome are they, the Hodag has been adopted as Rhinelander's mascot and is now seen around town on everything from squad cars to sports teams to beer coasters.
Discovered long ago, deep in the woods by logger Gene Shepard, Hodags, in addition to being awesomely fearsome, are also elusive creatures known to dine exclusively on white bulldogs—no shelties.
As for Helga, she's a Children's Department Hodag, and still a youth and not fully fearsome as revealed in these traveling tips: I sometimes beg for souvenirs, but try not to listen. A pretty rock or flower will satisfy me just fine! and I don't mind being squished in a suitcase, in fact it makes me feel very safe. Of course, I wouldn't mind sleeping alongside you in the evening!
Hmm, think I'll pass on that last offer, but the trolls might be open to it.
Another Helga tip: Since I am pretty new to the library and to the whole vacation idea, I would like to ask you to be very gentle with me. I will be like a pet of yours and need to be treated with tender loving care. I am also sort of a scaredy cat and don't like to swim or jump off high places...Mostly I just like to be held in your arms and just look at things along our way.
So, okay Helga, we won't drop the swim ladder for you or hoist you up the mast for a bird's eye view of the bay.
We do think, however, you will enjoy fresh breezes swirling around your impressive fangs, meeting other boaters, and hanging out with the Cap'n who has become a fan of the smells picked up in the places you've visited.
So the boat is back in her slip and Helga seems quite pleased with herself posing on the deck.
Well, she looks a bit tired but that's expected as launching the boat is hard work, what with Cetoling the teak, washing and waxing the hull, then pacing around the well while the boat is lowered into the water. Helga and I motored her to the slip with Brian (the Cap'n kicked back in the car for this) and docking was so smooth Brian said, "You don't even need any docking lines."
Aw. It's sweet when the season's first docking goes well and now we're are all looking forward to more smooth tie-ups.
And Helga, since the librarians have written you are "sort of a scaredy cat" when taken out of your native forest, if it gets rough on the water we'll throw you in the cabin with the Cap'n who stays below while underway. She's been through all kinds of sailing conditions and she has chew toys, such as Squeaky Squirrel and Trinity the Bear, to keep her occupied when she's nervous. The most she might ask of you is a lick, maybe a snuggle, or maybe she'll just stare at your awesome fangs.
The trolls, on the other hand, well, we're never really sure what they do.
Welcome Aboard! 