Submitted by: Robert Stopper, Lyons
Ted and
Shirl from Union, Kentucky are on the Erie Canal aboard the S/V Serenity.Call
it “Pure Adventure” or “Bad Luck” or “Lady Luck” in action, it makes no
difference. On Saturday evening, October 6, 2012, Ted and Shirl docked in Lyons
on the Erie Canal and proudly told their story!
Adventure?
Ted and Shirl are headed to Florida and then the Bahamas. Until a few months ago, Ted and Shirl had never
owned a sailboat. They live in Kentucky,
but purchased the boat in Erie. What can be more adventurous than sailing on
shallow Lake Erie during a driving storm, being buffeted by rolling swells, and
then suddenly thinking that perhaps the gale force winds just might blow you
past Buffalo!
Bad Luck?
Ted is a Licensed and Certified Orthotist (designs and implements mechanical
devices to assist weakened or abnormal joint structures). Over the years, Ted has increased the quality
of life for many individuals suffering from forms of neuromuscular diseases
including Spina Bifida and Multiple Sclerosis. He has assisted many children at
the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. According to Ted, “I loved what I was doing. I
was making a difference in the lives of many people…. Then, a few months ago, my
company decided to downsize. I was a senior member, and at the age of 61, for the
first time in over 35 years, I was suddenly unemployed!”
Lady Luck?
Ted was raised on the banks of the Ohio River and had always been fascinated
with river traffic and canal stories. According to Ted, “I read the blogs of
boaters on the Erie Canal- they always seemed to be headed to Florida….Their
tales and stories were absolutely fascinating…. Someday I hoped to join them…. It was a dream
from my youth… Then I became unemployed- and here we are!”
Ted and
Shirl are plying the Erie Canal and headed to Florida and the Bahamas on the
S/V Serenity, a 35 foot Island Packet. It is a full keeled, ocean capable
sailboat with a 35hpYanmar 3 cylinder diesel.
Solar panels charge the batteries, and a chart plotter adds another
sense of security in storms and dark nights. Ted is an experienced power
boater, but quickly admits that sailing is a bit different.
Why not? Shirl,
the First Mate, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, and “No Bake” Cookie Baker par
excellence, has been granted a 6 month furlough from her full time job. The
sailboat is new, the Erie Canal is new, the trip to Florida and beyond is new,
and unemployment is new. Why the trip? According to Ted, “Why not- life is what
you make it…. We have met so many wonderful people and seen so many historical
places…. You can’t get better history than the Erie Canal…. Perhaps my
unemployment is truly a blessing. Our life is already richer, and we have just
started our sail…. We have 6 months to
appreciate life at a slow pace and experience Mother Nature the way early
sailors did...”
Ted then
looked at Shirl and with a big grin said, “Besides, our
first- every sailing trip gives our five children and the 10 grandchildren
something different to read and talk about- so why not!”
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amanda Said,
Cool story! Thanks for sharing!
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 05:00:00 PM EDT
Videomark Said,
Another Classic!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 08:40:00 AM EDT
Tracy Ryder Bradshaw Said,
I am so proud of my brother and friend. What an adventure to be able to follow with daily updates on their blog! This is a great article, and the family is very thankful to the publisher. Love, Tracy
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 10:44:00 AM EDT
Anonymous Said,
Always great to hear about people who turn what may be viewed as a negative situation into a positive outcome. I hope that you find time to visit thier blog at blamebuffett.blogspot.com
Posted on Mon Nov 19, 10:04:00 PM EST