Anthony Boy's Magical Voyage

Anthony Boy's Magical Voyage

Anthony Boy’s Magical Voyage
By Joyce Dickens

It was growing darker by the hour and yet the day was still very young. A storm was brewing out to sea and it was growing quite clear that Monterey Bay was no place to be.
The waves were growing taller and very wild; the smell of salt and sulphur filled the air. The clouds were strangely different today; the sky was taking on a reddish tint and bursts of lightning every now and then were a definite warning that this was no place to play and yet, Anthony Boy had a strange feeling about today; a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

Anthony Boy has been on dry land, on display at the Monterey Boat Works for many years; only he and a few other retired boats from the old fishing fleet know the secret, the untold story of what really takes place when one of these “magical storms” comes to the Bay. No one really knows how it happens, but some of the older fishermen talk very secretly amongst themselves; it’s been said that if the incoming storms come from a very distant and magical place, they will bring with them some form of mystical power. This power breathes life into the old and retired fleet, one by one; though it is short-lived, it is a memory that each retired fishing boat will hold in their heart forever.

Anthony Boy could feel it in the air; he was excited and felt sure that tonight it would be his turn to once again cruise across the bay, waves lapping on his deck, the salty air breathing life into him, and he standing tall in the moonlight and storm clouds, would once again be so very proud.

Hours had come and gone, and Anthony Boy’s excitement was rapidly growing; he was ready. It was evening now and very dark; the storm had arrived. The sky was full of electricity, and the wind was so strong that all of the people in the area had gone to their homes; this was going to be a bad one. A huge bolt of lightning struck nearby and took out the power; things were getting blown here and there. The smell of sulphur was very strong now; this went on for hours it seemed to Anthony who was by now very impatient, when suddenly there was a stillness that he couldn’t describe. Knowing he had never felt this before, he was beginning to feel a bit unsure if he really wanted this to be “his storm” or not. He took a deep breath and remained motionless and at that very instant something happened; the framework that was supporting Anthony Boy, just flew apart, even though the wind had completely stopped.

Anthony felt that he was in motion, but he was afraid to look; suddenly he felt something that he hadn’t felt for years – the cool salt water lapping around him, dancing on his bow and caressing his stern. The wind began to blow again, just enough to push Anthony proudly across the water; he was so happy, and he just beamed from head to toe as he slowly and quietly made his way to all of his favorite fishing spots. Finally, it was nearly dawn by now, and Anthony headed back to the breakwater where he was greeted by many of his old “fleet” friends who wanted to hear all the details of Anthony Boy’s Magical Voyage.

It was a night made in heaven for Anthony, but it was soon over and the storm was passing; Anthony found himself back in his supporting framework and back on display at the boat works. This was a night that he would always cherish and remember. From this day on, Anthony Boy was so proud to greet all of the tourists that came from near and far to see him and his famous Monterey Bay on the California coast. The next time one of these powerful storms come to Port, it will be another retired fishing boat’s turn to once again cruise the Bay and Anthony will know the secret, and be so proud and happy that the others in the retired fleet will get their chance to make the Magical Voyage.

This image was sold here on Redbubble on September 7th, 2008 as a small Canvas Print .
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© 2008Joyce Dickens: Using my images for any purpose and in any way, without prior permission, may lead to legal action!

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