My wife likes me to call her First Mate, even though she was the second. With that reasoning, since I was her second, maybe she should call me Second Lieutenant, but that doesn’t sound as good as Cap’n Greg, so First Mate it is.
One of the things Cap’n Greg likes about Rocky Point is fishing. While he isn’t very good at it, he has a high level of enthusiasm, combined with low expectations, so every time the boat hits the water, it is enjoyable. The First Mate has fun, too.
After launching at Pompano’s, we motored past the high rises on Sandy
Beach. I rounded Pelican Point, shut down the engine a mile or so out, and let
the breeze carry us on a very nice drift toward Baja California.
FIRST MATE: Did you bring the
suntan lotion?
CAP’N GREG: I thought you got
it.
FIRST MATE: No, I made the
sandwiches. Lotion was your job.
CAP’N GREG: But I remembered
to ice down the beer.
FIRST MATE: Did you put in a
couple Diet Cokes?
CAP’N GREG: There wasn’t room
after I added the little bottles of champagne you like so much.
FIRST MATE: You brought
champagne?
CAP’N GREG: Only for you, my
princess. Celebrating another year of marital bliss.
FIRST MATE: Our anniversary
was last week.
CAP’N GREG: Oops.
FIRST MATE: Okay. Crack one
open for me. This could be a very long day.
CAP’N GREG: Shall I bait your
hook with a bit of squid, my love?
FIRST MATE: Please do. I
don’t think my stinky squid fingers would go well with the bubbly.
CAP’N GREG: Anything else?
FIRST MATE: Just be quiet and
let me listen to the water lapping against the boat.
CAP’N GREG: Your wish is my
comman…
FIRST MATE: My wish is for
you to be quiet.
CAP’N GREG: (SILENCE)
FIRST MATE: Ahhhhhh.
A FISH SWIMMING AROUND THE FIRST MATE’S BAIT: Mmmmm. Squid.
