TRUE ROMANCE
WE TOW AN OLD WOODEN CHRIS-CRAFT WITH A NEW FORD F350 IN AN ATTEMPT TO FULFILL A LIFELONG DREAM.
We tow an old wooden Chris-Craft with a new Ford F-350 in an attempt to fulfill the author’s lifelong dream—and learn that some unrequited loves are hard to attain.
One summer long ago, crisp mountain air mixed with clear alpine waters, the baritone growl of a wooden boat, and the soft hiss of its wake forever spiked a 10-year-old’s imagination—about the boat. Nature was fine, but in reality, only a boat could glide across deep waters, discover secret shores, stipple the face with wind and spray, and plane boldly into the unknown.
While this kid—yours truly—happily rock-hopped, he unexpectedly spotted a rumpled blue Century pennant and staff; after falling off a boat, they’d been carried by afternoon fetch and tossed ashore overnight. It seemed a sign that a wooden boat would be my destiny. Maybe later, life said. I didn’t get the chance until late last year, when friend Scott Young listened politely to my flag story and said, “You know, I actually have a boat like that.”
The boat in question was a 1952 18-foot Chris-Craft Riviera, a beautiful remembrance from the runabout era when Philippine mahogany, bronze screws, varnish and craftsmanship reigned. And I could borrow it to fulfill my childhood dream. All I needed was a place to go, and a way to tow it there.