CHAPTER THREE
“The Lindy”
I learned from Don, my bunkie, and fellow de-frocked Ph.D., that the ship was never referred to as the “M/S World Discoverer.,” which was the name painted in black across her white prow, and in white across her black stern. Unlike most ships, because of the seafaring lore of potential ill fortune, the ship had been named different things under different owners. The ship was built for Lindblad Cruises in 1978 and was the second purpose built expedition cruise ship ever in the world. Hence, the name “Lindy,” which was announced, for unknown reasons, to everyone who came aboard.
Don gave me the tour. Six decks in all, with a workout room, sauna and steam bath on the bilge deck, which was the very bottom of the vessel. The workout area was closed up and never used, but since our empty bags were stowed there, we checked the room out anyway. The rest of the bilge deck was used by the Filipino crew who did all the cleaning, cooking and all the other scut work required to run an adventure cruise ship. They even did dry cleaning. The last place we went was up to a small blue door. It was the only metal hatch-type door I had seen aboard, the rest were all stained wood. A red cross was painted on the outside.
“Here’s one of your other career locations,” Don advised, with eyes brightened, as he opened the hatch and ushered me inside. An old man sat on a stool, checking a list.
I sure enjoy your style of writing. Like was said it draws one in up close and personal. You are a diverse writer.
Thanks Pete….as a guy in the
DEA once said when I was temporarily held (that time!) in looking at my torso scars…
“this guy’s been around the Horn a few times.”
Thanks for the compliment and I appreciate that you like my work…
Semper fi,
Jim
Very entertaining Jim! I really enjoy your approach to writing and your storytelling is top notch. I am a voracious reader and really appreciate what you’re doing! I must say this is a lot less stressful read than the Nam stuff! Thanks for putting it out here for us! Semper Fi!
Thanks Jack, the CIA was not as violent as the Nam, at least not for most of the time…
every once and awhile.
Sometimes the same talents applied. Think outside the envelope and adapt because it is never
as it was portrayed, seemed or was planned. And don’t threaten with words.
Threaten with action…
Thanks for the comment and for the read.
Glad you like it.
Semper fi,
Jim
What a God given talent you have. Everything you write pulls your readers right into your writings with every sense they possess and we all become an invisible character in the room. I am totally amazed by your gift for writing. You are so Blessed.
God must have put me in your way. Thanks does not describe how you make
me feel when you write comments on here. My heart floats like a butterfly…although
that doesn’t sound very Marine-like…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just finished 3 chapters of a James Strauss book, what a great break in a busy day. On the downside, it’s another of his work I’ll have to read as he writes it, waiting on chapters. The upside, then I get to read them as published, in my hand books. Finding a good author, like Jim, is one of life’s joys, meeting him makes it that much better. I’ll shut up now, Jim.
Thank you Walt! You sure proved that I’m not much of a camper, after all these years,
but you sure as hell know your way around. Anyway, you were a delight in Kansas,
as you are in writing your comments on here.
If I did not publish the chapters on here then I could just do it in books
and not fear the thieves that are certain to show up
but I’d sure as hell miss the comments and the comments have added to the work.
Thanks for the patience and the compliments, of course…
Semper fi,
Jim