Chapter 23
While Sam scoured the horizon for any signs of the large boat they had seen, Irene started rigging the sails and checking the compass to be certain they were on the right heading.
“I can see no sign of anything,” Sam told Irene, “but we have other concerns this morning.”
“What's up,” Irene asked?
“You ever hear the old axiom, 'Red sky at morning, sailor take warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight'”, Sam asked?
“I have heard it, but I never thought much about it,” said Irene.
“Well I have spent a large portion of my lie at sea, and I pay attention. We are in for a blow today. Let's get underway and I will try to listen to the radio and see what's up.”
Sam quickly attached the antenna to the HAM radio and tuned to the Hurricane Watch Net. The net was on twenty meters at 14.325 MHz and was only active if there was a tropical storm or hurricane in the basin. The news was not good, they were on a collision course with a tropical storm and would encounter it by noon tomorrow, if they maintained their current heading. Worse, the storm was on an uncertain track but was forecast to strengthen rapidly and could be a Cat Two storm in twenty four hours.
“We need to head more Southerly, Irene. This storm could be bad news and quick,” Sam told his first mate.
“Got it, I am bringing it to South Southwest. What else do I need to do”, Irene asked?
Just as Sam was about to answer, the SAT phone alarmed. Sam grabbed it and answered with the pre arranged answer, “Go”.
“Sam, give me your coordinates, I have some weather news for you,” came Rowdy's voice.
“Rowdy, we are at fifteen degrees North and about eight two degrees West. We are moving South Southwest at about 15 knots,” Sam reported.
“Copy,” said Rowdy, You need to make for the Swan Islands of the coast of Honduras. There are friendly there. When you get to safe harbor, there is a small US navy craft there. Find them and tell them I sent you. The radio man is a friend of mine. They are held up there until the storm passes.”
“Thanks, Rowdy,” said Sam, “Anything I should be aware of,”?
“According to our sources, this could be a catastrophic storm. Cat 5 is being mentioned. Our latest most likely forecasts have it moving almost due East across the Caribbean and then swinging up into the Gulf. This is one to watch. Get South quickly and stay there until you hear from me.” and with that, Rowdy dropped the connection.
“Irene, secure the wheel and come below, we need to get some things ready,” Sam called out to Irene.
“As you probably have guessed, that was Rowdy. For some reason, the Government seems to holding back information on the severity of the storm. According to Rowdy's sources, this is going to be a big one. We are changing course again, but we are heading for a safe harbor on the Swan Islands. Make no mistake, we are going to be in for a blow, there, but it will be better than open water. I need you to pay close attention, and if I ask you to do something, just do it. If it sounds crazy, do it anyway and we will discuss it later. We could possibly be in a life threatening situation and there is no time for discussion.”
“Sam, I trust you,” said Irene, “my life is in your hands.”
“Good girl. Now grab the chart for Honduras and let's get on our way. While I am plotting our course, top off the water tanks and make certain everything that needs to be below deck is below deck and everything else is lashed down.”