letter

Hey Tom, Hope this letter finds you somewhere not in a port you can’t remember the name. I’ve got a few things to lay out before the day ends. First, the dinghy. The transom seal’s gone soft – we’re losing water every time we bail. I’ve got a quick patch to slide on for now, but I’ll need a proper gasket by sunrise. Grab the gasket kit from the shed, we’ll swap the epoxy for a marine sealant; that’ll hold until we can get the right part in the next shipment. Second, the trap on the east side. The bait’s still sitting there, and the line’s frayed. I’ll replace the line tonight and check the trigger mechanism; if it’s not clicking, we’ll have to re‑run the cable. Don’t forget the spare fender; the one on the boat is barely holding on. Third, the weather. The shortwave’s steady, but the readings are off. I’ve got a fresh battery pack, just in case the old one dies before the storm. If the wave height spikes, we’ll need to secure the canvas before the next swell hits. We’ve got a tight window to finish all this. The tide’s turning, and the wind’s picking up. Any delay will mean the whole boat’s in danger. So, if you can swing by the shed before lunch, I’ll have the parts ready. I’ll wait for your signal. —Kevin