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The only real break we have from working on Annabelle is when Annabelle is up on the slips for a day or two for maintenance. Mind you I do like to help scrape off the barnacles and check the hull for damage and marine borers, and to make sure she gets painted properly below the waterline. A marine inspector from the Maritime Services Board comes round once a year to check her seaworthiness before he renews her survey certificate, and I want to make sure she’s immaculate before that happens. When I do have a proper day off I usually get out my trail bike and go riding in the bush. I love riding through the trees, scrambling up and down dirt trails, and splashing through creeks. I usually stop for a chicken sandwich and a piece of cake at some high point with a nice view. I like sitting quietly on my own, away from everybody. On the old Pacific Highway there’s a roadhouse used by bikies. The expensive machinery parked out the front is mind-blowing, massive Kawasakis, Hondas, BMWs, Ducatis, Harley Davidsons and so on, all covered in sparkling chrome. The guys wear spectacular leathers and helmets covered in logos. I went in there once for a cup of coffee but I felt out of place with just a trail bike covered in mud.
I was glad the whole nasty business at the old boatyard was over. I went back working with dad and Jack again, but I just couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing. The offer of a job from Bill James had put an exciting idea into my head. I decided to have a word with dad. I waited until Jack wasn’t around, then I summed up my courage. “Dad, do you think I could rent the old boatyard at Bob’s Point and set myself up repairing yachts?” He looked at me for a long time without speaking. “Well,” he said at last, “I remember when I was your age and I started out full of self-confidence, and I took a gamble and bought Annabelle. I guess you deserve the same opportunity, and there’s no doubt you’re a bloody good all-round boat repairer. However, we might be able to do better than renting. Let’s go round and see Reg. Let’s find out how much it would cost to buy the place.” I couldn’t believe my ears! Reg was very pleased to see us and the price he gave us wasn’t very high. “Tim’ll need to raise a mortgage to buy the place,” dad told him. I was going to buy it? It was going to be mine? Dad said he would go as guarantor, whatever that means, and he lent me the money for the deposit.
Laughs, Corpses... and a Little Romance Page 39